Latest News
December 1, 2004
By DE Editors
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FEMLAB Adds 64-bit Technology Plus New Modules
The multiphysics modeling capabilities of FEMLAB are being expanded into new application areas and new support for 64-bit processors allowing users to model large problems with its latest release from COMSOL (Burlington, MA; comsol.com). FEMLAB 3.1 adds three new applications modules, earth science, heat transfer, and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), which expands its multiphysics applications. FEMLAB 3.1 can be used for simulating and analyzing resistive heating and radiative heat transfer as well as MEMS, nanotechnology, fuel cells, photonics, biomedical engineering, geohydraulics, and more.
FEMLAB also supports desktop platforms such as Linux on the AMD64, Intel Pentium 4 or Xeon with EM64T, and Itanium, with theoretically a million terabytes (a billion GB) of addressable memory, allowing users to add as much as needed for complex projects. Its solver technique has been improved, and a multigrid preconditioner optimizes intensive routines, which reduces solution times and memory consumption: The larger the problem, the larger the gain in performance compared to its predecessor. Combining 64-bit support and solver enhancements enables FEMLAB to solve problems on the order of 10 million DOFs (degrees of freedom).
A new mapped meshing technique means users can use quad, brick, and prism elements for the discretization of geometries. For example, when modeling a semiconductor switching circuit to maximize its bandwidth, the high-aspect ratio geometry is set up by applying quad elements to the thin conductive layers that are plated on the silicon wafer, which the software in turn represents with a triangular mesh. FEMLAB 3.1 runs under Windows 98/2000/NT 4.0/XP as well as Linux, Solaris, and HP-UX. 64-bit support is available under Linux and under Unix (for the Solaris and HP-UX operating systems). The minimum system configuration is a Pentium processor, 256M bytes of RAM (512M bytes recommended), and an OpenGL-compatible graphics card.
Price: $6,995 (includes support and upgrades for 12 months). For details, visit comsol.com.
Integrated Software to Unfold Wireframe or Solid Models
Engineers and designers who use KeyCreator 3.0 CAD software from Kubotek USA (Marlborough, MA; kubotekusa.com) will now be able to create accurate flat pattern layouts faster and easier using the latest version of ProFold sheet-metal unfolding software from Applied Production, Inc. (Milford, OH; appliedproduc tion.com). There are three different levels: ProFold Solids, ProFold Wireframe, and ProFold Lite.
ProFold Solids unfolds solid models with a click of the mouse. It stores material and bend parameters in a database and automatically applies this data to the bends in your part. An interactive tree displays all the bends of the part, letting you fine-tune the parameters for each bend. The tree is color-coded, letting you know if the data was found in your bend table as well as whether the bend data is valid for that bend.
ProFold Wireframe, included with ProFold Solids, unfolds 3D wireframe models of sheet-metal parts. To save time in creating your models, it lets you create a basic 3D model and then enhances the model by adding the material thickness geometry and creating arcs in the bend areas. Your model is then ready for the solidifying process. ProFold Wireframe creates a chart showing bend parameters; you can specify the K-factor, allowing ProFold to calculate the bend allowance, or you can directly enter the bend allowance to be used. ProFold Lite is an entry-level program geared toward users whose parts are simple and have a limited number of bends.
ProFold enhances the sheet-metal capabilities of KeyCreator, complementing the geometry-based approach to design. ProFold simplifies the unfolding process, quickly developing the correct flat pattern while remaining within the design file. There are also versions for CADKEY and AutoCAD. For more information, visit appliedproduction.com.
Alias Suite Accelerates Design
A revamped suite of product and automotive design software from Alias (Toronto, ONT; alias.com) is said to hold the promise to accelerate the design process and improve concept design, model evaluation, design review, and production modeling. StudioTools 12, Alias ImageStudio 2, and Portfolio Wall 2 consist of a design suite aimed at helping industrial designers meet tighter deadlines and finalize concepts efficiently without compromising their goals.
Alias StudioTools 12 is a full digital design workflow in a single package, from 2D sketching to production modeling. Enhancements include real-time visualization features for collaborative evaluation of concepts. ImageStudio 2 is designed to streamline the process of preparing presentations by transforming 3D models built in StudioTools or CAD software into sophisticated imagery. Version2 includes new materials such as fabrics, woods, textured plastics, and liquids. Interactive rendering is also included and the release adds compatibility with the STEP format. Added IGES support brings its power to many 3D applications including Pro/Engineer and SolidWorks. New tools for Alias PortfolioWall 2, a visual collaboration product, enable design teams, executives, and managers to seamlessly share data, view, annotate, and obtain approval on 2D and 3D visual digital assets.
Price: $7,500 (StudioTools 12; runs on Windows XP, Windows 2000, and SGI IRIX); $1,499 (ImageStudio 2); $3,000 (PortfolioWall 2). ImageStudio 2 and PortfolioWall 2 run on Windows XP and Windows 2000. For more information, visit alias.com.
Offline CMM Programming Now Available for SolidWorks 2005
CMMWorks 1.7 is an offline coordinate measuring machine (CMM) programming and simulation package integrated into SolidWorks 2005 from AccuMetria (Eugene, OR; accume tria.com). The 3D mechanical design software is used to inspect parts and assemblies with an eye toward creating better products faster and more accurately. Version 1.7 features new probe path creation tools, more user customization, and additional CMM language postprocessors. As a SolidWorks Solution Partner product, CMMWorks now contains additional tools to inspect surface profiles and to update these surface inspection paths when the CAD model geometry changes.
CMMWorks is said to reduce CMM downtime, allow direct use of original SolidWorks geometry, and help prevent probe collisions through the use of CMM motion simulation. It uses dimension and tolerance information directly from the SolidWorks model, drawing, or assembly. Full online documentation and tutorials are provided, as are integrated postprocessors for DMIS 4.0, GeoMeasure, Tutor, and MicroMeasure 4. CMMWorks can also import CAD geometry from sources such as STEP, IGES, ACIS, and others. Visit accu metria.com for further information.
MachineWorks Introduces Metallic Effect Rendering
MachineWorks Ltd., (Sheffield, UK; machineworks.com) has developed enhancements to its latest V6.1 release, using real-time OpenGL rendering. It can now render a realistic metallic effect within its animations. 
MachineWorks’ new capabilities will offer users the option to add realistic metallic reflections into their applications, for further customization of model appearance. “After the release of version 6.1, we realized that the CAM market was still demanding a metallic look so we continue to enhance MachineWorks rendering features”, says Mike Nicholson, business development manager of MachineWorks.
Major enhancements of MachineWorks version 6.1 include analytical functions to improve the detection of collisions, gouges, and undercuts within its different engines. Version 6.1 not only supports OpenGL rendering with wire-frame, hidden line removal, color shading, and transparency, but also uses texture mapping and shadows to enhance the realistic effect.
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Leica Now Shipping New Scanner and Updated Software
Leica Geosystems HDS, Inc. (San Ramon, CA; hds.leica-geosystems.com) is shipping three new products: The HDS4500 laser scanner for plant and industrial applications; Cyclone 5.1, a specialized engineering software program for high-performance processing, registration, managing, and information extraction from large laser scan databases; and CloudWorx 3.0, software for processing and using laser scan data directly within CAD desktop software.
These products are designed to cut both field time and office costs for High-Definition Survey (HDS) projects (aka 3D laser scanning). These products are said to increase the efficiency of high-definition surveys that involve very large point cloud data sets.
Leica has now qualified the high-speed HDS4500 scanner to its standards and completed development of Cyclone 5.1 to operate the HDS4500 and process its data sets. With the HDS4500’s large field-of-view (max. 360° 3 310°) and high point density capabilities, data sets of 100 million points or more are increasingly common. In addition to operating an HDS4500, Cyclone 5.1 can also be used to operate HDS3000 and HDS2500 (or Cyrax 2500) laser scanners.
Existing customers with Cyclone 4.1 and Cyrax 2500 scanners can now upgrade to take advantage of the office productivity advances in Cyclone 5.1. These advances include managing large point cloud data sets efficiently (minimum ten-fold increase over Cyclone 4.1); faster navigation to specific areas of interest; easy selection of specific areas of interest within all available scan data; and faster (near real-time) processing for selecting specific point cloud areas and creating objects from the selected point cloud data.
Optical Design and Analysis Come to SolidWorks 2005 The programmers at Lambda Research Corp. (Littleton, MA; lambdares.com) have worked out TracePro support for SolidWorks 2005. Engineers and designers use TracePro and SolidWorks to analyze the effect of light properties on any geometry within SolidWorks and optimize these systems in terms of optical and mechanical characteristics.
TracePro allows users to integrate optical and solid modeling for fast and accurate illumination, optical, stray light, and radiometry, and photometry analysis. According to Lambda, optical CAD software supports seamless integration of mechanical and optical tools enabling easy modifications of mechanical and optical components to optimize design. For details, visit lambdares.com.
No-glasses 3D LCD Technology Now Available for Desktop ComputersSharp Systems of America (Huntington Beach, CA; sharpsystems.com) has introduced the Sharp LL-151-3D display, Sharp’s first stand-alone display featuring its 3D LCD technology. This 15-in. 3D LCD monitor delivers 3D images to the naked eye, and can be easily switched between 2D and 3D viewing for standard applications like spreadsheets, word processing, or e-mail.
The company’s target market segments are already familiar with 3D solutions using shutter glasses and page-sequential display mode, widely supported on PCs using both Windows and Linux. Users of graphics cards that currently support OpenGL 3D displays with glasses (such as the NVIDIA Quadro cards) will now be able to shed their shutter glasses. Target markets include design engineering, drug research, medical imaging, dental, mapping/GIS, oil and gas, entertainment, and education.
Developed jointly by Sharp Corp. and Sharp Laboratories Europe Ltd., TFT 3D LCD technology uses a parallax barrier to divide light from the LCD so that different patterns reach the viewer’s left and right eyes. The direction in which light leaves the display is controlled so that the left and right eyes see different images. When centered in front of the display, each eye receives the correct visual information for the brain to process. This makes it possible for the image on the screen to appear in 3D without the user having to wear special goggles.
The LL-151-3D monitor is a 3D LCD that can be switched between 2D and 3D display modes with the touch of a button (or through the unit’s USB automatic switching that recognizes your content), making the monitor flexible for use in standard 2D and enhanced 3D applications. With the 3D effect made possible through a parallax barrier, the panel is a 15-inch XGA (1024 3 768) LCD, which provides bright, clear pictures that show small details. It has 370-nit brightness and a 500:1 contrast ratio, features a height adjustment that also swivels 90 degrees, and is bundled with software for its 3D and multimedia capability. Price: $1,499 (est.).
A New Genesis for Desktop Analysis and Optimization
GENESIS for Windows is a fully integrated finite element analysis (FEA) and design optimization software package from Vanderplaats Research and Development (VRandD; Colorado Springs, CO; vrand.com). Analysis options include static, normal modes, direct and modal frequency analysis, heat transfer, and system buckling calculations. Optimization within GENESIS is performed by the well-established DOT and BIGDOT optimizers. This process typically requires less than 10 detailed FE analyses, even for large and complex design tasks. No special knowledge of optimization technology is required.
FEA and optimization is based on GENESIS solver from VRandD. The FEA pre- and postprocessing is based on the enterprise version of Femap software developed by UGS Corp. The pre- and postprocessing of design optimization information is performed using Optimization Plug-In for GENESIS (OPG), directly callable from within Femap, also developed by VRandD.
For more info, visit vrand.com.
New Spectral Processing Tools for Remote Sensing
ENVI 4.1 is the latest release of Research Systems, Inc. (RSI; Boulder, CO; rsinc.com). It includes new spectral processing and information extraction tools, updated support for file formats, enhanced orthorectification capabilities, and numerous ease-of-use improvements. Among its features are a new spectral angle mapper (SAM) Target Finder with BandMax wizard for finding the most relevant bands from a hyperspectral image; the sequential maximum angle convex cone (SMACC) to extract endmember spectra from a spectral image and map the subpixel abundances of those materials with even greater ease and speed; and improved data access tools.
Other enhancements to ENVI 4.1 include FLAASH 4.1, which allows for the correction of the effects of the atmosphere for both multispectral and hyperspectral images. It corrects for water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, methane, and ozone, as well as molecular and aerosol scattering and the adjacency effect. Enhanced orthorectification and image support are included, as are enhancements and new features that make it easier for both advanced and novice users to use, including an updated statistics reporting tool, the ability to export regions of interest directly to ESRI shapefiles, and more. SurfaceView has been improved as well, allowing regions of interest and vectors to be overlaid and automatic creation of 3608 rotations around a chosen point.
Spinfire ADDS 2d viz and Better Access for Tech and Non-tech Users
CAD data is more easily accessible to both technical and non-technical users through SpinFire Professional 2004 Version 2 from Actify Inc. (San Francisco, CA; actify.com). It adds 2D CAD visualization capabilities to its powerful 3D CAD visualization without requiring a CAD system. Version 2 enables access, communication, and distribution of multiple CAD formats throughout an enterprise, helping to cut costs and improve productivity for the high technology, automotive, industrial automation, and discrete manufacturing industries.
SpinFire is aimed at improving decision making and innovation by taking full advantage of the knowledge and experience of those members of a manufacturer’s staff who do not have access to CAD systems. It does that by making product information and 3D designs available throughout the enterprise using Digital Design Communications Technology.
SpinFire Professional supports files created in any major CAD file format, converting them into Actify’s unique .3D format. It allows for secure viewing, measuring, markup, and sharing of all major 2D and 3D data formats without needing to purchase and maintain seats of a native CAD system.
Other features include the ability to streamline communications by electronically organizing multiple documents—3D CAD, 2D CAD, PDF, Microsoft Office, TIFF, GIF, and other document types—in one compact .3D file; parts can be assembled or added as individual documents within the workspace; intellectual property can be protected without distributing original CAD files.
Price: $499. A free trial version of SpinFire Professional 2004v2 can be downloaded at actify.com.
Added view and markup Support for Autodesk and SolidWorks
Cimmetry’s (Montreal, QUE; cimmetry.com) latest service pack, AutoVue 18, adds support for Autodesk Inventor version 9 and SolidWorks version 2005.
AutoVue provides native viewing, printing, markup, digital mockup, and real-time collaboration support for engineering drawings, 2D CAD, 3D drawings, parts/assemblies, PCB layouts/schematics, and office documents. AutoVue is available as a Desktop Edition as well as a Client-Server Edition for Windows or Unix servers. For a complete list of formats supported by AutoVue, visit cimmetry.com.
NVIDIA comes to Solaris, Windows, and Linux
Sun Microsystems, Inc. (Santa Clara, CA; sun.com) and NVIDIA Corporation (Santa Clara, CA; nvidia.com) have joined forces to deliver NVIDIA Quadro graphics solutions on Sun Java workstations running Solaris, Windows, or Linux operating systems. Through this alliance, Sun has bundled NVIDIA technology with its new W1100z and W2100z workstations based on the AMD Opteron processor. More products will include this technology and the two companies are working together to tune and optimize the OpenGL implementation for Solaris on x86 to deliver an open, standards-based development environment.
With a single architecture, Sun Java workstations support simultaneous 32- and 64-bit computing, allowing users to maintain their existing x86 infrastructure while still enabling a smooth migration to next-generation 64-bit operating systems and applications. Sun offers a suite of NVIDIA solutions, including Quadro FX 4000 for extreme 3D performance, FX 3000 for high-end 3D performance, FX 1100 for mid-range performance, FX 500 for entry-level 3D value, and NVS 280 for professional 2D.
ExchangeR/Viewer Handles CATIA V5
Delcam (Windsor, ONT; delcam.com) has updated its data exchange and free-viewer product, PS-Exchange 4.1, to support both reading and writing CATIA V5 files. PS-Exchange operates as a stand-alone solution to everyday data translation problems, offering a pay-per-translation interface that requires no uploading of CAD data. PS-Exchange also integrates with other Delcam products to provide interoperability with other CAD/CAM solutions. For more details, go to delcam.com.
On-Demand Processing
Etrage (Waltham, MA; etrage.com) has added on-demand processing capability to its PSI (Plot Service for Pro/Intralink) software for producing hard copy drawings and plots from Pro/Intralink (PTC; Needham, MA; ptc.com). Plots or files are created automatically when an object stored in Pro/Intralink is promoted to an approved release level. The new functionality provides on-demand processing for users through a web browser as well as batch capabilities for PDM Administrator.
Visit the Etrage website at etrage.com to download an evaluation copy of PSI.
Motion, Durability, and Acoustic Simulator IntegrateS with CATIA V5
LMS Virtual.Lab Designer from LMS International (Troy, MI; lmsintl.com) is a CATIA V5 add-on that gives users direct access to dedicated simulation solutions for system dynamics, acoustics, and durability. The suite delivers mesh- based design capabilities that let users quickly modify FE models and efficiently analyze multiple design options. Because it’s fully embedded in CATIA V5, it enables analysis of parts and systems upfront in the design process in the user’s native PLM solution.
Designer also provides direct access to a range of simulation capabilities for structural analysis using NASTRAN and ANSYS. The CATIA V5 embedded simulation capabilities eliminate time-consuming data transfers and translations, guarantee a full association between the CAD design and simulation processes, and facilitate the analysis of multiple design options. It is fully compatible and upscalable to the complete LMS Virtual.Lab suite, which offers integrated simulation capabilities for multiple engineering disciplines. This lets CATIA V5 users supplement their simulation capabilities with advanced functionality and industry-specific vertical simulation applications, and to gradually extend their installation as the scope and diversity of their simulation needs evolve.
manageR Provides Full View of Product Testing
A new test management solution from TechExcel, Inc. (Lafayette, CA; techexcel.com) is aimed at automating test coverage creation, test planning and scheduling, and tracking. DevTest is expected to reduce both the costs and inefficiencies of software and product testing by streamlining testing.
DevTest lets QandA managers and engineers create, manage, and document all test plans in a centralized repository. Users can schedule and assign tests to teams using a wizard-driven interface. Once assigned, testers execute tasks, and defects can be automatically submitted to development projects based on test case status. Built-in presentation-quality reports and a unique planning dashboard give test leads, and managers gain a dynamic view of project status. For more details, visit techexcel.com.
Hoops Technology Extends Popular Viewer
Tech Soft America (TSA; Oakland, CA; hoops3d.com) has licensed its HOOPS 3D technology to Autodesk (San Rafael, CA; autodesk. com). The HOOPS 3D Application Framework and HOOPS Stream Toolkit help power the 3D viewing capability in Autodesk DWF Viewer 5 and help enable the 3D compression in the DWF file format. DWF enables engineers to create, manage, and share 3D product models across the enterprise and among suppliers.
By incorporating the HOOPS 3D framework, Autodesk has added 3D rendering capabilities to its DWF Viewer. By leveraging the stream toolkit, Autodesk could add highly compressed 3D data to its DWF format. You can view and print 3D DWF files with the free, downloadable DWF Viewer 5. Visit autodesk.com for details.
Fast, Economical large-format Digital Plotting
The TDS300 large-format black-and-white digital copy and plot system from Océ (Chicago, IL; oceusa.com) is designed for low-volume firms and workgroups seeking to combine check plotting and copying in one system.
The TDS300 is suited for outfits that copy and print up to 30 D-sized drawings per day. Features include one-touch digital copying of up to 99 copies from each original with no refeeding; one-step reduction and enlargement of prints from 25 to 400%; file processing and printing of up to three D-sized drawings per minute; filtration of difficult originals and compromised backgrounds while sharpening text and images; and a 600dpi print engine that delivers laser-quality documents.
For more, visit oceusa.com.
Speed legacy Paper to Digital Repository
ScanDEX-IX, the newest addition to the IDEAL (Rockville, MD; ideal.com) ScanDEX software line, adds browser-based document distri- bution to the scanning, indexing, and archiving features of ScanDEX Pro, facilitating the migration of paper, film, and aperture card archives to a digital print room.
ScanDEX-IX enables users to scan, store, and index images in a database with an unlimited number of fields. Images are stored as files in subdirectories named by project numbers. Indexing features include automatic loading of images to be indexed, automatic zooming to areas on image for each field, use of default values, and macros. It supports multiple scanners on a single workstation to speed archiving.
ScanDEX-IX has three modes: design, insert, and query. Design mode lets users define database and index fields; insert mode lets users control incoming scanned documents with automated document indexing using text zones and OCR to capture title block information; and query mode lets users work with the archive. The new IX feature uses IntraNETIX technology to enable users to access the scan controller with a web browser, allowing them to search, view, and print stored documents from their desktops remotely.
ScanDEX-IX also enables archiving to CD and DVD. It supports many native document file formats and multiple databases, and enables sharing of wide-format network printers and plotters.
A free evaluation version is available via e-mail to [email protected].
Oven Temp Datalogger Profiles/Records Events
The OM-CP-THERMOVAULT is a thermally insulated, battery powered, stand-alone datalogger for thermal profiling of events from Omega (Stamford, CT; omega.com). This compact, portable, and easy-to-use device will record the temperature inside an oven for later downloading to a PC. It measures up to 16,383 temperature measurements and withstands oven temperatures reaching 4008C (7528F) for up to 10 minutes when properly sealed. Its real-time clock ensures that all data is time and date stamped. The storage medium is nonvolatile solid state memory, providing maximum data security even if the battery becomes discharged. Data retrieval is simple. Plug it into an empty COM port and the embedded software takes over. The software converts your PC into a real-time strip chart recorder and data can be printed in graphical or tabular format, reporting to a text or Microsoft file. Price: $999. For more, visit omega.com.
SigmaPlot 9 Released
SigmaPlot 9.0 technical graphing and data analysis software from Systat Software (Point Richmond, CA; systat.com) fully integrates with SigmaStat 3.1 to give users powerful statistical output and graph creation. SigmaStat is a guided statistical analysis software package for engineers and scientists who are not statisticians.
New features include graphing enhancements; tools for analyzing data from basic statistics to advanced mathematical calculations (nonlinear curve fitting, Regression Wizard improvements for assumption verification, and plot equation and solver improvements); and worksheet enhancements that work more like Excel.
A fully functional demo version is available for download at systat.com. Prices: $699 (single user). SigmaStat 3.1: $599 (single user); $499 (academic seat).
Fast ray-tracing for CATIA
ART VPS Ltd. (Cambridge, UK; artvps.com) has released a new software interface that makes hardware-accelerated ray-tracing available to CATIA V5 and ENOVIA V5 users. The new interface, called RenderPipe for CATIA, integrates CATIA and ENOVIA with ART VPS’s RenderDrive visualization system. RenderDrive simulates the complex physics of the real world to create an image from a 3D CAD m
