COMSOL Multiphysics 4.3b Offers Breakthrough Analysis Tools
COMSOL announced the release of major new additions to the COMSOL simulation platform. The latest version of COMSOL Multiphysics, version 4.3b, introduces five new application-specific modules and expanded modeling and analysis tools. A model of an anisotropic s-shaped material was generated using the automated curvilinear coordinates feature in COMSOL Multiphysics. Simulation results... Read More
MSC at 50: A CAE pioneer reinvents itself
MSC Software founders Robert Schwendler (left) and Richard MacNeal (right), 1963 MSC Software is celebrating its 50th anniversary. It was literally one of the first software companies, and though its been through some changes over the years, it’s still in the business of creating tools for engineers to simulate and analyze complex systems. Last week, I spent a couple of days... Read More
Why Jon Hirschtick loves CAD
COFES, the Congress on the Future of Engineering Software, is “meet by the pool” kind of conference. It’s a place where you have the chance to chat with really interesting people, who are otherwise quite busy. A few weeks ago, at COFES 2013, I sat down with Jon Hirschtick, and recorded a six minute video, where he talked about the complexities of creating great... Read More
Alibre becomes Geomagic Design
Almost 2 years ago—in July, 2011—3D Systems acquired Alibre, a developer of budget 3D parametric MCAD software. It was just one of a large number of acquisitions that 3D Systems made over the last several years, and, for awhile, it appeared that Alibre was getting lost in the shuffle. Alibre has now found a new home, and a new name. It has been folded into the 3D Systems Geomagic... Read More
Cooper Crouse-Hinds adds 3D CAD Configurator to Meet the Growing Needs
CADENAS PARTsolutions announce the launch of Cooper Crouse-Hinds’ online 3D CAD configurator. Cooper Crouse-Hinds is now utilizing the 3D CAD and online product catalog technology powered by CADENAS PARTsolutions. With their new embedded configuration platform, Cooper Crouse-Hinds is able to grow their product reach as well as improve customer experience by placing the latest... Read More
Russian CAD
It’s robust and powerful, and someday, you may be using it. For engineers and designers in the United States, Russia doesn’t often come to mind when thinking about sources of CAD software. Yet, Russia is one of the global centers for the development of advanced CAD software. Russia’s rise to preeminence in CAD software development was spurred by the dissolution of the Soviet... Read More
Bertrand Sicot: Seriously, we’re not going to mess up SolidWorks.
A few days ago, SolidWorks CEO Bertrand Sicot posted a blog, reiterating yet again that, no, they’re not going to mess with the SolidWorks program that so many people count on. Just as since it was first written, it will continue to use Parasolid as its geometric modeling kernel. While I think it’s healthy for SolidWorks to periodically remind its customers that it still... Read More
How real people use CAD: Shane McKenna
In the CAD world, there are all kinds. Some people just use CAD as part of their job—in the same way as they use Word, Excel, or Outlook. Others become power users, investing themselves in becoming experts at using one or more of the mainstream or high-end CAD systems. Then, there are the CAD hackers. People who see computer programs as raw material, to be used and abused... Read More
CAD in the pursuit of art: Shane McKenna
As an engineer, I often think about CAD as a tool for the engineering and design of technological products. But, every once in a while, I’m reminded that CAD can can be used in ways its makers never anticipated. Shane McKenna is an engineer, designer, craftsman, and artist. I recently talked to Shane about how he uses CAD/CAM in his work, and he, as an aside, shared some of... Read More
The new Autodesk
I received an excited email from Autodesk last week, offering to share some news under embargo. What was the news? A new Autodesk logo. I wondered, why does this matter? What does it have to do with delivering value to customers. Here’s what Autodesk’s Chris Bradshaw has to say on the corporate blog: “The new Autodesk is not just a surface change, but... Read More
