Thursday, July 30, 2015

Delcam CRISPIN to Host 2nd Footwear Tech Forum in Milan

http://www.delcam.com
BIRMINGHAM, UK, Jul 30, 2015 - Following the success of the first Footwear Technology Forum in Milan last year, Delcam CRISPIN is to run a second event at the Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan on 14th and 15th October this year.


The Forum will again provide an opportunity for designers and manufacturers of all types of footwear to learn about new technology that will improve their businesses. It will focus on current and emerging technology that will help companies to develop more innovative designs, reduce costs and introduce new products to market more quickly.

The program is still being developed but topics already scheduled to be covered include materials and equipment for 3D printing of footwear, rendering technologies to allow superior visualization of new designs before they are manufactured, novel methods for the design and production of lasts, and developments in more sustainable materials.

The Forum will be held alongside the Ortho Technology Forum, which is to take place at the same venue on 13th and 14th October. The OTF covers a similar range of developments in the design and manufacture of custom orthotic insoles and in the production of orthopedic footwear.

With consumer demand moving ever closer to fully-customized shoes, the two events will bring together the production and clinical communities, to initiate discussion on how existing and emerging technologies from both sectors can be used for the mutual benefit of designers, manufacturers and customers.

Delcam CRISPIN is still adding speakers and sponsors for the event from organizations that are developing novel and innovative technology for either footwear design or manufacture. Sponsorship provides an unrivaled opportunity to network with key industry professionals and decision makers who are actively looking for solutions to their business needs. Companies interested in sponsoring the Forum and organizations wanting to present should contact Simon Hamilton by email to sah@delcam.com.

Full more information, visit www.footwear-events.com.

Delcam Releases PowerINSPECT 2015 R2

http://www.delcam.com
BIRMINGHAM, UK, Jul 30, 2015 - The 2015 R2 release of Delcam’s PowerINSPECT inspection software makes it easier to complete fast and accurate inspection of complex assemblies. The new version includes more options for automation of inspection sequences, including automated probe changes, automatic feature extraction for point cloud batch inspection, and greater control over collision checking.


The main improvement for users of CNC CMMs is the addition of support for MCR20 and FCR25 probe change racks. PowerINSPECT can now incorporate probe changes into fully-automated measurement sequences. Enhancements to the probe database allow the user to define probe tools in terms of ‘sub-assemblies’ which can be docked in the rack ports. A typical example of a sub-assembly is the combination of a probe module and a stylus.

Once created, the sub-assemblies are allocated to specific ports in the probe change rack, and the user defines the physical location of the rack on the CMM by measurement. PowerINSPECT carries out probe changes as required by the measurement sequence and keeps track of the sub-assemblies as they move between the probe head and probe rack.

A new ‘zoom-to-fit’ option is available that shows, in the CAD view, groups or individual items that have been selected in the sequence tree. This option will save considerable time, especially when locating specific features in large, complex CAD models or long measurement sequences.

It is also easier to navigate between the graphical display of the CAD model and the CAD file manager history tree. Selecting a CAD level or individual surface in the graphical CAD display highlights the corresponding item in the CAD file manager history tree. Similarly, selecting an item in the history tree highlights the corresponding surfaces in the graphical CAD display.

PowerINSPECT 2015 R2 includes a new way of evaluating features from point-cloud data that makes batch inspection much easier. Geometric point-cloud features can now be evaluated from suitable scan data that exists anywhere in the PowerINSPECT document. The features are created in the usual way, either from the geometric toolbar or by using the wireframe checker. The entire sequence can be created in advance and then PowerINSPECT will evaluate the results automatically as soon as the scan data is available. Operators measuring subsequent, similar parts just have to perform the scan and the sequence of features is evaluated automatically. Once the scan is complete, all specified features are calculated and the report is updated automatically.

With PowerINSPECT 2015 R2, users have better control over RPS alignments thanks to a new option to define which features are used for any best fit calculations, rather than calculating the best fit across all of the features selected for the alignment. It is also now possible to apply an offset to an RPS alignment, if required.

Improvements to the graphical display have made programming of CNC edge points much easier and more intuitive. When creating edge points, PowerINSPECT displays a live preview of the edge point based on the current cursor position. When editing edge points, the point pairs and probe paths update simultaneously as the point is dragged along the edge. Finally, a new option has been added to measure waviness or small fluctuations in surface smoothness that can result from cutting tool wear or worn machine components causing vibrations during machining. Waviness defines the allowable variation within a localised region. This allows simultaneous control of very tight tolerances inside small localised regions and looser tolerances over larger areas. For surface inspection and point cloud inspection PowerINSPECT can now produce a waviness evaluation based on the differences between a point and its neighbours. Each point passes the waviness test if its variation relative to neighbours in the specified zone is within the tolerance limit. An overall value for the part is expressed as a ratio of the number of points passing the test to the total number of points measured.
 
For full details, including video demonstrations of the new options, visit www.delcam.tv/pi2015/lz/en/.

Friday, July 24, 2015

3D Systems Q2 FY'15 Conference Call on Aug 6, 8:30AM ET

http://www.3dsystems.com
ROCK HILL, SC, USA, Jul 24, 2015 - 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE: DDD) announced that it plans to hold a conference call and simultaneous webcast to discuss its financial results for the second quarter and first six months of 2015 on Thursday, August 6, 2015, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The company expects to release these financial results and to file its Form 10-Q on August 6, 2015.
Participate via telephone:
  • Within the U.S.: 1-877-407-8291
  • Outside the U.S.: 1-201-689-8345
The recorded webcasts will be available beginning approximately two hours after each live presentation at www.3dsystems.com/investor.

About 3D Systems


3D Systems provides the most advanced and comprehensive 3D digital design and fabrication solutions available today, including 3D printers, print materials and cloud-sourced custom parts. Its powerful ecosystem transforms entire industries by empowering professionals and consumers everywhere to bring their ideas to life using its vast material selection, including plastics, metals, ceramics and edibles. 3DS’ leading personalized medicine capabilities save lives and include end-to-end simulation, training and planning, and printing of surgical instruments and devices for personalized surgery and patient specific medical and dental devices. Its democratized 3D digital design, fabrication and inspection products provide seamless interoperability and incorporate the latest immersive computing technologies. 3DS’ products and services disrupt traditional methods, deliver improved results and empower its customers to manufacture the future now. For more information, visit www.3dsystems.com.

Altair Launches HPC Cloud Challenge

http://www.altair.com
FRANKFURT, Germany, Jul 24, 2015 - Altair announced a new High-Performance Computing (HPC) Cloud Challenge utilizing Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Intel technologies to demonstrate the benefits of leveraging the cloud for large-scale design exploration in the area of computer-aided engineering (CAE).

The Challenge asks CAE users to submit project ideas to a team of Altair, AWS and Intel representatives who then select qualified projects to accept into the program; Altair will supply accepted participants with software, computing resources, and product support for the duration of the program.

The Challenge aims to democratize the usage of cutting-edge CAE tools by reducing barriers for highly complex engineering tasks. Together, Altair, AWS and Intel bring performance, flexibility, scalability and affordability to CAE, triggering simulation-driven innovation.

Participants may choose from among six different configurations of Altair’s HyperWorks Unlimited (HWUL) Virtual Appliance, a turnkey software solution for high-performance computing in the cloud, in minutes. Access is free of charge, and participants may use the Virtual Appliance for seven or more days to complete engineering tasks for their Challenge project. The lowest configuration starts with 32 cores and the highest can go up to 128 cores or more on the Intel Xeon processor E5 product family. The free use of Altair’s HWUL Virtual Appliance is supplemented through free credits from AWS.

“Getting a system ready in less than 15 minutes, with unlimited licensing of Altair’s industry-leading HyperWorks application software and seamless integration with PBS Works middleware and Altair’s HyperStudy for design of experiments and numerical optimization, paves the path for infinite design exploration. Making this completely turnkey for the engineer is our number one job,” said Ravi Kunju, Altair’s Vice President of Strategy and Business Development.

“This Cloud Challenge is a great opportunity for the engineering community to experience the power of scalable CAE capabilities on the AWS Cloud,” said Hugo Saleh, Director of Technical Computing Segment Marketing and Industry Development, Enterprise and HPC Platforms Group at Intel. “The collaboration with Altair and AWS brings the best of software, infrastructure, and hardware based on leading Intel E5 Xeon Processors, together to enable broader use of advanced simulation and modeling techniques.”

“AWS is committed to providing a seamless platform for the engineering community that has historically been challenged to do more with less while dealing with reduced product release cycles,” said Terry Wise, Vice President of Worldwide Partner Ecosystem, Amazon Web Services, Inc. “Through collaboration with Altair and Intel, the High-Performance Computing Cloud Challenge marks a significant opportunity for engineers to get hands-on experience with the AWS Cloud and transform their experience with CAE’s rich toolset.”

Proposals will be accepted through September 30, 2015. For more information about the Cloud Challenge, visit http://www.altair.com/hpc-challenge.

About Altair

Altair is focused on the development and broad application of simulation technology to synthesize and optimize designs, processes and decisions for improved business performance. Privately held with more than 2,500 employees, Altair is headquartered in Troy, Michigan, USA and operates more than 45 offices throughout 24 countries. Today, Altair serves more than 5,000 corporate clients across broad industry segments. For more information, visit www.altair.com.

Delcam PowerMILL 2016 Mirror Complete Machining Projects

http://www.delcam.com
BIRMINGHAM, UK, Jul 24, 2015 - Delcam has launched the 2016 version of its PowerMILL programming software for five-axis and high-speed machining.

The main enhancement in the new release is the ability to mirror complete machining projects in one operation and to maintain automatically the machining characteristics, for example to choose automatically whether climb or conventional milling should be used in each section of the toolpath. Previously, only individual toolpaths could be mirrored.

Automatic mirroring saves considerable time whenever right- and left-hand versions are needed of a part or tool. It will also be faster to program the machining of symmetrical objects since it will be possible to program one half and then mirror the toolpaths to complete the program.

To ensure that the mirroring has performed as expected, the new option can be used with the ability, introduced in PowerMILL 2015 R2, to undertake complete verification of a project for machine-tool issues such as collisions. Comprehensive verification can be performed, including ensuring that the machine tool is capable of running the mirrored toolpaths, as well as checking for both machine-tool collisions and tooling collisions.

PowerMILL 2015 R2 also saw the introduction of the ability to simulate machine-tool movements as tool changes are executed. The capability has been enhanced in the 2016 release by allowing more complex tool changes to be simulated, in particular those involving a carousel mechanism.

Other improvements to simulation in PowerMILL 2016 include a new form to print out the position of the cutting-tool tip during simulation, an auto-translucency option that will allow viewing of the table attach point at all times, and the ability to draw translucently the safe areas for rapid moves.

Development work has continued on the optional modules for PowerMILL as well as to the main program. In particular, a new, more efficient strategy to machine single blades has been developed for the Blades, Blisks & Impellors module, and a constant-Z machining option has been added to the module for programming the machining of ribs into tooling.
For further details and video demonstrations of the new functionality, visit www.delcam.tv/pm2016/lz

AVEVA to Launch E3D 2.1 at World Summit in Dubai on Oct 20-22

www.aveva.com
CAMBRIDGE, UK, Jul 24, 2015 - AVEVA announced that version 2.1 of its innovative 3D design software, AVEVA Everthing3D, has been extremely well received in early adopter trials. Leading names have been involved in the initial trials with an overwhelmingly positive response. Building on the success of AVEVA E3D 1.1 this next generation of plant design software introduces an enhanced user interface which is driving down learning curves whilst increasing efficiency. Unique laser scanning capabilities will deliver huge benefits, especially in brownfield projects, and significant changes to the structural and supports modules to maximize performance.


‘We’ve made a number of major enhancements to AVEVA E3D after working closely with our customers’, said Dave Wheeldon, CTO, AVEVA. ‘The market has demonstrated a real appetite for more powerful and advanced plant design software, and our customers have made it clear that AVEVA E3D is delivering a game-changing solution. I heard some fantastic comments about our latest version of AVEVA E3D at a recent reference group with a key customer including: “Brilliant”, “Step-Change”, “Value-Added”, and “We love it!”. This kind of enthusiasm is a great validation for AVEVA E3D 2.1.’ 
 
AVEVA E3D 2.1 is currently being trialed by selected customers around the world. It will be launched at the AVEVA World Summit in Dubai on October 20-22, 2015. Learn more about the AVEVA World Summit at www.avevaworld.com.

About AVEVA

For almost 50 years, AVEVA software has enabled the creation of some of the world’s most complex power and process plants, vessels and offshore facilities. AVEVA’s Digital Asset approach ensures there is always an accurate digital representation of each physical asset. This allows engineering contractors, owner operators and ship builders to work more safely, more efficiently and with less risk throughout the life cycle of their projects and operations. AVEVA is the proud winner of the Frost and Sullivan 2015 Global Engineering Information Management Solutions Competitive Strategy Innovation and Leadership Award. For more information, visit www.aveva.com.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Delcam to Host ArtCAM Express Webinars on Aug 13, Sep 17

http://www.delcam.com
BIRMINGHAM, UK, July 22, 2015 - Delcam is to hold two webinars demonstrating the latest version of its ArtCAM Express artistic CADCAM software; the first on 13th August and the second on 17th September. 


ArtCAM Express offers 2D drawing, over 600 free pieces of relief clipart, and 2D and standard 3D machining functions, all for US$149, £99 or 125 Euros. It provides an ideal introduction to computer-based manufacturing for companies and hobbyists involved in engraving, routing and sign-making, or other areas of decorative metalworking and woodworking. A range of modules are available to add extra design and machining functionality.Functionality to be highlighted in the webinars includes powerful tools for the editing of vectors and new options for the creation of more complex 3D designs. 

To register for both the events, visit www.artcam.com/events.asp. The same web page also has links to recordings of previous webinars on ArtCAM Express held earlier this year.

China's DaZhong Selects ZW3D to Optimize Electro Motor Design

http://www.zwsoft.com GUANGZHOU, China, Jul 22, 2015 - ZW3D, one of the world's leading suppliers of advanced CAD/CAM solutions for the manufacturing industry, announced it has been chosen by Jiangsu DaZhong Electromotor Stock Co., Ltd (Dazhong), a leading motor manufacturing company in China.

DaZhong is specialized in manufacturing large and medium-voltage motors, DC motors, synchronous motors, flameproof motors and a variety of AC motors, with an annual production capacity of 600, 000 units. Their Products have won praises from both domestic and abroad enterprises, and been exported to over thirty countries and regions including the United States, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Russia, Denmark and Spain.

The Need

DaZhong used to rely on 2D CAD software for designing. Many customers, however, require intuitive 3D to verify constructional validity. They had to export 2D data into identifiable 3D formats, like DWF, DWG, STL, etc., and then import into 3D platform for editing. Usually, finishing a design requires various software, leading to low efficiency and chaotic data exchange. Therefore, DaZhong was eager for powerful software which is capable of seamless data exchange.

The Solution

With powerful file translator, ZW3D helps DaZhong to bridge over the river between 2D and 3D data, greatly streamlining their workflow and reducing error rate of data exchange.

"ZW3D's capacity of data exchange is totally beyond my expectation. It can easily process extra-large 4G model. And its smooth interoperation and low price are also very rare," said Zhao Gong from engineering department in DaZhong.

Easily convert the electromotive pat from 2D sheet to 3D model

Mr. Zhao is proficient in multiple 3D CAD platforms before. When turning to ZW3D, he is surprised at ZW3D's intuitive UI and easy-to-learn & use features. "ZW3D possesses very simple workflow. In our department, engineers without any formal training can still initially master ZW3D in just a few days." Added Mr. Zhao.

To learn more about ZW3D CAD/CAM, follow ZWSOFT on Facebook to stay in tune with the latest information of ZW3D.

About Dazhong

Established in 1996, Jiangsu DaZhong Electromotor Stock Co., Ltd., a comprehensive motor manufacturing company in China with total assets of RMB 600 million, mainly focuses on providing high-quality motors to various industries, like Power Generation, Metallurgic, Coal Mining, Machinery, Petroleum, Chemicals, Shipbuilding and Environmental Protection, etc.

About ZW3D CAD/CAM

ZW3D is cost-effective CAD/CAM software for 3D modeling, mold design, and machining, which takes engineers from concept to finished product in one easy-to-use, single collaborative environment. For more information, visit http://www.zwsoft.com/ZW3D/.

Delcam Adds Inspection Webinars to PowerINSPECT Website

http://www.delcam.com
BIRMINGHAM, UK, Jul 22, 2015 - Delcam has made its recent series of webinars on inspection technology available for online viewing or download. The webinars include a general introductory video explaining why measurement is critical to manufacturing efficiency, together with more specific videos on laser scanning, retrofitting and shop-floor inspection.


The introductory webinar, which was presented in partnership with Coventry University’s Metrology Department, explains why measurement matters to the future of manufacturing. It looks at sources of uncertainty in making measurements, including equipment, people and environment, and then considers how to minimize these problems to achieve better throughput.

The webinar on laser scanning shows how to use the PowerINSPECT inspection software on a range of hardware devices, including FARO and ROMER portable CMMs, and how to extract geometric features from the resulting point-cloud data. Advice is given on how to choose and use the best approach, either laser scanning or probing, to measure different types of geometry.

Delcam partnered with Pantec Metrology to present the webinar on retrofitting. This presentation focuses on how retrofitting can make CMMs more efficient and the other benefits that can be realized. The presentation includes a case study showing how upgrading from manual to CNC operation could improve throughput and quality, plus a demonstration of the CNC version of PowerINSPECT.

The webinar on shop-floor inspection offers a variety of tips and tricks for people using PowerINSPECT with portable measuring devices. It includes two demonstrations, one showing the inspection of a machined casting and the second giving an example of dual-device inspection with PowerINSPECT. 

To watch or download the webinars, visit www.powerinspect.com/webinar/index.asp.

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Delcam Appoints Charles Jones as Industry Marketing Manager

http://www.delcam.com
BIRMINGHAM, UK, Jul 16, 2015 - Delcam has increased its focus on machining with robots with the appointment of Charles Jones as Industry Marketing Manager. In this new role, Charles will focus on growing Delcam’s business in the many areas where robots can be applied as alternatives to traditional machine tools or hand finishing operations, in particular by developing closer relationships with robot manufacturers and integrators.

Charles joined Delcam in September, 2008, as a Senior Engineer in the International Support Division, where he provided technical manufacturing consultancy to support Delcam’s global network of subsidiaries and resellers.

Prior to joining Delcam, Charles spent almost eight years as a CADCAM programmer and machinist at Eccles Tooling Services. He undertook the programming, setting and operating of large five-axis machining centres to produce patterns, tooling, prototypes and fixtures for the automotive and aerospace industries.

While at Eccles Tooling Services, Charles completed an Advanced Modern Apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering. As his role within Delcam developed, Charles completed an MBA at Worcester Business School to reinforce his increasingly commercial focus.

Commenting on his appointment Charles said: "This is an exciting opportunity in a rapidly expanding market. Delcam has numerous customers already using robots as part of their manufacturing processes and has been involved in many global research collaborations focused on advancing this technology.”

"The beauty of PowerMILL Robot is that customers have access to the strength and flexibility of PowerMILL’s toolpath generation and, from the same interface, can simulate and produce the code required to drive their robot. This unique offering is already being used by many of our traditional customers in the automotive and aerospace industries. However, it is also gaining popularity in the architecture and constructions markets as well as some interesting artistic applications.”

"The robot manufacturers and industry experts we are working with all agree that customers are finding new ways to use robotics technology, which increasingly require the control offered by offline programming. Combining all of their requirements into a simple, easy to use, interface makes what seems a daunting task simple and intuitive.” Robot integrators who are keen to discuss partnership opportunities with Delcam are encouraged to contact Charles at caj@delcam.com

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Autodesk Design Academy iTunes U Course Available Free for Educators

www.autodesk.com
SAN FRANCISCO, CA, USA, Jul 1, 2015 - Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) announced the availability of the new Autodesk Design Academy iTunes U course, marking the first time the company has shared its portfolio of curricula resources through iTunes U. Developed by educators and subject matter experts across the globe, the Autodesk Design Academy provides hundreds of standards-aligned class projects to support design-based disciplines in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) while using Autodesk’s professional-grade 3D design, engineering and entertainment software used in industry, helping students develop 21st century skills and prepare for future careers.

Autodesk Design Academy provides hundreds of standards-aligned class projects, including lessons in Autodesk Fusion 360, which brings CAD, CAM and CAE together in the cloud.

iTunes U is the best way to bring a classroom together on iPad, helping educators build lessons with amazing content, collect and grade student work and stay connected with their class.

A key component of the Autodesk Design Academy iTunes U course is learning materials about the use of Autodesk Fusion 360, which brings CAD, CAM and CAE together in the cloud. It’s an integrated, connected, and accessible platform built for the new ways products are being designed and made.

Autodesk also launches the Autodesk Design Academy Multi-Touch book, which includes learning materials about Autodesk SketchBook Express, software that brings digital art and concept sketching to life. Both the iTunes U course and Multi-Touch book will be available for free on iPad this fall.

“Getting our curricula and learning resources to millions of educators for free through iTunes U and Multi-Touch books is a fantastic opportunity to empower students with the tools that will help them to imagine, design and create a better world,” said Randy Swearer, vice president, Education, Autodesk. “The new Autodesk Design Academy iTunes U course helps us to bring best-in-class resources to more schools, establishing a future pipeline of designers, architects and engineers.”

In December 2014, Autodesk announced a multi-million dollar commitment to make available free access to its 3D design software and creativity applications to schools, educators and students around the globe to support future global economies and drive innovation.

“Autodesk software is used heavily in the engineering industry, and I want my students to know it well so they can jump right into a job without the employer needing to train them,” said Jennifer Hohne, educator, Heritage Hills High School, Lincoln City, Indiana.

The Autodesk Design Academy complements Autodesk’s 3D design software and creativity applications across the education continuum to advance learning outcomes, including:
  • Building proficiency with learners to support STEAM education both in and outside of the classroom
  • Imparting industry-relevant knowledge and 3D design skills to give students a competitive edge to achieve their personal goals today, and career success in the future
  • Helping educators inspire creativity and innovation through a project-based curriculum and a multidisciplinary approach to education; facilitating collaboration and hands-on problem-solving skills that reflect today’s business realities
To request free access to Autodesk software for educational institutions, visit www.autodesk.com/academic.

To gain access to the Autodesk Design Academy, Autodesk Design Academy iTunes U course for Fusion 360 and Autodesk Design Academy Multi-Touch books for SketchBook Express, visit academy.autodesk.com.

For information regarding training, support and software implementation, locate your local Autodesk Academic Partner.

About Autodesk 

Autodesk helps people imagine, design and create a better world. Everyone - from design professionals, engineers and architects to digital artists, students and hobbyists—uses Autodesk software to unlock their creativity and solve important challenges. For more information visit www.autodesk.com or follow @autodesk.

Datakit Releases CAD Data Exchange Tools v2015.3

http://www.datakit.comLYON, France, Jul 1, 2015 - Datakit, a leading CAD data exchange company, releases the version 2015.3 of its CAD formats reading and writing interfaces.


This version offers several new features:
  • The Siemens NX format writing is now available.
  • The writing of SOLIDWORKS and COLLADA formats and the reading of SOLID EDGE 2D format have been added to CrossCad/Ware SDK, enabling software vendors to support these formats in their own software.
  • The latest versions Inventor 2016 and CATIA V6R2014x are now supported.
These improvements benefit to:
  • Components provided by Datakit to software vendors (CrossCad/Ware), enabling them to support many CAD formats in their own software.
  • The stand-alone converter CrossManager, enabling users to convert their CAD files very easily and quickly in dozens of different CAD formats without requiring any third-party software license.
  • CrossCad/Plg (regarding the support of new versions): These plug-ins add functionalities to CAD software such as Rhino, SOLIDWORKS, ThinkDesign and Open CASCADE, to import or export formats that are not natively supported.
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.