AVEVA Launches E3D Insight App for Windows 8.1

CAMBRIDGE, UK, Oct 31 - AVEVA today launched of AVEVA E3D Insight, the Windows 8.1 app that enables project decision makers in the power, process plant and mining industries to view and approve AVEVA Everything3D (AVEVA E3D) designs from a mobile tablet device. Developed in collaboration with Microsoft, AVEVA E3D Insight demonstrates AVEVA's commitment to anticipating and meeting changing customer requirements by offering the ability to inspect, comment upon, and approve designs at any time, from anywhere around the world.

AVEVA E3D Insight streamlines the design review and approval process to support Lean business practices. It maximizes project efficiency by providing authorized users with direct access to the live AVEVA E3D design model, regardless of their location, 24 hours a day.

'We are thrilled to be partnering with Microsoft to support their strategy of "devices and services", and the new wave of touch-enabled Windows 8.1 devices are providing exciting opportunities for both EPC and Owner Operator customers alike,' said Dave Wheeldon, Chief Technology Officer and Head of Engineering Design & Systems, AVEVA.

'AVEVA E3D Insight enables our customers to improve their business practices, to collaborate more effectively across their projects and to eliminate the delays and decision bottlenecks caused by critical stakeholders being out of the office. In short, it gives them the tools they need to improve their decision-making. Whether reviewing project progress or discussing specific design issues, the new Windows 8.1 app from AVEVA provides global real-time direct access to AVEVA E3D information.'

AVEVA E3D Insight enables users on the move to:

• Visualize - The user can see the AVEVA E3D model and its associated information quickly and clearly.
• Inspect - The user can inspect, manipulate and measure the model to check for such potentially critical issues as object clashes, accessibility and non-compliance with design standards.
• Comment - The user can liaise directly with the project’s design team and leave a permanent record of feedback in the AVEVA E3D database itself. No more collating of comments is required and key decisions are recorded.
• Approve - Authorised users can set model status to customer-defined approval levels.

For more information, visit http://www.aveva.com.

Zuken, CONTACT Join for Engineering Data Management

MUNICH, Germany and WESTFORD, MA, USA, Oct 31 - In a first for the electrical and fluid design market, Zuken and CONTACT Software have established a joint venture to provide best-in-class engineering process and data management specifically designed for today's distributed, concurrent design projects. The new company, located in Bremen, Germany, will focus on developing engineering data management (EDM) solutions for Zuken's E3.series.

The joint venture brings together a global provider of leading-edge software for electrical and electronic design and manufacturing, and a German leader and pioneer in collaborative product development. The new company is founded on CONTACT's new open and modular technology for product data and process management, and its expertise and reputation for CAD- and multi-CAD data management.

"As the size and complexity of electrical and fluid designs continually increases, managing data and processes is a growing concern for designers of these products and systems. Our joint venture will pool resources and expertise from both companies to create the first native integration of electrical and fluid design data into an engineering data management system", Gerhard Lipski, Board of Directors, Zuken.

Managing the day-to-day process of electrical and fluid engineering is becoming more difficult as electrical and fluid systems in machines and transportation grow increasingly complex. It is no longer practical to manage data on individual desktops and "throw it over the wall" for collaboration with local or dispersed team members. Additionally, the data management solutions that exist today are inadequate for managing electrical and fluid design data in its native form. The goal of the joint venture is to provide technology that will enable companies to realize the value of engineering data and process management with low deployment effort, thus significantly shortening implementation time and lowering cost of ownership.

"The experience of our joint team and our open technology and Zuken’s strong reputation are excellent assets and starting points to deliver EDM solutions that are not available anywhere else. We are looking forward to innovative and market-leading solutions from this collaboration", Karl Heinz Zachries, CEO and founder of CONTACT Software

Michael Murgai from CONTACT Software and Wolfgang Heinrichs from Zuken have been appointed Managing Directors of the joint venture company, Zuken Contact GmbH & Co. KG.

About Zuken

Zuken is a global provider of leading-edge software and consulting services for electrical and electronic design and manufacturing. Founded in 1976, Zuken has the longest track record of technological innovation and financial stability in the electronic design automation (EDA) software industry. The company’s extensive experience, technological expertise and agility, combine to create world-class software solutions. Zuken’s transparent working practices and integrity in all aspects of business produce long-lasting and successful customer partnerships that make Zuken a reliable long-term business partner.

Zuken is focused on being a long-term innovation and growth partner. The security of choosing Zuken is further reinforced by the company's people - the foundation of Zuken’s success. Coming from a wide range of industry sectors, specializing in many different disciplines and advanced technologies, Zuken's people relate to and understand each company’s unique requirements. For more information, visit www.zuken.com

About Contact Software

CONTACT is a leading provider of open standard software for collaborative product development. Founded in 1990, customers benefit from long-standing industry experience, clear focus and outstanding technology. CONTACT's technology and application components are designed to ideally match the special requirements placed on collaborative product development and the innovation process. Enterprises and users benefit from faster time-to-value, more reliable data and processes, improved management capabilities, compliance-in-process and cost-efficiency.

In the last 10 years, CONTACT has successfully completed more than 900 industrial projects in the sectors automotive, mechanical and plant engineering, high-tech, and public infrastructure. CONTACT is dedicated to continuously match the needs and requirements of its customers and to safeguard their investments, testified by a high rate of long-term customer partnerships. For more information, visit www.contact-software.com.

ASCON Releases KOMPAS-3D v14

St. PETERSBURG, Russia, Oct 30 - ASCON Group, a leading developer of high-performance CAD/AEC/PLM software systems, is pleased to announce the release of KOMPAS-3D v14. This professional computer-aided design system for mechanical engineers is distinguished by its powerful features for 3D and 2D design processes, along with a user-friendly interface, easy to learn functions, and flexible collaboration with third-party software - all of which are enhanced by its reasonable price.

The new release of KOMPAS-3D features more than 100 enhancements to increase the productivity of users. v14 does this through faster operations, improved usability, and simplified product development. The result is fewer errors made during the design-to-product development process.

Highlights of KOMPAS-3D v14 includes:

• Designs and edits using direct variation modeling
• Displays and directly edits dimension values of selected elements
• Store revisions in models
• Recalculates models based on tolerances
• Enhances 3D arrays
• Improves the hole wizard
• Adds to the KOMPAS-3D suite

Direct Variation Modeling

KOMPAS-3D v14 allows users to directly edit models in variation mode using geometrical and dimensional constraints. Direct variation modeling makes it possible to modify 3D models without construction history, including ones imported from other CAD systems. This new form of easy and flexible editing means that users can work in KOMPAS-3D with – or without – history, as they prefer.

Dimensions of Selected Elements

KOMPAS-3D v14 now displays linear and angular values of numeric parameters on the screen as users create and edit elements. To change the value of a parameter, users simply edit the value of the dimension.

Revisions Stored in Models

KOMPAS-3D v14 adds the ability to store all revisions in the model. This means users can now work with all versions the model underwent. Revisions are stored in the new Versions tab of the Design Tree and in the Document Manager.

Model Tolerance Calculations

KOMPAS-3D v14 now allows users to recalculate the geometry of models using the tolerance field. This means that users can change models using defined tolerances, such as upper or lower limits, middle of the tolerance range, or with a factor. 

3D Array Enhancements

KOMPAS-3D v14 enhances arrays with linked tables to make them more flexible. In all arrays, users can now create tables of editable variables that change values in array instances. The values in the table create different sizes of elements in an array.

Hole Wizard Improvements

KOMPAS-3D v14 adds commands to create a rich variety of hole types:

• Simple holes
• Holes with countersinks
• Holes with counterbores
• Holes with countersinks and counterbores
• Conical holes

Additions to the KOMPAS-3D Suite

KOMPAS-3D R14 expands its value through the addition these feature-filled add-ons:

• Materials Library applies physical and mechanical material properties to 3D models.
• Cable 3D designs electric harnesses and cables in KOMPAS-3D.
• KOMPAS-VDM directly edits models parametrically using geometric and dimensional constraints
• CAD Conversion Tool supports native data formats of all primary MCAD systems, including Dassault Systems CATIA and SolidWorks, Siemens PLM NX, PTC Pro/Engineer, and Autodesk Inventor. This library is based on technology from CT CoreTechnologie and requires a license to be purchased separately).

Pricing and Availability

KOMPAS-3D v14 is available now through ASCON's worldwide network of value added resellers. Please contact them for details and pricing.

For more information about ASCON, visit http://ascon.net/en.

LMS Test.Lab Rev 13A SL2, Test.Xpress Rev 8A SL2 Available

LEUVEN, Belgium, Oct 30 - LMS International releases LMS Test.Lab Revision 13A SL2 and LMS Test.Xpress Revision 8A SL2. 

For further information and to download, visit LMS Support page.

About LMS Test.Lab and LMS Test.Xpress

LMS Test.Lab offers a complete engineering solution for rotating machinery, structural and acoustic testing, environmental testing, vibration control, reporting and data sharing. The LMS Test.Xpress analyzer combines operational simplicity with advanced performances. For more information, visit http://www.lmsintl.com.

Maharashtra Institute of Technology Adopts Tekla Structures

MUMBAI, India, Oct 30 - Tekla India, the Indian arm of Tekla Corporation; announced that Maharashtra Institute of Technology, a renowned educational institute based in Maharashtra will include Tekla’s suite of 3D Building Information Modelling (BIM) software, Tekla Structures as part of its academic curriculum for engineering students. The college will train civil and structural engineering students at its Civil Engineering Department. With the implementation of Tekla Structures in academics, students will be able to visualize and simulate real-life construction project workflows and receive hands on training and rich experience.

MIT Pune, Maharashtra based institution joins the group of over 200 universities globally

"Our engineering students will receive tremendous industry-like exposure and learn cutting-edge 3D BIM techniques using Tekla Structures software. They will get insights into what an engineer would typically receive after spending nearly 8-10 years in the industry, We want to train and equip our students with the technology and tools that are used by experts in the industry so that the school-to-work transition is seamless and at an accelerated pace. The purpose of educating young engineers and designers to the use of advanced 3D modelling tools such as Tekla Structures will assist them to better understand the constructability of building systems both at a macro and micro level. We are confident that by adopting Tekla Structures, our graduate students will find a wider acceptance in the industry” said Dr. Sunil Pimplikar, Head of Civil engineering Department, Maharashtra Institute of Technology (MIT) Pune.

"We are delighted that Indian educational institutes such as MIT are taking the lead in pioneering education on advanced building construction technologies in India and matching international standards. This will help in producing highly skilled and trained engineers who can rapidly adapt to real-life scenarios and be more productive at their workplaces”, said Nirmalya Chatterjee, COO & Director, Tekla India.

Currently over 200 universities globally have adopted Tekla Structures in their curriculum, like Georgia Institute of Technology’s US School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Jönköping University, Sweden, University of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Helsinki University of Technology, Finland. Maharashtra Institute of Technology will now join this group of prestigious institutions, who have adopted Tekla BIM Technology.

About Tekla

With its software, Tekla Corporation drives the evolution of digital information models and provides thus more and more competitive advantage to the construction, infrastructure and energy industries. The company was established already in 1966, and today it has customers in 100 countries, offices in 15 countries and a global partner network.

With an ambition to multiply its customers' potential to think and achieve big, Tekla provides an accurate, detailed, and data-rich 3D BIM (Building Information Modelling) software environment that can be shared by contractors, structural engineers, steel detailers and fabricators, as well as concrete detailers and manufacturers.

The highly detailed as-built structural models created, combined and distributed with Tekla BIM software enable the highest level of constructability and production control. Centralizing building information into the model allows for more collaborative and integrated project management and delivery. This translates into increased productivity and elimination of waste, thus making construction and buildings more sustainable. For more information, visit http://www.tekla.com/in

Barton Malow Selects Tekla Structures

ATLANTA, USA, Oct 30 - Tekla, a leader in bringing building information modeling (BIM) software to the engineering and construction markets, today announced that its leading software, Tekla Structures, has been selected by Barton Malow Company for its cast-in-place (CIP) concrete. Barton Marlow is a leader in providing construction services for a variety of delivery methods to increase safety, quality and productivity through the ability to self-perform trades and technology.

Founded in 1924, Barton Malow Company used 2D drawings to design its projects until 2008, when it began embracing BIM. After seeing the promising benefits of BIM, Barton Malow searched for a solution that would take its BIM use to the next level by offering more capabilities, especially in re-steel and concrete detailing. After a month-long trial, the company chose Tekla Structures and has since put it to work on several projects, resulting in efficiency gains upwards of 15 percent.

"After working with Tekla Structures for a month, we decided to move forward and haven’t looked back," said Matt Hedke, Barton Malow's re-steel fabrication manager. "It didn’t take long to see the benefits for Barton Malow and our clients. Tekla Structures is definitely a BIM solution that's geared toward the contractor and the company prides itself on understanding what we do. No other software provider is as advanced, especially with cast-in-place concrete and rebar modeling."

Today, the Barton Malow team is leveraging the customizable features of Tekla Structures and as a result, the software has become a core part of Barton Malow’s self-perform approach.

"At the end of the day, our goal is to bring companies, like Barton Malow, advanced 3D modeling software and collaboration tools that will not only make their jobs easier, but also drive their business by increasing efficiency and cutting costs," said Alistair Wells, business manager, concrete, for Tekla Inc. "We are excited that Barton Malow has selected Tekla and are looking forward to working together in advancing their leadership position in the industry."

About Tekla Structures

Launched in 2004, Tekla Structures is the preferred tool of construction professionals around the world to model, detail, fabricate and build many of the world’s buildings, bridges, and sports complexes. The software is designed to work seamlessly with Tekla BIMsight, a free online tool and portal for construction project collaboration. For more information and to download Tekla Structures 19, visit www.teklastructures.com.

About Tekla

Tekla drives the evolution of digital information models and provides competitive advantage to the construction and infrastructure industry. The company was established in 1966, and today it has customers in 100 countries, offices in 15 countries, and a global partner network. Tekla became part of Trimble Buildings Group in 2011.  For more information, visit http://www.tekla.com/.

About Barton Malow

Barton Malow Company provides construction services for a variety of delivery methods as well as capabilities to increase safety, quality and productivity through the ability to self-perform trades and technology. Leading the North American region as one of the top performing contractors in market specialties such as education, energy, federal, healthcare, industrial and manufacturing and special event facilities, our vision is to build People, Projects and Communities. We build innovative solutions through engaging in technology like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and unique contracting methods like integrated project delivery (IPD) applied to our work everyday. Our team includes over 1,000 people throughout 12 offices and is headquartered in Southfield, Michigan. Annual revenues exceed $1 billion. Barton Malow is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, visit www.bartonmalow.com.

MecSoft Releases VisualCAD/CAM 2014

IRVINE, CA, Oct 30 - MecSoft Corporation, the developer of industry leading CAD/CAM software solutions, has announced the availability of VisualCAD/CAM 2014, MecSoft's standalone CAD/CAM software suite.

VisualCAD/CAM includes the modules VisualMILL, VisualTURN, VisualNEST, and VisualART, each of which run integrated inside the VisualCAD 2014 base CAD platform and can be bought and licensed independently of each other. MecSoft continues to provide VisualCAD as a completely free design tool. All of these modules, including VisualCAD, were significantly enhanced and improved in this 2014 release to provide customers with a seamlessly integrated complete manufacturing platform.

"This release is a breakthrough release for MecSoft, in that we have integrated and improved all of our manufacturing applications under one powerful and easy to use manufacturing platform called VisualCAD/CAM. This platform provides our customers with complete integration and seamless interoperability to significantly boost their productivity and enhance their user experience. It also provides MecSoft with a strong platform to implement an annual release cycle, starting with this release," stated Joe Anand, President and CEO of MecSoft Corporation. "We have worked hard not only to make sure the integration is seamless but also on the improvements to each of the individual modules and I am proud to say that this is one of MecSoft's best releases yet." 

To download free demo software of VisualCAD/CAM 2014, visit http://visualcadcam.com.

For more information about mecsoft, call (949) 654-8163 or visit http://mecsoft.com.

AMETEK Acquires Creaform for $120M

BERWYN, PA, USA, Oct 29 - AMETEK, Inc. (NYSE: AME) today announced that it has acquired Creaform, Inc., a leading developer and manufacturer of innovative portable 3D measurement technologies and a provider of 3D engineering services for approximately $120 million. Based near Québec City, Canada, the privately held company has annual sales of approximately $52 million.

Creaform is the industry leader in stand-alone portable 3D scanners. These optical devices are used in a growing number of applications to create accurate 3D models and measurements of a wide range of objects. Its products include several families of handheld 3D scanners, portable coordinate measuring machines and related accessories that are widely used in reverse engineering, dimensional inspection, precision manufacturing, non-destructive testing, automated quality control and 3D printing. The Handyscan 3D, a handheld laser scanner used to perform non-contact measurement, leads the market in capability and portability.

"Creaform is an outstanding acquisition. It has an impressive R&D base and an industry-leading position across a number of high growth market applications. Creaform significantly expands the range of non-contact metrology products offered by our Ultra Precision Technology business," comments Frank S. Hermance, AMETEK Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

"Creaform's innovative, optically-based product line and excellent customer base will expand our metrology sales into attractive segments closely adjacent to those of our existing Taylor Hobson and Solartron Metrology businesses," he adds.

Creaform has its headquarters and manufacturing operations in Lévis, Québec. It operates innovation centers in Lévis and Grenoble, France, and has direct sales operations in the United States, France, Germany, China, Japan and India. It joins AMETEK as part of its Electronic Instruments Group (EIG) - a recognized leader in advanced monitoring, testing, calibrating, and display instruments with 2012 sales of $1.9 billion.

About AMETEK

AMETEK is a leading global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electro-mechanical devices with annualized sales of $3.6 billion. AMETEK's Corporate Growth Plan is based on Four Key Strategies: Operational Excellence, Strategic Acquisitions & Alliances, Global & Market Expansion and New Products. AMETEK's objective is double-digit percentage growth in earnings per share over the business cycle and a superior return on total capital. The common stock of AMETEK is a component of the S&P 500 Index. For more information, visit www.ametek.com.

HERZ Database for MagiCAD Heating & Piping Updated

RAUMA, Finland, Oct 29 - The new HERZ database for MagiCAD Heating and Piping includes thermostatic valves, ball valves, differential pressure controllers, balancing valves, circuit-regulating valves, flow-rate controllers and strainers.

To download, the HERZ database, visit MagiCAD.

For more information about HERZ-Armaturen GmbH, visit http://www.herz-armaturen.com.

Note: *Requires MagiCAD 2012.11 or later.

AutoForm-QuickLink Exchanges CAD Data in AutoFormplus and CATIA, NX

WILEN B WOLLERAU, Switzerland, Oct 29 - AutoForm Engineering GmbH, the leading supplier of software solutions for the sheet metal forming industry, has developed AutoForm-QuickLink, a software for bi-directional fast and easy data exchange between AutoFormplus and CAD systems. This software enables process design departments to enhance their work efficiency through more effective collaboration with both in-house and external departments.

AutoForm-QuickLink, AutoForm’s latest software, links AutoForm's expertise in sheet metal forming process simulation with the powerful design functionalities of the CATIA and NX environments. This software is particularly beneficial during the tool design stage, when a die layout is defined and validated for the complete sheet metal forming process.

AutoForm-QuickLink allows for bi-directional data transfer between AutoForm^plus and CAD in both CATIA and NX

There are two major user applications for AutoForm-QuickLink:

• Data export from AutoFormplus into the CAD environment after die-face concept validation carried out in AutoFormplus. Based on the imported process data, CAD users can design the process further. Users who work in the CATIA environment can take advantage of AutoForm-ProcessDesignerforCATIA to rapidly generate CAD quality surfaces in the CATIA environment. Users who work in the NX environment can successfully carry out this procedure using NX native functionalities.
• Data export from CAD systems into the AutoFormplus environment after CAD creation of die faces for final validation simulations carried out in AutoFormplus, including optimization loops.

In both user applications, consistent and fast bi-directional data transfer with AutoForm-QuickLink leads to significant speedup as well as the effective prevention of errors which may occur during manual import and export operations. AutoForm-QuickLink ensures efficient data exchange and improves data consistency, transparency and usability.

Dr. Markus Thomma, Corporate Marketing Director of AutoForm Engineering, stated: "With AutoForm-QuickLink, CAD users can significantly speed up the CAD design process. This software allows for the selective import and export of geometry and process data between AutoFormplus and CAD systems. Users can easily modify geometry, part position, tipping and cam directions while remaining within the CAD environment. AutoForm-QuickLink also allows for the consistent naming and nomenclature as well as the transfer of the complete operation structure. With all these new features, this innovative software ensures seamless data flow between AutoFormplus and CAD systems and thus greatly facilitates the daily work of process design departments throughout the world."

For more information, visit http://www.autoform.com/.

Free 123GO Logopress Component Library for SolidWorks Available

123GO by Logopress3 is the fastest and easiest way to insert fasteners and their related holes and mates automatically. It is a very affordable, user-friendly, and smart library that includes screws, nuts, washers, and pins. It is usable by everybody within all mechanical fields. 123GO by Logopress3 is 100 percent integrated within SolidWorks and has been designed specifically for SolidWorks. It associates extreme simplicity of use, power, and efficiency: One can choose the component type and its diameter, and 123GO by Logopress3 does the rest.

• Choice of appropriate length
• Creation of related holes
• Definition of associated mates

Current Version: 123GO 2013 SP0.4 (runs with SolidWorks 2014, 2013 & 2012)

For more information about 123GO, click here.

To download FREE 123GO, click here. (*Registration required!)

Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 2014 Object Enabler Available

The Civil Object Enabler is a freeware application that one can use to access Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D drawing files. This release allows object data created in Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D 2014 to be accessed outside the Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D 2014 environment.

For more information and to download, click here.

OpenDCL 7.0 Available for ZWCAD+ 2014

GUANGZHOU, China, Oct 26 - ZWCAD Design, an innovative supplier of CAD solutions for the MCAD and AEC industries, today announced that the latest OpenDCL 7.0, a free open source dialog box framework for LISP programmers, is available for ZWCAD+ 2014.

OpenDCL is an easy-to-use interactive tool specially designed for LISP programmers who prefer a convenient and powerful replacement to the old style DCL dialogs. Its modern UI elements include a rich set of controls and forms offering a state-of-the-art event-driven programming model. OpenDCL enables ZWCAD+ 2014 end users and application developers to build advanced and professional custom applications with the simple and portable LISP language.

"We are delighted to have OpenDCL successfully ported to ZWCAD+ with continual help from Mr. Owen Wengerd," said David Li, Manager of ZWCAD+ Overseas Product Department. "We have seen a growing numbers of LISP programmers and developers using OpenDCL to create and edit their dialog boxes, and in the meanwhile the newly integrated OpenDCL has greatly strengthened ZWCAD+'s competitiveness in application development, an important step forward for the LISP community.”

Owen Wengerd, Lead Developer of the OpenDCL Project said, "I'm very pleased with how easy it was to port our OpenDCL code to load and run inside ZWCAD+ 2014." He added, "The ZWCAD+ team has been extremely responsive and quickly addressed any issues encountered along the way."

ZWCAD+ users or LISP programmers can go to the OpenDCL homepage or ZDN to download the latest OpenDCL7.0

About OpenDCL

OpenDCL is an interactive replacement of DCL (Dialog Control Language) for developing dialog boxes with AutoLISP. OpenDCL is based on ObjectDCL, a commercial application released by 3rd Day Software as open source under the GNU General Public License in 2006 by owner Chad Wanless.

About ZWCAD Design

ZWCAD Design Co., Ltd., the wholly-owned subsidiary of ZWSOFT, is an international CAD software provider through its network of over 300 partners in 80+ countries and regions. Its product ZWCAD+ is used by CAD designers across the AEC and MCAD industries.

For more information, visit http://www.zwsoft.com.

ZWCAD Mechanical, Architecture 2014 Released

GUANGZHOU, China, Oct 26 - ZWCAD Design, an innovative supplier of CAD solutions for the MCAD and AEC industries, today has unveiled the official version of ZWCAD Mechanical 2014 and ZWCAD Architecture 2014. These two pieces of ZWCAD+ based software are designed to provide immediate productivity for mechanical and architectural professionals. Users can leverage the power of these industrial solutions to address increasingly complex design challenges with greater ease.

What's New in ZWCAD Mechanical 2014 

• Hole Chart - hole status in the hole chart will be listed and automatically updated if there are any further modification. Designers can manage all the hole information in a clearer and more efficient way;

• Improved BOM Import and Export - Designers can import BOM data from Excel files, or export BOM data to excel files vice versa.

What's New in ZWCAD Architecture 2014

• 3D Visualization - ZWCAD Architecture can generate associative 2D sections, elevations and 3D rendering models from floor plans directly. If designs change, the sections, elevations and 3D models will be fully updated too.

• Parametric Building Components - Doors and types of windows such as common windows, bay windows, arc windows, and rectangle holes are available for designers to choose from. They can justify the door; window positions in batch, as well as precisely control the pile widths and the distances to walls and axis's.
• Graphic and symbol annotation system - Designers can quickly make associative dimension of the architecture components including walls, doors, windows ect.

Availability

ZWCAD Mechanical 2014 official version is now available in English and Chinese languages while Czech, German and Polish are Beta versions. To download, click here.

ZWCAD Architecture 2014 version is available in English language, while the French version is beta version. To download, click here.

About ZWCAD Mechanical

ZWCAD Mechanical is ZWCAD+ based software for manufacturing. It has functional features in drawing setting, BOM filling and editing, flexible dimensioning and symbol marking. All this will help save designers hours of mechanical drafting time.

About ZWCAD Architecture

ZWCAD Architecture software is ZWCAD+ for architects to gain immediate productivity. It includes all the functionality of ZWCAD+, plus content libraries and tools designed specifically for architectural drawings, which enhance the workflow, automate tedious drafting tasks, reduce errors and increase efficiency.

For more information, visit http://www.zwsoft.com.

Delcam Releases PowerINSPECT 2013 R2

BIRMINGHAM, UK, Oct 26 - Delcam has released the 2013 R2 version of its PowerINSPECT metrology software, which offers faster programming and inspection, plus even easier-to-read reports. It includes a new method for automated inspection of edges of parts, improved display of deviations, support for a wider range of geometric features, more flexible simulation, and additional dimensioning options for radial features.

PowerINSPECT is firmly established as the world’s leading hardware-independent inspection software. It combines the ability to work with all types of inspection device with a comprehensive range of inspection routines for taking simple measurements, for inspection of geometric features and for analyzing complex 3D surfaces. The resulting reports present detailed information in an easy-to-read format, that can be understood by all engineers not just inspection specialists.

The new adaptive method for edge inspection on CNC CMMs provides improved measurement of thin-walled, flexible components, including sheet-metal pressings such as automotive body panels, thermoformed plastic parts and composite parts. It uses a two-touch measurement sequence. The first touch is made on the surface of the part close to the edge being measured. This gives the true position of the surface and the related edge so that a second touch can be made on the edge with the center of the probe.

The two-touch approach allows accurate, automated inspection of edges, even on components that have been distorted relative to the nominal CAD geometry. As with other PowerINSPECT options, the new method can be programmed, simulated and edited offline. During measurement, PowerINSPECT will adapt the probe paths for the edge points automatically, according to the actual position of the measured edge of the part.

Reports from PowerINSPECT have been made even easier to understand with new options to display the deviation of probed points from their nominal positions. If PowerINSPECT's coloured "confetti" is being used, the deviation of each probed point can be shown alongside its disc. Alternatively, if the results are shown as deviation lines, the value can be displayed next to the deviation arrow. In both cases, the display of the values makes it easier to identify the seriousness of the deviation for each point and so to highlight the location of any major problems.

The range of geometric features that can be measured with PowerINSPECT has been extended with the addition of new construction options. These include an ellipse feature and two new torus-based circular intersections that can help in the measurement of tubing and pipework, engine ports and casings for turbomachinery. In addition, a line can now be created at a fixed distance parallel to a reference line and then be used to check clearances.

New options have also been added for the measurement of full or partial radial features. PowerINSPECT can now display the major and minor circles when dimensioning a torus, display the radius or diameter when measuring a cylinder, and display the half-angle of a cone.

Finally, the simulation of all inspection options in PowerINSPECT has been made more flexible with the ability to speed up or slow down the progress of the simulation while it is running. This allows any moves that come close to a collision to be checked in more detail by running the simulation at a slower speed. Similarly, if a change is made to an existing routine, the user can run the unchanged sections of the inspection at high speed and only check the new moves in detail.

For further information on Delcam’s PowerINSPECT software, please visit www.powerinspect.com.

Autodesk Fabrication CADmep 2014 Object Enabler Available

The Autodesk Fabrication CADmep Object Enabler is a freeware application that you can use to access Autodesk Fabrication CADmep 3D drawing files. 

For more information and to download, click here.

ESI Acquires CyDesign Labs

PARIS, France, Oct 25 - ESI Group, pioneer and world-leading provider of Virtual Engineering solutions, announces the acquisition of CyDesign Labs, a US company based in the Silicon Valley that owns a disruptive proprietary technology for advanced product design. Aligned with ESI Group’s proven strategy that fosters the gradual elimination of physical prototypes, this acquisition brings a major technology leap to accelerate industrial product and process development.

Founded in 2011, CyDesign, a start-up company, was awarded a significant contract in early 2012 by the United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to support the Fast, Adaptable, Next-Generation Ground (FANG) Challenge. The FANG program undertakes a novel approach to the design and manufacturing of complex defense systems through a series of prize-based design competitions leveraging novel tools developed under the DARPA META program. Earlier this year, CyDesign successfully delivered a cloud-based system modeling platform for use by FANG Challenge registrants. Please visit vehicleforge.org for more information about the FANG program.

Alain de Rouvray, ESI Group's Chairman and CEO, says: "This acquisition is poised to allow ESI Group to expand its user base to all players involved in creating industrial products - adding a seamless collaborative environment between specifiers, inception designers, and validation engineers. CyDesign Labs' collaboration with DARPA has proven the relevance of combining 0D-1D simple design tools with traditional advanced 3D simulation. This operation represents a unique opportunity for ESI to leapfrog and actively contribute to the grand challenge of the 4th industrial revolution."

Dr. Serdar Uckun, founder and CEO of CyDesign Labs, adds: "We are very proud to be joining ESI Group, a world class leader with whom we share a passion for innovation and technological excellence. This new technology we recently created within a ca. 40 man year concentrated effort will benefit from extensions, industrialization and commercialization by ESI, to which we could not aspire while we remained independent. Together, we will now develop the next generation of virtual engineering software to improve the creation process of innovative industrial products."

ESI Group is now positioned right from the product inception phase

CyDesign Labs core capabilities enable an organization to address a series of design challenges of increasing complexity, while leveraging fab-less design, foundry-style manufacturing, and crowd-sourced innovation models to control in real time manufactured products from their very first digital models. This provides designers using simple 0D-1D models with the possibility of validating collaboratively on line the compliance of a product, as a system or as one of its components, with respect to environmental, safety, comfort, and other multiple performance requirements as well as technical standards, right from the beginning of design. Furthermore, the solution from CyDesign Labs combined with ESI solutions makes it possible for designers to connect 'live' with the 3D models of CAE engineers.

This evolution will allow ESI Group to provide its customers with a more comprehensive offering that covers the entire value chain of a product: from inception to verification, validation and certification. This extension of ESI Group’s past focus on validation does position the company higher in the product value chain and it is expected to stimulate the interest of players who are either seeking to or are currently migrating towards End-to-End Virtual Prototyping.

Crowd-sourced and 'Modelica' based models

By intensifying the use of 'open source' models, CyDesign Labs smartly meets the expectations of industrialists who wish to carry out product development in an open and collaborative mode that can be more easily adapted to the evolution of their multiple and interacting requirements. For example 'Modelica', a modern modeling and simulation language standard supported by CyDesign Labs, already brings together a sizable industrial community of users and developers without the impediment of proprietary formats.

A solution accessible via the Cloud and in SaaS

CyDesign Labs' future solutions will be marketed in the form of user licenses. They will provide substantial flexibility in terms of IT resources with access via internal or external Cloud mode, thus enabling workgroups of up to hundreds of users to be brought together within a single virtual environment. The acquisition of CyDesign Labs is a logical next step following the technology investments already undertaken by ESI Group that are aimed at developing access to ESI's solutions in Cloud mode. Indeed, the Group’s ambition is to accompany its customers towards a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) marketing model and to eventually deploy all of its solutions on the Cloud.

Worldwide industrialization and commercialization

ESI Group is convinced of the major benefits that the integration of CyDesign disruptive technology into ESI solutions will provide for its customers and partners. This will also enable CyDesign to benefit from ESI's complementary technologies and its distribution network around the world. Every sector of industry will be concerned but we expect particular growth in the automotive, aeronautical and defense sectors where advanced numerical technologies are already deployed and have proven their unique worth.

Terms of the operation

With this operation, ESI will hold 75% of CyDesign Labs's equity and will proceed to integrate the present team of high level experts in the USA and UK. In 2017 ESI Group will have the possibility to acquire the balance of equity.

About CyDesign Labs, Inc.

CyDesign Studio is the only model-based design optimization software platform with integrated requirements management that enables organizations to design complex systems with better and faster results. The CyDesign platform helps engineers gather requirements, link them to system designs, explore the trade space of design alternatives, assess the viability of these alternatives, and provide objective guidance resulting in a much better final product. CyDesign Labs is headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, USA and has offices in Coventry, UK. The company was founded in 2011. For further information, go to www.cydesign.com.

About ESI Group

ESI is a pioneer and world-leading provider in Virtual Prototyping that takes into account the physics of materials. ESI boasts a unique know-how in Virtual Product Engineering, based on an integrated suite of coherent, industry-oriented applications. Addressing manufacturing industries, Virtual Product Engineering aims to replace physical prototypes by realistically simulating a product’s behavior during testing, to fine-tune fabrication and assembly processes in accordance with desired product performance, and to evaluate the impact of product use under normal or accidental conditions.

ESI's solutions fit into a single collaborative and open environment for End-to-End Virtual Prototyping. These solutions are delivered using the latest technologies, including immersive Virtual Reality, to bring products to life in 3D; helping customers make the right decisions throughout product development.

The company employs about 1000 high-level specialists worldwide covering more than 40 countries.

ESI Group is listed in compartment C of NYSE Euronext Paris. For more information, visit http://www.esi-group.com.

Audros Tech Morocco to Integrate Datakit in AudrosBOX

MARRAKECH, Morocco, Oct 25 - Francis Cadin, CEO of Datakit, a leading CAD data exchange company, begins a world tour on a motorcycle to meet his customers and resellers all over the world.

The first step of this trip was Marrakech, where Francis Cadin met teams of a subsidiary of the company Audros Technology, specialized in collaborative EDM and in PLM for industry.

This meeting will result in a agreement allowing Audros Technlogy to integrate Datakit technology in their "AudrosBOX" offer, thereby giving their customers from industry and design departments the ability to use Datakit converters. 

AudrosBOX users will thus be able to get 3D PDF of all their CAD models and 2D PDF for their drawings. So all users will be able to visualize and share models very easily regardless of the original format.

About Datakit

Datakit is a private held and leading company founded in 1994 specialized in CAD data exchange solutions and services. It offers stand-alone converters, plug-ins and SDK that import, analyze and export models. Datakit exposes a wide range of geometrical and semantic data through its various range of products. It also provides services that aid in the migration of CAD databases and help customers choose the best data transfer solutions. It works closed to the Independent Software Vendors that currently integrate its CAD Data exchange solutions as components to their own software. For more information, visit www.datakit.com.

About Audros Technology

Expert since 1993 in data and documents management for industry, Audros Technology is the editor of the PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) solution Audros and the collaborative EDM solution AudrosBOX. For more information, visit www.audrosbox.com or www.audros.fr.

Geometric Releases CAMWorks 2014 for CNC Programming

 AZ, USA, Oct 25 - Geometric Limited, aleader in developing advanced manufacturing software, launches the 2014 version of its leading intuitive solids-based CNC programming solution, CAMWorks. With the addition of true G-code simulation, CAMWorks is the most complete CAD/CAM solution fully integrated end-to-end solution from the initial part design, to creating a CNC program, to full machine simulation; thus, reducing data redundancy and saving valuable shop floor time. Along with support for SolidWorks 2014, CAMWorks 2014 significantly accelerates design-to-part time improving productivity of CNC programmers with the addition of a number of enhancements including:

• Turn feature definition enhancement: Turn profiles are now fully associated with the model they are extracted from. This makes them fully associative to the sketches, a first in the feature based machining world, making program changes very quick and efficient. Another addition that is particularly beneficial in mill-turn operations is the selection of turn profiles by specifying the angle at which the profile has to be extracted.
• Toolpath simulation for an effective review: The tool vectors for the toolpaths can be viewed during Step-through simulation, making it easier to review 5-axis toolpaths. In addition, users can use a WIP (Work in Process) model as a start-up stock, when simulating sections of a toolpath, shortening the review time.
• Increased automation in CNC programming: Addition of 39 APIs to the current suite that can help reduce repetitive activities and provide a solid foundation for users, who want to customize or automate their systems to accelerate CNC programming output.
• Sub-spindle operations simplified: Increased flexibility in the sub-spindle operations with the addition of more pre-programmed routines that are configurable to the users’ need.

CAMworks has also introduced an iPad app for our mobility inclined users, of CAMWorksView App. This free app allows the users to view, review and annotate 3D Work-In-Process (WIP) models and assemblies, tool paths and relevant operation data on the go anywhere from the shopfloor to the design room without the need of an additional CAMWorks license. CAMWorksView is a high performance 3D CAM data viewer for iPad/iPhone/iPod.

Moreover, CAMWorks 2014 now provides Mori-APT CL code for the DMG MORI SEIKI series of mill, turn, and mill-turn machines (NMV Series, NH(X) Series, NV(X) Series, NL(X) Series and NT Series machines). The APT-CL code from CAMWorks is certified to drive DMG MORI SEIKI machines using Manufacturing Suite Post Processor eliminating the need for custom post-processors. This unique approach provides customers with a complete solution for their needs and ensures that they will be up and running with their machine-tool in the quickest time possible. Customers need to get Manufacturing Suite from DMG MORI SEIKI and the Mori-APT CL output add-in is available from Geometric.

To know more about CAMWorks 2014, click here.

The company has also enhanced its video instructions set that serve as a useful reference guide for self-paced learning, to supplement the training needs.

About CAMWorks

CAMWorks, a parametric, solids-based CNC programming software system, brings in a revolutionary way to help machinists around the world to program fast and machine faster. CAMWorks significantly reduces programming time and removes the drudgery from CNC programming by using patented Feature Recognition technology in conjunction with full toolpath to solid-model associativity and knowledge-based machining. In addition to accelerated programming using CAMWorks, organizations can be assured of the most efficient toolpaths using CAMWorks VoluMill to reduce cycle times and maintain their competitive edge in the marketplace.

About Geometric

Geometric is a specialist in the domain of engineering solutions, services and technologies. Its portfolio of Global Engineering services, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, Embedded System solutions, and Digital Technology solutions enables companies to formulate, implement, and execute global engineering and manufacturing strategies aimed at achieving greater efficiencies in the product realization life cycle.

Listed on the Bombay and National stock exchanges in India, the company recorded consolidated revenues of Rupees 10.20 billion (US Dollars 187.57 million) for the year ended March 2013. It employs about 4500 people across 13 global delivery locations in the US, the UK, France, Germany, Romania, India, and China. Geometric was assessed as CMMI 1.1 Level 5 for its software services and is ISO 9001:2008 certified for engineering operations. The company’s operations are also ISO 27001:2005 certified.

For more information, call +1.480.367.0132 or visit www.geometricglobal.com.

Intelligent Light Releases FieldView v14 for CFD

NJ, USA, Oct 25 - Intelligent Light announces the availability of FieldView 14 for CFD Data Management and scalability.

HiLift Wing and plot - FieldView 14 allows multiple interactive views of datasets

Highlights and new features in FieldView 14 includes:

• Standard FieldView license runs up to 8 CPU cores
• Special upgrades for all existing FieldView Parallel users
• High speed rendering for automated batch workflows
• Enhanced XDB capabilities increase speed and convenience
• Unsteady particle visualization that is up to 400 times faster, allowing the interactive visualization of millions of particles for complex applications like combustion and mixing

To know more about FieldView 14, click here.

For more information, visit http://www.ilight.com.

Graphisoft ArchiCAD 17 Hotfix 3 Available

Graphisoft's ArchiCAD 17 Hotfix 3 Build 4008 contains various fixes and improvements necessary to introduce full BIMx Hyper-model support to ArchiCAD 17. The BIMx Hyper-model publishing allows complete BIM documentation (3D models as well as 2D drawings) to be shared for use on iOS devices such as the iPhone/iPad.

For more information and to download this hotfix, click here.

Note: *ArchiCAD 17 Hotfix #3 (build 4008) requires Hotfix 2 (build 4005) to be installed.

CD-adapco STAR-CCM+ v8.06 Released

NY, USA and LONDON, UK, Oct 24 - CD-adapco, the largest privately held CFD-focused CAE provider, announced the release of STAR-CCM+ v8.06, the third release in 2013 of their flagship simulation tool.

STAR-CCM+ v8.06 enhances its user experience, simulation scope and turnaround time

"The fundamental objective of the STAR-CCM+ v8 releases is to significantly improve the overall user experience, to expand the application coverage and to boost turnaround times," says Senior VP of Product Management, Jean-Claude Ercolanelli.

Enhanced User Experience

"A significant challenge for simulation engineers lies in ensuring consistency of processes across large organizations or geographically dispersed teams," says Ercolanelli. "To address this, we are offering the Simulation Assistant, an interactive user interface that allows users to reproduce best practices and deploy them across the whole organization, ensuring repeatability of processes and enforcing consistency of results."

The Simulation Assistant is also the perfect tool for introducing new or inexperienced engineers to their simulation process, following a tailored step-by-step approach that guides the engineer through each of the stages necessary to obtain high quality results.

STAR-CCM+ v8.06 also introduces STAR-SpaceClaim, a new CAD Client and bi-directional and associative connectivity for all CAD clients. This means that parametric design studies are driven by the simulation model while geometry is updated by the CAD package, again ensuring ease-of-use and a single source geometry file.

Expanded Coverage

"Multiphase flows have been perceived as being difficult to simulate because multiphase models are often restricted to a narrow range of applications. Many industrial-type problems fall into the gap between these models," says Ercolanelli. "One of our ongoing development focuses in STAR-CCM+ involves making multiphase flows more accessible to all of our users, closing the gaps and allowing you to tackle a wider range of industrial applications."

STAR-CCM+ v8.06 introduces Reynolds Stress Modeling for Eulerian Multiphase, which improves the accuracy of swirling flow and vortex simulations. This new multi-component boiling model allows components to evaporate individually, aiding in the modeling of refinery and distillation processes. The ability to simulate multiphase models with over-set meshes opens up the possibility to address problems such as ice buildup on aircraft wing flaps or spray painting. DEM (Discrete Element Method) particles can now carry an active scalar that can be used to simulate applications such as tablet coating thickness or moisture content for wood chip drying.

Improved Turnaround Time

"Being able to simulate only part of a problem is not enough," says Ercolanelli. "We are engaged in allowing our users to 'simulate systems' in their full complexity. Part of that commitment includes improving solver performance so that users can simulate phenomena that occur on an industrial scale and in an acceptable amount of time."

Users of DEM will notice substantial performance improvements in STAR-CCM+ v8.06, with simulations taking as little as 30% of the time taken in previous versions. Central to these improvements have been optimizations to the core DEM algorithms and a new “skinning” option to avoid repeated contact detection. The introduction of a new parallel trimmer will allow the faster creation of larger meshes, thus increasing overall productivity.

About CD-adapco

CD-adapco  is the world's largest privately held CFD focused CAE provider. Our core products are the technology-leading simulation packages, STAR-CCM+ and STAR-CD. The scope of our activities, however, extends well beyond CFD software development to encompass a wide range of CAE engineering services in fluid dynamics, heat transfer and structural engineering. Our ongoing mission is to "inspire innovation and reduce costs through the application of engineering simulation software and services."

A privately owned company, CD-adapco has maintained 17% organic year-on-year growth over the last 5 years. CD-adapco employs 750 talented individuals, working at 30 different offices across the globe. For more information, visit www.cd-adapco.com.

AVEVA Collaborates with ETAP to Offer Electrical Interface

CAMBRIDGE, UK, Oct 24 - AVEVA today announced that it is collaborating with ETAP to create a complementary interface between AVEVA Electrical and ETAP's enterprise solution for electrical power systems. The new interface will deliver industry-leading capability for the efficient design, development and production of the most complex electrical installations in all types of process and power plants, ships and offshore facilities. Plant contractors and shipbuilders will gain increased productivity, while their customers can use the same applications for increased efficiency in the life-cycle management of their electrical installations.

AVEVA Electrical's Engineer module

Electrical engineers will be able to create and manage detailed design information and production deliverables using AVEVA Electrical, and analyze their design using ETAP. The interoperability between such powerful applications reduces design effort and enables higher design quality and more accurate early confirmation of materials requirements. AVEVA's approach to openness and inter-disciplinary design enables this integration to offer users a completely flexible approach to electrical engineering and design.

'ETAP’s reputation as the industry-leading electrical analysis tool will make this new interface a very popular addition to the AVEVA portfolio' said Bruce Douglas, Senior Vice President, EDS Strategy and Marketing, AVEVA. 'The new interface will enable equipment created in AVEVA Electrical or ETAP to be viewed and edited within each system. Electrical engineers will enjoy the confidence that comes from combining the most user-friendly electrical design software on the market, with ETAP’s high-quality electrical engineering analysis.'

Shervin Shokooh, Chief Operating Officer of ETAP, said, 'Robust integration of engineering design tools such as AVEVA Electrical with ETAP electrical system analysis solution will enhance productivity and enable a more seamless and efficient work flow for our customers. This new interface validates our open data integration and exchange approach.'

About AVEVA Electrical

AVEVA Electrical is a feature-rich software suite for electrical engineering and design. Its advanced graphical user interfaces, and its use of design rules and catalogues for data creation, offer maximum workflow flexibility, improving project productivity and design quality. It is part of the Integrated Engineering & Design product suite that includes AVEVA Everything3D (AVEVA E3D), which handles routing and cable segregation in the 3D model. Via a two-way interface, this seamlessly integrates 3D model data to create accurate design information. For more information about AVEVA Electrical, click here.

About ETAP

ETAP is the global market and technology leader in electrical power system modeling, design, analysis, optimization, and predictive real-time solutions. The Company’s software technologies ensure that power systems are designed for optimal reliability, safety, and energy efficiency; when deployed in real-time mode, they enable organizations to manage energy as a strategic asset, maximize system utilization, lower costs, and achieve higher levels of financial stability. For more information, visit www.etap.com.