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| The latest information on CAD/CAM software and
technology
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June 10, 2009
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Lattices for bionic
design
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A jaw-dropping technology shown at the recent RAPID 2009 event came from FIT GmbH, a German
software firm little-known on this side of the pond. Company inventor
Ulf Lindhe (a classic mad genius type) revealed details about software
he has developed called Selective Space Structures (SSS). It has a
CAD-like interface and lets users design lattice structures for additive
manufacturing techniques. Traditional CAD cannot handle additive
designs, let alone their huge file sizes.
Linde says SSS lets users combine cell types and automate their
distribution with a script module to build what the firm calls a
“tree,” an arbitrarily complex lattice. “Solids in nature are
actually created using lattices. The use of additive production
techniques lets this natural building method be use for functional
construction. The technical reproduction of the attributes of natural
bodies in this manner is part of an interesting recent field called
bionic design,” he says.
Questions? Comments? Send them in, and we might
publish them here!
— Leslie Gordon
leslie.gordon@penton.com
Twitter
LinkedIn
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Probably nothing gets shop personnel cursing faster than trying to
machine Inconel 718. The hard alloy rapidly chews through cutting
tools. Casting Inconel is not much better because about 70% of the
material gets wasted in mold gates. Yet Inconel is a favored metal for
aerospace and turbine parts because it withstands temperatures from
cryogenic up to 1,400°F and has excellent tensile and impact strength.
Read the rest of the article
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Building prototypes with additive methods such as sterolithography
and fused deposition modeling has been a hot topic lately and rightly
so. But for parts that will eventually be injection molded, industry
experts say it makes more sense to get injection molded prototypes.
Trouble is, traditional tooling costs a lot, has long lead times, and is
difficult to change. Fortunately, a method called “rapid injection
molding” quickly and inexpensively provides prototypes to test form,
fit, and function — and in the same plastic selected for
production. Users need only upload CAD models to an online site to get
feedback on how to make designs more moldable. CNC'd aluminum molds
generated from the finalized CAD provide an economical way to produce
prototypes and low-volume runs.
Read the rest of the article
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Pro/ENGINEER No Compromise
Demonstration
 Check out the 3D CAD
design process of the Santa Cruz V-10 race bike! In 2008, there was a
Santa Cruz V-10 race bike on every downhill racing World Cup podium!
This 25-minute demo shows how Pro/ENGINEER 3D CAD/CAM/CAE solutions
helped them finish first, including SRAM’s advanced gear shifting
components to highlight core capabilities in Pro/ENGINEER.
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You are probably already familiar with direct digital manufacturing
(DDM). This is the term for the technology that uses additive
fabrication machines to make prototypes and functional parts directly
from digital CAD data. DDM might be a good bet when one or more of the
following factors come into play. First, the part should have a
relatively low production volume. In conventional manufacturing,
production volume means quantity. In contrast, with DDM, production
volume is literally a volume, expressed in the total cubic in. produced
per year. To illustrate, DDM might be practical for 100 parts the size
of a basketball, 800 parts the size of a baseball, and 2,400 parts the
size of a golf ball. Read the rest of the article
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According to Wolfram Research, its computational knowledge
engine WolframAlpha (still in beta mode), will eventually make
all systematic knowledge immediately computable and accessible to
everyone. Read the rest of the article
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Intro to Structural Mechanics
Simulations CD
 Structural mechanics
simulations of today are shifting into high gear. With COMSOL's newly
released Introduction to Structural Mechanics Simulations CD you can be
up-to-date on the latest simulation techniques for research and design
work. Be one of the first to receive this unique CD packed with narrated
tutorials. Request your complimentary copy at:
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Machine Design Video Spotlight
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Linear motor vs.
belt-drive actuators |
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Woody Yen from THK America Inc. talks
about the advantages of linear-motor-driven actuators and belt-drive
actuators with Lee Teschler of MACHINE DESIGN |
Now Available On-Demand
The Energy Efficiency Web Conference & Expo
Engineers saw and heard great educational content at the Energy
Efficiency Web Conference and Expo. If you missed the live virtual
event, don’t despair! An archive of the full day’s agenda is now
available.
Design engineers are required to integrate energy efficiency into their
designs while maintaining lower costs, the highest reliability or both.
The editors of Machine Design understand these challenges
and have developed this conference to help engineers understand the
recently imposed energy mandates. The information presented at this
educational event will help engineers compare the different technologies
and product related to energy efficiency. Attendees will gain access to
the technical information needed to help them make the best decisions
without having to travel or take time away from current projects.
Visit the archive to:
- View informative webinars on energy efficiency
- Visit interactive booths where you can contact suppliers
- Peruse the Resource Center where you can download or link to
additional pertinent energy efficiency information
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UPCOMING WEBCASTS
Unleash the Power of Virtual Prototyping
Sponsored by PTC
DATE: June 25th, 2009
TIME: 2:00pm ET/11am PT
Need to create great products faster and cheaper in order to stay
competitive? No problem. Virtual Prototyping is an easy way to cut
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innovation and productivity throughout the whole design process.
This live webinar will cover:
- Distinguishing the prototyping facts from myths
- The importance of analysis and simulation
- Best practices to ensure top design performance
- Streamlining industrial design, engineering and
manufacturing
Click here learn more and to register!
ARCHIVED WEBCASTS AVAILABLE FOR FREE VIEWING
Click
Here for a list of archived Machine Design webcasts.
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TransMagic
Inc. has developed software called STL PRO it says lets users easily
view, repair, and convert 3D CAD models into STL files for applications
including FEA and direct digital manufacturing. The software includes
single-click "best practice" options for quickly repairing a
geometry and insuring it is watertight. The software includes options
that let users control surface deviation and maximum chord length.
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High-performance thermoplastic for
FDM
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Quickparts,
a provider of custom designed parts, from rapid prototyping to
production parts, announces its new high-performance thermoplastic
called ULTEM for rapid prototyping with the fused deposition modeleing
(FDM) process. According to the company, the material can be used in
many industries for nearly any digital manufacturing project, from
functional prototypes and jigs and fixtures to low-volume production.
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Former SolidWorks CEO joins cloud
computing company
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The word is out that former SolidWorks CEO John
McEleney has joined new startup firm CloudSwitch. Read
Deelip Menezes’s
blog for more information.
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Protomold
"Designing for Moldability" is a quick-reference user guide for rapid
injection molding, great for engineers and designers of plastic parts.
Download this invaluable guide today!
First Cut
New to the prototyping field or an expert, we’ve created a white paper
you shouldn’t miss, Prototyping Processes: Choosing the best
process for your project.
Visit www.firstcut.com/prototypingprocesses
PTC & Pro/ENGINEER
Did you know Pro/ENGINEER is the ideal CAD for Small and Medium-sized
Businesses?
Find out why these SMB companies chose Pro/ENGINEER and why they are
happy with their decision. Get valuable advice for successful
state-of-the-art engineering!
www.ptc.com
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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
©2009 Penton Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
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