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COMSOL Multiphysics Version 6.2 is here

COMSOL Multiphysics Version 6.2 introduces faster solvers for turbulent fluid flow, electric motors, and room acoustics. It also brings data-driven surrogate model functionality for creating multiphysics-based digital twins and building fast and accurate standalone simulation apps. Get the full details of what's new in the latest version.
Learn more.

17 ways SOLIDWORKS 2024 helps you work faster

SOLIDWORKS 2024 helps designers and engineers work faster than ever. Learn all about improvements to core 3D CAD modeling features, new 3D modeling techniques, and graphical and software performance boosts that will help you get your parts made and your products developed in record time.
View the video.

6 tips to streamline workflow in Mastercam 2024

Mastercam 2024 CAD/CAM software has been intentionally upgraded to make programming fast and easy. It prioritizes streamlining workflow so that the entire machining process -- from design to QC -- is as efficient as possible. Learn how to maximize the benefits of Mastercam 2024, including special toolpaths, easier hole-making operations, wireframe shortcuts, and more.
Read this informative Mastercam blog.

How CT data analysis is helping TE Connectivity reach their goal of end-to-end quality inspection

In a bid to cut their mold and part development process to 25% of the time it took in the past, TE Connectivity has taken ambitious steps to interconnect design and simulation with quality measurement. Learn how the company, in collaboration with PTC (Creo) and Volume Graphics, has worked to ensure as-designed parts match as-manufactured parts as early in the process as possible. An in-depth and illuminating read.
Read the full article.

State-of-the-art mesh morphing technology for super optimization: Ansys and RBF Morph join forces

After a long and successful OEM partnership with Ansys, mesh morphing pioneer RBF Morph has two proprietary products featured among the world simulation leader's offerings: Ansys RBF Morph Fluids and Ansys RBF Morph Structures. Thanks to mesh morphing, companies can substantially reduce computational time while performing highly automated design optimization analysis, increasing products' reliability and performance while cutting costs, delivery time, and environmental impact.
Read the full article.

Top Tech Tip: Creating drafts with the rib feature in Onshape

Ribs are used to add stiffness and strength to parts without adding excessive weight or increasing wall thickness -- most commonly in molded parts that require a draft angle so the part can release from the mold. See the basics of how this is done in Onshape, which features the power of cloud computing, real-time collaboration tools, and a built-in PDM system -- all for the same price as CAD.
Learn more.

How to design a spoon with subdivision modeling: SOLIDWORKS xShape

Learn how to design a spoon with SOLIDWORKS xShape, which is found in 3D Sculptor on the 3DEXPERI-ENCE platform. xShape is a next-gen subdivision modeling tool that runs entirely in your browser and takes a freeform approach to creating complex shapes and surfaces. You can design 100% in the cloud or seamlessly integrate your xShape models with your SOLIDWORKS designs. Follow along with this 7-minute tutorial to see what it's all about.
View the video.

What's new in Onshape?

Check out the latest updates to Onshape, the cloud-native product development platform that delivers professional-grade CAD capabilities with next-gen product data management. New features include customizable keyboard shortcuts, better BOM navigation, improved drawing tools, and new Learning Center content. With Onshape, users can innovate quickly while simultaneously or asynchronously collaborating with other stakeholders on any web-connected device.
View the video.

Open-access learning center for multiphysics modeling

COMSOL, the developer of the COMSOL Multiphysics simulation software, has introduced a new online resource that provides no-cost, open access to modeling and simulation learning material across all areas of physics. Designed with the user in mind, the Learning Center offers a single entry point for users of all skill levels, where courses, articles, and videos present a clear path for learning how to use COMSOL Multiphysics for modeling and simulation.
Check out the COMSOL Learning Center.

New GrabCAD Print Pro software: Boost 3D-printing productivity

Stratasys, a leader in polymer 3D printing, recently announced the upcoming launch of its new GrabCAD Print Pro software, which has been designed to improve printed-part accuracy, reduce waste, and shorten time to part. GrabCAD Print software manages the print preparation process for Stratasys 3D printers.
Read the full article.

DENSO reduces component sim time by 80% using Simcenter 3D and NX integrated process

DENSO Corp., the second-largest automotive parts and systems provider in terms of sales in the world, is developing its "NX CAD and Simcenter 3D integrated process" from Siemens that allows analysts to understand the simulation processes, which are repeatable for certain types of components. The DENSO team captures modeling and process best practices and packages these up into simulation templates that are leveraged by designers using NX. This process has led to increased quality, because design problems are identified earlier and can be corrected before the project advances. DENSO estimates the average time for analysis was reduced up to 80% using this integrated process.
Read the Siemens case study.

3D Printing: Learn all about GrabCAD Print -- best slicing software

The engineers at TriMech are full of incredibly useful tips when it comes to 3D printing. Learn all about GrabCAD Print, which TriMech calls "one of the most powerful 3D-printing prep tools on the market." Better yet, it's a no-cost resource. Learn about file types and updated capabilities like advanced anchoring and stabilizing, remote monitoring, and even building in collaborative schedule management. You always learn something new from TriMech.
View the video.

Amazon delivers on massive CAD conversion project for its industrial customers

Recently, Amazon's industrial products division decided to undertake what some are calling the largest CAD conversion project in history. The daunting task of converting millions of 2D drawings and legacy CAD files into modern 3D CAD systems has had its upsides, though, leading to new opportunities and improved processes thanks to capable CAD outsourcing services such as CAD/CAM Services.
Read the full article.

What's new in ABAQUS 2023?

The Abaqus Unified FEA product suite offers powerful and complete solutions for both routine and sophisticated engineering problems. Best-in-class companies are taking advantage of these complete solutions for realistic simulation to consolidate their processes and tools, reduce costs and inefficiencies, and gain a competitive advantage. From new techniques in analysis, modeling, and visualization to special features for structural mechanics and linear dynamics, learn what's new in Abaqus 2023.
Learn more.

hyperMILL 2023 CAD/CAM Software Suite: New capabilities for higher productivity

OPEN MIND Technologies has introduced its latest hyperMILL 2023 CAD/CAM software suite, offering users new and enhanced features for even more powerful and simplified NC programming in applications ranging from 2.5D machining to 5-axis milling. CAM capabilities include a new General Transformation Pattern feature (highly useful when there are multiple components), a new 2.5D Back Boring machining strategy, and an enhanced milling surface extension. New mill-turn capabilities include a Smooth Overlap feature for optimizing finishing paths in turning. Many more updates.
Learn more.

Eight top CAD trends named in new worldwide survey

IT, software, and telecom industry research specialist Business Advantage Group recently announced that it has completed its 2014 Worldwide CAD Trends Survey.

The survey covers trends from 3D modeling and Building Information Modeling (BIM) to Cloud-Based CAD, from Simulation to 3D Printing, and Open Source CAD to Big Data Applications. These and more are ranked by awareness, importance, and current and intended adoption to reveal trends and growth potential. Intriguing insights include:

• AEC ((Architecture Engineering and Construction) no longer lags manufacturing in 3D Modeling use;
• Twenty-eight percent of those interviewed now use Simulation, with the highest use in Germany (47 percent) and the USA (35 percent);
• BIM will enjoy higher than average future growth, with the main benefits seen as design improvement (59 percent), savings on design time (54 percent), and cost (35 percent).
• Concurrent Engineering is rated above average importance and above average future growth;
• Mobile Access to CAD is growing, with above average importance and usage, and has above-average future growth prospects, especially in Asia Pacific;
• 3D Printing: Higher usage so far in Americas (26 percent) than EMEA (12 percent) and Asia Pacific (11 percent);
• Cloud-Based CAD currently has low average importance and below average usage, though strong future growth intent;
• Big Data is not yet "big" in CAD; very low awareness at only 1 in 10 CAD users.

The report also sheds light on some additional, commonly shared software questions and experiences, such as:

• Are annual software upgrades worth the investment?
• What hardware is in use now for CAD, and what will be used next?
• To what extent are CAD models downloaded?
• How do customers prefer to keep up to date with industry developments, etc.?

The survey is not sponsored by any particular CAD software vendor. The report can be downloaded here.

Source: Business Advantage Group

Published March 2014

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