SKETCHUP EXCHANGE
Capability: Google SketchUp, available for free, is a popular 3-D CAD system. Data exchange between SketchUp and other CAD software, however, lags as not all CAD software packages include read or write support for SketchUp. A number of data-exchange plug-ins available from Sycode translate data between SketchUp and many major CAD packages. The plug-ins can be broadly classified into two categories: CAD file import and export plug-ins for SketchUp; and SketchUp import and export plug-ins for other CAD software.
Hardware: PC running Internet, SketchUp, and applicable CAD system.
Developer: Sycode, S1/116, Nova Cidade Complex, NH 17, Alto Porvorim, Goa 403521, India; (91-982) 2689298; fax (91-832) 2416615; www.sycode.com.
Cost: $127 to $260, depending on plug-in.
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PCB DESIGN
Capability: A printed circuit board design application, CADStar, has been updated to version 11. New features include pin-management functions that support high pin count devices, new library management wizards, expanded capabilities for the place and route editor, an enhanced library searcher facility, and improved manufacturing output.
Hardware: PC running Windows, NT, or XP.
Developer: Zuken, 238 Littleton Road, Suite 100, Westford, MA 01886; (978) 692-4900; fax (978) 692-4725; www.zuken.com.
Cost: $1,000 starting.
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INSERT DRAWINGS IN DOCUMENTS
Capability: A free download from Adobe updates 3-D CAD translators for Acrobat 9 Pro Extended. As a result, the product now supports the latest version of many of the major 3-D CAD formats. The product is used to create presentations, review documents interactively, and include 3-D images in documents.
Hardware: PC running Windows 2000, NT, XP, or Macintosh operating system 10 as well as Acrobat 9 Pro Extended and appropriate CAD application.
Developer: Adobe Systems Inc., 345 Park Ave., San Jose, CA 95110-2704; (408) 536-6000; fax (408) 537-6000; www.adobe.com.
Cost: Free translator download at www.adobe.com/go/apex3d_update.
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EXPANDED OPTIONS
Capability: The three-dimensional computer-aided design package Alibre Design has been upgraded to version 11. New features reduce the time it takes to perform common modeling tasks, and expanded customization options give the user control over the design interface. Both 2-D and assembly modeling performance are upgraded and included. The addition of the Alibre Vault now provides integrated data and process management for all files and workflows. Two enhanced versions of the software are also available: Alibre Design Professional, which includes sheet metal design and a data management tool, and Alibre Design Expert, which includes everything in the professional version as well as additional analyses and manufacturing solutions.
Hardware: PC running Windows 2000, XP, or NT.
Developer: Alibre Inc., 1701 N. Greenville Ave., Suite 702, Richardson, TX 65081; (972) 671-8492; fax (972) 671-8493; www.alibre.com.
Cost: $999 for Alibre Design; $1,499 for Alibre Design Professional; $1,999 for Alibre Design Expert.
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PLOTTING IN EXCEL
Capability: EZplot has been updated for Excel 2000-2007. The software application creates and updates more than 50 plots in Excel. Plots and calculations are defined by parameter names rather than by cell locations. The application provides formulas for 2-D interpolation, 3-D interpolation, and polynomials. Formulas can be used like any other Excel formula. Chart events capture changes made to charts and write them back to the application. The plot package script is generated automatically. Add-ons include Contour Plot and Multy_Y. The Multy_Y program creates multiple y axes plots in Excel. Users can provide internal and external customers with Excel plots or insert them as pictures into PowerPoint via an add-on called Insert Pics.
Hardware: PC running Windows 2000, NT, XP, or Vista.
Developer: Office Expander, 233 Main St., North Andover, MA 01845; (978) 758-8599; www.OfficeExpander.com.
Cost: $125.
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