EXCHANGE DRAWINGS
Capability: With Syncode's AutoCAD add-ins, engineers can work with drawing and drawing exchange files when using the computer-aided design program SolidWorks. Although that CAD program does, in fact, read and write AutoCAD DWG and DXF files, it doesn't support all versions of those file formats. For example, SolidWorks 2007 can't read and write AutoCAD 2008 DWG and DXF files. Thus, the vendor's AutoCAD 3-D interoperability add-ins for SolidWorks are designed to remove these limitations. The add-ins are: DWG Import for SolidWorks, DXF Import for SolidWorks, DWG Export for SolidWorks, and DXF Export for SolidWorks. The DWG and DXF import add-ins read 3-D solid geometry from DWG or DXF files and create corresponding solid bodies in a SolidWorks part or assembly.
Hardware: PC running Windows 2000 or NT.
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: $290.
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DESIGN FOR EVERYONE
Capability: The 3-D design application SpaceClaim Professional 2007+ now includes a perpetual licensing option. The design software lets the development team import and work with an engineer's model, without having to understand the method used to construct it. The software ensures full access to product data through its open XML data format. The data are available for third-party applications. The newest release includes the capability to create sheet metal parts, as well as to open and modify sheet metal parts originating in other CAD systems. Additionally, designers can work with lightweight assemblies, make 3-D modifications to a 2-D section, add and modify dimensions, and integrate with CAD-neutral partner applications.
Hardware: PC running Windows XP or Vista.
Developer: SpaceClaim Corp., 150 Baker Ave. Extension, Concord, MA 01742; (978) 482-2100; fax (978) 369-5864; www.spaceclaim.com.
Cost: $2,550 for a perpetual license; $425 for a one-year subscription.
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SMALL-BUSINESS CAM
Capability: Fab It! 2008 is a customizable computer-aided manufacturing software package targeted to the small to midsize company that wants to verify its designs for manufacturing. With this CAM program, companies can edit and output data, extract nets, merge Gerber files, and write customized scripts and macros. It includes a universal scripting engine with which users can write custom scripts and full applications in varied programming languages.
Hardware: PC running Windows XP or Vista, or the Linux operating system.
Developers: Numerical Innovations LLC, 4660 La Jolla Village Dr., Suite 50028, San Diego, CA 92122; (858) 272-9952; fax (858) 430-2705; numericalinnovations.com.
Cost: $1,295 for a single-user license; $1,995 for a network floating license.
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LEARN CAD BY EAR
Capability: Delcam, a CAD and CAM software vendor, now offers a CAD training program as a series of podcasts for download from the iTunes Web site. The complete program comprises 27 tutorials, covering all stages from basic sketching to solid and surface modeling. The podcasts are intended mainly for design and engineering students seeking an introduction to CAD techniques, although they can also be helpful for anyone who wants to gain a basic knowledge of CAD. These tutorials can be used in tandem with the vendor's free PowerSHAPE-e release, which contains educational surface and solid modeling tools. That application saves part-completed models, enabling longer projects to be undertaken in a series of sessions. It also includes an additional set of tutorials that demonstrate a broader range of methods for using CAD. Students can use PowerSHAPE-e to create a portfolio of their work to show potential employers.
Hardware: PC with iTunes access.
Developer: Delcam, 275 E. South Temple, Suite 305, Salt Lake City, UT 84111; (801) 575-6021; fax (801) 575-5017; www.delcam.com.
Cost: Free.
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DOS-BASED CAD
Capability: General CADD Pro is a two-dimensional CAD and drafting program that includes many features of the developer's generic CADD, a DOS-based CAD. The upgrade features include speed increase for the dimensions and text option and better selection rules when objects like components, fills, hatch, and text are on top of one another.
Platform: PC running Windows 2000 or XP.
Developer: General CADD Products Inc., 1 Railroad Ave., Cherry Valley, NY 13320; www.generalcadd.com.
Cost: $599 for a single-seat license; $299 for future upgrades.
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