Some of the free software now available is truly amazing. Case in point: IBM Lotus Symphony. The software is based on a new standard called Open Document Format (ODF), so you have no more worries about upgrades, proprietary file formats, and software licensing agreements. Included in the package are programs to create documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. I tried the word processor and it is great. A clean, elegant, easy-to-use UI looks like Word, but better, and works in a similar fashion.

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— Leslie Gordon
leslie.gordon@penton.com

How to clean up dirty CAD models
Until recently, "dirty" or overcomplicated CAD data was the single largest obstacle to the routine use of CFD or other numerical simulations early in the design process. Although better translators and CAD embedded CAE has smoothed out the route from model to solution, there is still a significant group of problems in which geometries are difficult to mesh. Estimates from the automotive industry suggest that as much as 80% of a typical CAE simulation goes to generating the computational model, with most of that time spent in surface preparation and repair.
Read the rest ...

Professionalism in engineering
Getting involved in FIRST robotics shows students and volunteer engineers that solving problems is not necessarily solving the problem. Hear about a new direction in engineering.
View the video ...

CAD file exchange is problematic
Most engineers involved in collaborative projects still have problems exchanging CAD files. Among the reasons: limited access to CAD software for viewing and commenting, reviews that take too long, and the lack of a clearly defined review process.So said a recent survey commissioned by Adobe Systems Inc. in San Jose, Calif. The company sponsored a poll by Harris Interactive Technology Research of about 400 design engineers and production and project managers about typical problems in project collaboration.
Read the rest

How to analyze noise and vibration
VA One 2007 software lets users analyze noise and vibration at the design stage, so specifications can be met without adding extra cost and weight. Patented technology in the software couples statistical-energy analysis, the finite-element method, and the boundary-element method in one analysis. VA One works with Rayon, a solver for low-frequency vibro-acoustic analysis and supports Windows Vista and Linux.
ESI North America, Bloomfield Hills, Mich., For more information

Announcing the new Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 4.0 Interactive Tour! The newest release of Pro/ENGINEER delivers a wealth of new and enhanced capabilities across the board. From detailed design, to design outsourcing, verification and validation, data import and repair, manufacturing tooling and equipment design, electromechanical design-and much, much more! Loaded with dozens of mini-demos, the Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 4.0 Interactive Tour lets you experience, first-hand, the features and functionality available with the latest release. Click here to take the Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 4.0 Interactive Tour

Software converts CAM to robotic programs
CamPro software converts CAM trimming and milling toolpaths into six-axis programs for use with the developers robotic, waterjet, and ultrasonic- knife trimming equipment. The offline software manages large files through the robot memory, making robotic milling feasible for foam, wood, and REM board. The software comes in two versions. One works on Mastercam files and the other supports any CAM program that can be exported in .apt format.
KMT Robotic Solutions Inc., Auburn Hills, Mich., Find out more

3D CAD Speeds designs
IronCAD V 10 3D-modeling software combines history-based parametrics and direct geometry manipulation, which the company says gives users greater design freedom. The software leverages Hoops technology so users can more easily view interactions in large assemblies. Hoops also makes camera selection and 3D rotation almost a real-time interaction. The Quick Visual Loading feature uses a multiload process that lets users set specific camera angles and interact with models as they load. An updated interface includes a new Quick Access Property Browser that lets users access property information and commands for selected geometry at any time. Users thus spend less time searching through menus, toolbars, and dialogs because only relevant information is displayed. A new rendering engine produces realistic reflections and lighting effects.
IronCAD LLC., Atlanta, Ga., For more information

Experience National Instruments Technologies From the Comfort of Your Own Computer!
With more than 200 on-demand webcasts, videos, interactive tutorials and demos available for users of any experience level, it is easier than ever to learn about the newest products and features available from National Instruments.
Begin your search here with a collection of webcasts specifically chosen for design and automation engineers.

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Sponsored by:

UPCOMING WEBCASTS

Power Transmission Technologies:
The Advantages and Applications of Belt Drive Solutions
Sponsored by Gates Corporation
DATE: February 19th, 2008
TIME: 2:00pm ET

Today's designers choose from a variety of technologies for transmitting power in mechanical systems. With increasing demands to optimize systems for efficiency, noise, package size and low maintenance, choosing the right power transmission technology for the job is a challenge. Brent Oman with Gates Corporation will share his knowledge about selecting power transmission solutions. The presentation will review the pros and cons of different technologies and demonstrate the various capabilities of belt drive systems in particular.

ARCHIVED WEBCASTS AVAILABLE FOR FREE VIEWING

It's salary survey time!
Find out how you stack up against your peers when it comes to income and workload by taking a few minutes to fill out the 2008 MACHINE DESIGN salary survey. Your response, and the replies of other readers, will show where you fit in among other design professionals, as well as help MACHINE DESIGN magazine better serve you as an information source. The results will be highlighted in our salary survey article in the April 24 issue. Responding to the survey automatically enters you into a drawing for a prize. To qualify for the drawing, please fill out the survey by Friday, Feb 15. Take the survey

How to convert CAD to STL
Redeye RPM includes on its Web site an interesting article on how to convert CAD to STL. The company says valuable data might get lost unless CAD settings are properly adjusted before starting conversions. Read the article

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Editorial questions: Leslie Gordon 216-931-9242
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