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| The latest information on CAD/CAM software and
technology
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March 12 2008
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Varieties of virtual
reality
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All of us are pretty familiar now with the idea of creating and
exploring virtual worlds. In a kind of ironic twist, you can now make
your virtual objects into "real" life. For example, Fabjectory takes
your SketchUp character or SecondLife avatar and builds them into
full-color figurines. The highly detailed figures are built
layer-by-layer on a Z-Corp. RP machine.
And in an interesting application of virtual reality, Stanford Univ.
researchers have designed an algorithm that lets users create 3D
"flythroughs" of almost any 2D image. The Make3D Web site
says the researchers taught the algorithm about depth and orientation by
feeding it still images of a particular scene along with 3D
laser-scanner data of the same scene. They then correlated the data.
Potential uses of the algorithm could include improving a mobile
robot’s vision.
Comments? Questions? Send them in, and we might print them here!
— Leslie Gordon
lgordon@penton.com
blog
Second Life: Pez Balut
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You’ve torn your rotator cuff delivering heat across the plate.
What now? You’re in for tendon-repair surgery, significant rehab, and
the ever-present risk of re-injury. But tissue engineers want to change
all that.
For decades medical researchers have been looking into what makes
tissues grow and heal effectively. The factors are as varied as the
tissues they study, but one constant remains: Cells heal better with a
framework to grow on. Called extra cellular matrices (ECMs), these
frameworks occur naturally in healthy tissue. Tissue engineers are
investigating new ways to artificially create and deliver the
scaffolding that can speed healing. Full article
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Soon after computers entered the technology landscape, finiteelement
analysis (FEA) emerged as a method to solve real-world engineering
problems. The work of engineers, applied mathematicians, and physicists
over the years showed that FEA could potentially solve for any system of
physical phenomena through its use of partial differential equations
(PDEs). Those equations mathematically describe physical effects such as
fluid motion, electromagnetic fields, and structural mechanics. FEA was
a way to translate these well-known mathematical models into an
approximate digitally rendered display. Full article
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Remember the old idea of "concurrent engineering?" Although a fad
years ago, the method has become part of how we operate today. You can
credit concurrent engineering and its emphasis on thinking about
manufacturing up front for ideas such as balancing the cost of a mold
and where to gate a part. Full article
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SpaceExplorer and SpacePilot three-axis mice are now supported by HP
Remote Graphics Software Version 5. This means users can "fly" through
3D scenes and move 3D objects when accessing their workstations remotely
from computers with the software installed. Users can also manipulate
objects and scenes while collaborating in real time on projects. The
mice and the software together are said to almost eliminate latency
issues when exploring even the largest 3D models from a remote location.
3Dconnexion, 2010 N.1st St., #510, San Jose, CA 95131,(408)
376-2500, 3D Connection
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Announcing the new Pro/ENGINEER
Wildfire 4.0 Interactive Tour!
 The newest release of
Pro/ENGINEER delivers a wealth of new and enhanced capabilities across
the board. From detailed design, to design outsourcing, verification and
validation, data import and repair, manufacturing tooling and equipment
design, electromechanical design-and much, much more!
Loaded with dozens of mini-demos, the Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 4.0
Interactive Tour lets you experience, first-hand, the features and
functionality available with the latest release.
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Algor V21 FEA software includes new meshing algorithms and a new
modeling feature that work together to provide better mesh matching and
contact detection in complex assemblies. V21 lets users calculate mass
transfer due to diffusion in 3D transient analysis. The program also
provides full 3D displays of 2D axis symmetric and planar model results
and includes a new material model for soils as well as fracture
mechanics to simulate crack propagation in structures. V21 includes
KeyCreator CAD software and supports CoCreate OneSpace Modeling 2007.
Algor Inc., 150 Beta Dr.,Pittsburgh, PA 15238(412) 967-2700, Algor.com
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The Connex500 3D printer can build parts with one, two, or more
materials, eliminating the need to design, print, and glue together
separate parts to complete a model. The machine can also print what the
company calls Digital Materials. These are 21 different composites
available on-demand during a build process. The composites are made up
of two materials built in specific concentrations and structures to
provide required mechanical properties. An HQ mode prints single
materials at 12 mm/hr/strip with 16-micron layer thickness. An HS mode
prints single materials at 20 mm/hr/strip with 30-micron thicknesses.
And the DM mode prints multiple materials.
Objet Geometries Inc., 5 Fortune Dr., Billerica, MA 01821,
(877)489-9449, 2objet.com
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Introducing Engineering TV, an innovative online video
program by engineers for engineers. Twice a week, each 5-8 minute
episode shows cutting-edge technology in
action and looks behind the scenes as today's engineers shape tomorrow's
breakthroughs. Brought to you by the Penton Media Design and Electronics
Engineering groups.
View
Videos
Rev up your interdisciplinary design skills
What happens when a microcontroller turns on a power FET, sending a
current pulse to a motor coil that develops a magnetic field which turns
the rotor shaft, advancing a timing belt that drives a pair of nip rolls
suspended on bearings in a web-processing operation on a form, fill, and
seal machine installed on a potato chip line at a Frito Lay plant in
central California? And how can you be sure that the encoders, prox
sensors, and other feedback devices you plan to use will accurately see
and report every relevant motion, machine state, and process condition?
And will the signals get through the networks fast enough, without being
corrupted, giving the controllers time to execute their algorithms as
intended? It's a lot to think about, and it only scratches the surface
of what many engineers grapple with today. If you happen to be one of
them, then the place for you — where you can find answers and meet
others with similar concerns — is www.Mechatronic-Design.com.
Backed by some of engineering's top information sources including
Machine Design, Electronic Design, Motion System Design, and Power
Electronics, Mechatronic-Design.com is the interdisciplinary engineer's
desktop, toolbox, library, and lifeline in one easily accessible
place.
Find. Learn. Apply.
Mechatronic-Design.com.
Experience National Instruments Technologies From
the Comfort of Your Own Computer!
 With more
than 200 on-demand webcasts, videos, interactive
tutorials and demos available for users of any experience level, it is
easier than ever to learn about the newest products and features
available from National Instruments.
Begin your search here with a collection of
webcasts specifically chosen for design and automation engineers.
CAD Library offers advanced CAD Resources
The Machine Design CAD
Library, includes millions of configurable 2D and 3D CAD models
of
components and assemblies downloadable for easy use in new and existing
designs. Our models are in native CAD formats. No translation
required!
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Sponsored
by:
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UPCOMING IN-PERSON EVENTS
Design-2-Part Shows are America's longest running and most trusted
events for sourcing custom parts and services.
Ten shows covering the country offer OEMs, engineers and purchasing
personnel the opportunity to meet job shops and
contract manufacturers face-to-face.
UPCOMING WEBCASTS
Best Practices for Design Reuse in Product Development
Featuring a special customer presentation by Callaway Cars
Sponsored by PTC
DATE: March 26th, 2008
TIME: 2:00pm ET/11am PT
In this sixty-minute presentation, PTC's Director of MCAD Product
Management, John Buchowski, will discuss how Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 4.0's
integrated solutions and advanced functionality ensures improved design
reuse, resulting in reduced design cycle times and accelerated
time-to-market. In a special PTC customer feature segment, we will hear
from Pat Hodgins, Chief Engineer of Callaway Cars, as he shares how
Pro/ENGINEER's capabilities have enabled him to achieve rapid design and
development cycles, ensuring their competitive advantage in the design,
development, and manufacture of high-performance vehicles, systems, and
components.
Click here to register!
Two-Shot Silicon and Thermoplastic Molding:
The Innovative Cost Saving Solution for Medical OEM's
Sponsored by Saint-Gobain
DATE: April 2nd, 2008
TIME: 2:00pm ET/11am PT
Medical device designers are facing intense pressure to create
innovative designs and maintain the highest quality over a product's
lifecycle while also being forced to design for lower cost
manufacturing. This is a challenge we recognize, but one that can be
overcome by leveraging the cost savings and benefits of two-shot molding
technology. Saint-Gobain's engineering team will present on two-shot
molding, how this process innovation can provide cost savings, increased
design freedom, and provide the quality and performance you demand.
Click here to register!
Gearmotors: Achieving the Perfect Match
Success through optimized motor & gearbox integration
Sponsored by Groschopp
DATE: April 9th, 2008
TIME: 2:00pm ET/11am PT
How do you select a motor and a gearbox (speed reducer) separately, then
perfectly match them for your OEM application? Is it better to specify
a pre-engineered gearmotor? Does it make a difference?
These are the questions that will be answered in Groschopp's upcoming
webcast. Groschopp engineers Matt Decker and Loren Kamstra will share
tips, tricks and techniques for specifying the most efficient and
cost-effective choices given a variety of application considerations.
Review of actual Case Studies will bring their experiences to life and
reinforce your new motor/gearbox/gearmotor knowledge.
Click here to learn more and register!
2008 Online Manufacturing WebExpo & Conference
Presented by New Equipment Digest and Machine Design
DATE: May 21st, 2008
TIME: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm ET
The Online Manufacturing WebExpo and Conference brings you and your
management team the advantages of a traditional trade show without any
of the travel cost! Participate in a webcast, visit a trade show booth
and pick up valuable literature - all from the comfort of your
office.
Webcasts:
This all day online event will feature a series of "LIVE" Webcasts
covering a broad range of manufacturing-related topics. Tune in to any
or all of the Webcasts. Ask questions during the broadcast, hear what
your peers are asking too. Register today for the series featuring
Parker Hannifin - Tube Fittings Division, AutomationDirect and Bimba
Manufacturing.
Trade Show:
Visit company booths at the virtual exhibition hall where you can learn
about new products, subscribe to newsletters, download white papers or
literature from Sealevel Systems, AutomationDirect, Bimba
Manufacturing, EFD, FactoryMation, Parker Hannifin - Tube Fittings
Division and Strong Hold Products.
Stay for an hour or stay all day - you decide. Without burdensome travel
costs, you can invite your whole management team to view a Webcast or
review product features at company booths.
People who should attend:
All types of Engineers, Plant Managers, Facilities Managers,
Maintenance, Plant Operations, Analysts, Research and Design, VP of
Operation, Managers, Directors, CEO, President, and Safety
Directors.
To register for this free event, visit www.newequipment.com/webexpo
ARCHIVED WEBCASTS AVAILABLE FOR FREE VIEWING
Click Here for a list of archived Machine Design
webcasts.
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CD-adapco STAR American Conference
2008
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CD-adapco
will host its STAR American Conference 2008 in Dearborn Mich., On June
23 to 24, 2008. The event will include presentations on the company’s
latest CAE software developments, technical workshops, and an exhibition
of hardware and software partners.
To submit a presentation for the conference, send a 100-200 word
abstract to conference@us.cd-adapco.com
by March 31, 2007. Also use this email address to sponsor or exhibit at
the conference.
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ANSYS Makes Forbes Fast 15
list
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ANSYS announced
it has been included on the Forbes Fast 15 list. The list is a
first-ever formal compilation by Forbes magazine of attractive companies
with the potential to become a rapidly growing technology businesses in
the future. ANSYS says it was the only engineering software provider to
make the list.
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Contact Information
Editorial questions: Leslie Gordon
216-931-9242
Advertising/sponsorship opportunities: Virginia Goulding
216-931-9893
Machine Design
1300 E. 9th St.
Cleveland, OH 44114
©2008 Penton Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
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