Latest News
August 1, 2006
By DE Editors
New NVIDIA Graphics Cards for Mobile Workstations
High-perfonace cards for small packages.
NVIDIA (Santa Clara, CA) has announced three new NVIDIA Quadro FX graphics cards.
The NVIDIA Quadro FX 350M graphics card is designed specificallyfor thin and light mobile workstations. The NVIDIA Quadro FX1500M, is a high-performance, detailed image entry, whereas the NVIDIAQuadro FX 2500M, which has 512MB of graphics memory, is designed for enhanced performance. This new line of graphics solutions areincorporated in the M90 and M65 Dell Precision mobileworkstations June and July 2006 issues of DE).
NVIDIA Quadro FX mobile solutions offer the same features found inNVIDIA solutions for desktop-based professional workstations, includingfeatures like 12-bit sub-pixel precision and full 32-bit floating-pointprecision, as well as many other capabilities.
For more information on the new Quadro graphics solutions, visit NVIDIA. For complete details on the Dell Precision M90 andM65 mobile workstations, go to their landing page, click here.
The NVIDIA Quadro FX series of graphics cards received the most votesin our June 2006 issue. Vote for your favorite from this issue on the last page of this section.
The MathWorks (Natick, MA) has released Simulink Report Generator 3,said to have new features to simplify data exchange and share designmodels throughout an organization. It now has a Web View Exportingfeature to create interactive renditions of Simulink and Stateflowmodels viewable in a Web browser.
The Web View Exporting feature builds on the previous multi-formatreport capabilities of Simulink Report Generator, so that you cannavigate and view model hierarchy on a browser the same way you do inSimulink. By creating royalty-free Web views that look and feel likeSimulink models, The Mathworks feels users will have a better visualunderstanding of the model, its construction, hierarchy, andparameters, and will no longer need to manually create, print out, andreview paper documents.
Simulink Report Generator is runs on Windows, Unix/Linux, and Macintoshplatforms.
Price: $1,000 (to start).
For more on Simulink ReportGenerator and to view a Webinar, click here.
CEI (Apex, NC) is now offering EnSight Lite, a new application thatdelivers the key features of the company’s EnSight visualizationsoftware at half the price. EnSight Lite is aimed at small- andmedium-sized companies, large companies looking to maximize theirvisualization investment across the enterprise, and academicinstitutions.
EnSight Lite supports major CAE solvers, with more than 60 interfacesfor finite element, CFD, structural, crash, dynamic, and hydrocodeanalysis. It runs on 32-bit platforms, including Linux, Windows, andMac OS X. EnSight, EnSight Gold, and EnSight DR support 64-bitplatforms.
EnSight Lite uses the same icon-based interface as EnSight and includesadvanced features for global and part attributes, query, plotting, pagelayouts, reports, and high-end animation. EnSight Lite users will havefree access to EnLiten and EnVideo, packages that enable geometry,animation, and images from the EnSight family of products.
A wide range of data types are handled by EnSight Lite from 1D linearand quadratic elements to complex vectors and rigid body transforms.
Price: $2,500 (commercial license); $625 (academic).
For more information, visit the CEI website.
Coraid (San Clemente, CA) has teamed with 28Frost (Bellingham, WA;2degrees frost.com) to extend its EtherDrive Storage products to Mac OSX. The AoE Driver for Mac OS X from 28Frost offers storage for lessthan $1 per GB.
According to a press release, EtherDrive Storage uses high-capacitydisks and low-cost networking for massively scalable storage whilecutting costs. EtherDrive Storage is said to have the ability to scaleone disk at a time to multi-PetaBytes of capacity.
Coraid’s EtherDrive Storage products offer 1U and 3U platforms thatinclude internal RAID (0,1,5,10) capability for hot-swappable SATA1 orSATA2 disk drives. The AoE (ATA over Ethernet) driver is available forboth Intel and PowerPC systems. It can be downloaded by clicking here.
Price: $159 (client edition); $319 (server edition).
For information about EtherDrive Storage for other operating systems, click here.
Materialise (Leuven, Belgium, and Ann Arbor, MI) says that Magics X,the tenth generation of its RPandM suite, “has been thoroughlyrenovated.” Features highlighted in the company’s statements to thepress include a new UI (user interface), a new highly efficient memorystructure, and enhancements to its rendering capabilities andalgorithms.
Magics X offers a range of new and enhanced functions that target easeof use and efficiency. For example, its new UI is said to be intuitiveand easy to use. Additionally, the Magics X toolbars and shortcuts arecustomizable to your workflows. Other efficiency enhancements includethe *.Magics file format, which stores all project components together,and a customizable “My Machines” folder that gives you access to yourmachines quickly.
Magics X deploys a new memory structure that stores the triangles moreefficiently. This, the company says, enables Magics X to run fasterthan previous versions while letting you work with larger and morefiles simultaneously than you could with earlier versions.Additionally, optimized algorithms in Magics X couple with the newmemory structure to make file handling faster and rendering bothsmoother and faster.
File import enhancements include better CAD conversion capabilities andmulti-part-file import; improved surface mesh quality; and conversionof sliced files (SLC) to STL files. Miscellaneous enhancements includedraw support directly in 3D on your part; progress bars; automated 3Dnesting for handling large files; and new functionality for advancedSTL fixing.
For complete details, click here.
ESPRIT FX is the new “Feature eXchange” technology by DP Technology(Camarillo, CA). According to a company press release, ESPRIT FX allowsusers to capture the original design intent, clearly define what theuser is machining, and program parts more quickly and accurately.
FX technology provides portions of the original CAD Feature Treedirectly inside the ESPRIT user interface, thereby including theoriginal design intent—features, tolerances, material properties,surface finishes, administrative data, etc. Using the FXtechnology, the CAD features and associated properties are mapped intomachinable features. These features and properties are then fed intothe ESPRIT KnowledgeBase, which aids the user in automaticallyselecting how to machine the part based upon best practices.
Within ESPRIT 2007, the FX technology applied to milling allows usersto distinguish between the types of a given feature. As anexample, a Solid model may contain a hole, but the Solid model itselfprovides no definition in regards to the type of hole or tolerances tobe applied. Using the FX technology, which provides access to theoriginal CAD feature tree, one can distinguish between hole types anddetermine thread pitches and tolerances. The feature name andfeature description, made available by the ESPRIT FX technology, arealso commonly used to understand what is being machined.
ESPRIT FX will begin shipping with ESPRIT 2007 to all new and existingESPRIT customers. Native support is planned for such majorsolids-based CAD systems as CATIA, Inventor, Pro/Engineer, Solid Edge,SolidWorks, and Unigraphics. Additionally, the ESPRIT FXtechnology is exposed through the ESPRIT API and through the use ofESPRIT’s built-in Visual Basic capabilities, meaning that ESPRITprogrammers now have access to this technology from their Visual Basicmacros.
For more information, click here.
SigmaPlot 10, the latest version of the scientific graphing and dataanalysis software package from Systat Software, Inc. (Point Richmond,CA), is now available. SigmaPlot 10 provides researchers with newfeatures to analyze data and create publication-quality graphs ofresults for presentation or publication.
According to a press release, SigmaPlot 10 is specifically designed tomeet the needs of professional researchers. The latest version containsworkflow improvements, new enhancements to the curve fitting engine,and a range of graphing options that allow users to customize graphsfor effective communication.
New features include a start-up screen that allows both new and powerusers to jump into their workflow with easy access to recent documents,use as templates for new work, and fast import of Excel and Accessdocuments; a Submission Assistant with graph requirements for 22leading journals; direct SAS and Minitab data file import; access toreal-time feedback of graph coordinates; and the ability to easilytrack and log changes to notebooks from multiple users, simplifyingsecurity and 21 CFR Part 11 compliance.
There are many new graphing enhancements and users can access 30 of themost frequently used statistical procedures for analyzing scientificresearch directly from the SigmaPlot statistics menu by integratingSigmaPlot 10 with SigmaStat 3.5R. The SigmaStat Advisor Wizard guidesusers through their data analysis.
Prices: $699 (SigmaPlot 10 single user); $499 (academic RandD); $599(SigmaStat 3.5 single user); $499 (academic RandD). Upgradesavailable.
For more information and a demo version, click here.
Kyocera Micro Tools (Irvine, CA) is now offering an expanded line ofmicro end mills, drills, routers, and engravers, ranging in uses frommachining and tubing to medical milling applications.
Kyocera’s micro tool product diameters range from 0.0015 inch to 2.250inch. According to the company Kyocera Micro tools can deliver20-micron diameter tolerance in its tools. The company has amicro-machining lab to verify performance.
Manufacturing quality micro tools involves more than just miniaturizinglarger tools. It requires meticulous diameter design, tooling, andprocessing to create tools that produce flawless surfaces finishes andhave higher consistency than lasers. Kyocera also offers engineeringexperience for tool design of standard and custom products.
For additional information and to access a video, click here.
ACME Portable Machines, Inc. (Azusa, CA) describes its EMP 370 as alarge-scale rugged portable computer with a 17-inch non-glare screen,detachable 108-key keyboard, and seven open card slots. Built around ashock-resistant aluminum lunchbox-style case, the EMP 370 is said toenhance user functionality.
According to a press release, in addition to its large keyboard andscreen, the system provides dual cooling fans, two 5.25-in. and two3.5-in. bays for shock-isolated disks, CD, or DVD drives, and space forseven full-length PCI, ISA, or PCI/ISA expansion cards. A Genesis 5621analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) board is already included, mated tothe ATX backboard. A 10-key pad and fingertip mousepad are part of thepackage. Overall dimensions are 13.5 in. x 17 in. x 9.5 in.
The EMP 370 is designed for field service applications where laptopcomputers are not flexible enough. These include geophysical dataacquisition, law enforcement forensic (CSI) work, factory floor, forestservice, and fire, and medical emergency applications, among otherswhere performance and ruggedness are equally important. An amplifiedspeaker is included for in-field presentations. The standard 17-in.screen comes with tempered anti-glare glass but can be replaced with anoptional transflective sunlight-readable LCD for making presentationsin bright daylight.
Price: $3,799 (to start). For more information and full specifications, click here.
A new high-end data acquisition processor (DAP) board from MicrostarLaboratories (Bellevue, WA) is said to offer 16-bit data acquisition atup to 500ksps, and converts one million (1M) values per second with16-bit resolution on each of two onboard analog outputs. The DAP5216a/627, powered by a 400MHz CPU, provides “fast and significant"processing under Windows.
The DAP 5216a/627 includes 16 analog inputs, 2 analog outputs, 16digital inputs, and 16 digital outputs. External rack-mounted hardwarecan extend these channel counts to 512, 66, 128, and 1024 respectively.The maximum digital input and output rates are both 2Msps on all 16channels each way, even when running concurrently. The onboard AMDK6-III+ processor provides real-time processing and low latency (0.1 mstask time quantum) for fast response.
According to a press release, the DAP board provides systems with anadditional processor running a real-time operating system that can becontrolled from a Windows application. It is viewed as freeingapplications from system delays and enabling the application ofcomputing power when and where needed. Users can sample data andcontrol a process anywhere at any time.
DAP boards acquire data, converting analog signals into digital values.These digital values stream through conceptual pipes on the board thatcan be set up ahead of time using DAPstudio. The onboard processorperforms any required operations as it transfers data from pipe topipe. Users can choose these onboard operations from more than 100commands available in DAPL, where a typical application might requiresix or seven. The commands issued to DAPL configure the DAP for theapplication, determine what low-level tasks the board will perform, andhow it will respond with any control signals required.
At each step in the process, DAPstudio presents the next step as bothobvious and compelling. At the end of the session documentation isautomatically produced that defines the application, which can then berun from any PC on a network without the need for custom programming orother software. If desired, however, the board can be configured andcontrolled using LabVIEW, MATLAB, C++, VB, and other applications thatallow DLL calls.
Price: $3,995. DAPstudio costs $199. The company provides unrestrictedversions of both hardware and software for evaluation at no charge. Formore information, click here.
Enginuity Development Inc. (Chicago IL) has announced TEAM—TotalEngineering Awareness Management—a toolset design to help organizationsmanage project communications and tasks.
JAVA web-enabled, TEAM enables you to create any number of teams withany number of members. Using its TSI (Task Status Index) feature, youcan build a ranking index of projects and tasks based on task status,priorities, and due dates. TSI calculates a numerical value from thisdata for individual tasks, groups of tasks, departments, assignees, andyour entire organization. The ranking is then displayed as a bar charton your dashboard, enabling you to identify the condition quickly.
TEAM’s project team communications feature enables you to view otherteam members and their roles within the team, and send e-mail to teammembers.
TEAM is part of the EDM ECO (engineering change order) management andcommunications system, which also includes the Octane web-based requestrouting system. Future modules include integrated request management,projects, meeting minutes, and FMEA (failure mode and effectsanalysis).
Price: $1,500 (unlimited users).
For complete details, click here.
Omega Engineering Inc. (Stamford, CT) has enhanced its website with anew Probe Configurator that guides you through all the steps and thedecisions required to configure and price a probe.
Graphics step you through the process and help build a probe with thecomponents selected. At each step, you can get context-sensitive helpby rolling the pointer over buttons labeled with a question mark. If you choose a component incompatible with previous specifications, abox pops up to explain the problem and direct you to a validalternative. If you need more guidance, live support is available.
Once done, you receive a model number and a price for your customizedprobe. Omega also provides the projected delivery time and offers theoption of ordering, editing your configuration, or building another.
To try the online configurator, click here.
CNC machine tool programming solution developer Gibbs and Associates(Moorpark, CA) says it will introduce enhancements tothe GibbsCAM Machine Simulation option at IMTS 2006 at McCormick Placein Chicago on September 6-13.
Complementary to GibbsCAM’s integral Cut Part Rendering, which supportsmaterial removal simulation and verification, GibbsCAM MachineSimulation capability supports simulation and validation of a CNCprogram’s machine tool motion, including 5-axis simultaneous millingmachines.
This latest version of GibbsCAM Machine Simulation adds support forturning, mill/turn, and multitask machine tools. Machine tools modelscan be built and set up like the real machine tool, then the CNCprogram is simulated for validation prior to running the CNC program onthe actual machine tool. The GibbsCAM Machine Simulation option isscheduled to be demonstrated at IMTS booth D-3001 along with the latestproductivity enhancements available in the newest version of GibbsCAM.
For more information about Gibbs and Associates and its CAM software packages, click here.
IO2 Technology (San Francisco, CA) announced the release of theHeliodisplay M2, its second-generation Heliodisplay free-space display.Like the first-generation Heliodisplay M1, the Heliodisplay M2 displayshigh-resolution, full-color video in thin air, without a physicalscreen.
According to a press release, the M2 features a screen area 87% largerthan that of the M1 and boasts many other image and use improvements.With its new design, the M2 can be installed under a table so thatvideo can suddenly appear to be floating in the air in front of theviewer.
IO2 Enterprise division offers custom-built high-end display solutionsbased on the Heliodisplay technology. For further information on IO2Technology, or to purchase a Heliodisplay M2, click here.
LMS (Leuven, Belgium) announced the release of LMS Virtual.Lab Rev 6.This new release ia said to offer an advanced and unified modelingenvironment, integrating model creation and simulation tools to performsystem-level performance analyses. This change, says the company,eliminates the effort to create individual models for separatedisciplines and allows cross-attribute analyses.
LMS Virtual.Lab Rev 6 offers new and completed applications forstructural analysis, acoustics simulation, noise and vibrationprediction, system dynamics analysis and durability simulation, andextended automation and customization capabilities. Rev 6 now has64-bit data processing support for complex models and reducescalculation times 30 to 50 percent.
LMS says that the updated unified modeling environment, whichintegrates all the required model creation tools and multidisciplinarysimulation capabilities, enable you to assess system-level performancefor a complete car, a full aircraft or any other complex mechanicalassembly. Working from a single data model, you can analyze thesystem’s behavior in multiple performance aspects like dynamicstiffness, strength, noise and vibration, durability, vehicle ride andhandling, or the dynamic performance of mechanical systems.
Rev 6 also marks the introduction of a new value-based licensingsystem, giving users flexible access to the full portfolio of LMSVirtual.Lab applications.
For additional details, click here.
Until this past July, Z Corporation (Burlington, MA) was known as amaker of multicolor 3D printers. But now Z Corp. has branched into anew market with the introduction of its ZScanner 700, the company’sfirst handheld, self-positioning 3D scanner.
Since the ZScanner is a hand-held self-positioning device, it does notrequire fixed-position tripods, mechanical arms, or externalpositioning devices that must be within the line of sight of the targetsurface. This enables you to scan hard-to-reach surfaces, such asunderneath a car’s dashboard, that are difficult to scan with manyother systems.
“What’s unique about the Zscanner,” said John M. Kawola, Z Corp.‘sExecutive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Business Developmentin a briefing with DE, “is that it captures STL surface details in realtime” rather than just collecting point clouds for later surfacing.
As it captures data in STL format, the ZScanner also captures it as asingle, continuous scan rather than numerous shots from fixedpositions. This eliminates post-processing time required to integratestatic shots into a cohesive scan. This characteristic when combinedwith STL data capture means that, once you are done your scan, you canimport the data into your 3D MCAD system or output to a 3D printerimmediately.
Z Corp. describes the ZScanner 700 as “the first part-referenced 3Dscanner,” meaning that the part to be scanned becomes its own groundreference rather than some object. Thus, you can move the target objectduring scanning.
The ZScanner 700 relies on a series of sticky dots that you place asyou will on your object of interest. You then “paint” the hand-heldunit’s projected laser crosshair over the object. Dual cameras recordthe surface, and the supplied software, ZScan, generates a polygon meshof the surface on your computer’s display screen in real time. Systemaccuracy is said to be within ±0.05mm, and it can detect changes insurface height down to 0.1mm.
The ZScanner 700 is available immediately for $39,900. Among theaccessories included in the purchase price are a laptop computer, ZScansoftware, cables, and a carrying case. For more information, click here.
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About the Author
DE’s editors contribute news and new product announcements to Digital Engineering.
Press releases may be sent to them via [email protected].
