Mentor Graphics Corporation announced the acquisition of XS Embedded GmbH (XSe), a technology leader in the creation of automotive system architectures and hardware reference platforms. XSe has over ten years of direct experience in the automotive electronics design industry across twenty automotive programs that combine hardware and software expertise. XSe brings a pioneering approach to accelerate system design and verification by providing automotive-grade hardware and software to reduce the time to SOP. Mentor is now well positioned to address the cross-functional collaboration needs required to address the trends towards integration of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), Driver Information and Infotainment domains. Modern automotive systems push the technology envelope with feature-rich embedded systems that combine high-quality graphics, domain-specific audio, multi-media, mobile device integration and connectivity.  The design challenges are tremendous with millions of lines of code per vehicle, cross-domain function consolidation, mixed safety criticality, security, and the use of heterogeneous multi-core SOCs. These challenges

ZW3D today announced the release of its brand-new CAD/CAM user community, in a bid to provide its members a forum to share ideas, insights and concerns with other professionals in the world. ZW3D builds a community of 450,000 CAD/CAM users, representing various industries including consumer goods, consumer packaged goods, electronics, home appliances, automotive parts etc., for the interchange of knowledge, experiences, and technical information about the application of ZW3D CAD/CAM solutions. Besides, the forum is also a platform for users to communicate with ZW3D regarding the current and future capabilities and use of CAD/CAM software. This ZW3D forum consists of the following 4 sections: ZW3D Discussion – Designers and engineers worldwide can exchange opinions, voice concerns and seek support regarding product design, mold design and CNC Machining. Learning Center – A large pool of tutorial resources, including installation guide, technical tips & tricks, videos and CAD/CAM white papers is provided to assist designers and

Optitex today announced the release of Version 12.3 of its software. This latest version includes several major developments: a new tool within Optitex PDS that significantly improves the design and development workflow for garments that use printed fabrics; and a new add-on module to Optitex CutPlan that enables improved inventory utilization. The new Printed Fabric Tool , now integrated into Optitex Pattern Design Software (PDS), facilitates the accurate positioning of style pieces on printed fabric. From within Optitex PDS, designers and pattern makers can see how the printed image will lie on the garment, make adjustments and immediately view the effects of every change. With Optitex 3D Suite, users can make changes on the 2D pattern or 3D model and see the results simultaneously in both. This greatly increases pattern design accuracy for any garment that utilizes printed fabric, and eliminates the time and costs of creating physical samples. Full 3D visualization also

Software training firm Infinite Skills Inc. last week introduced its "Mastering Autodesk Inventor - T-Splines," an advanced course teaching experienced Inventor users how to apply cutting edge t-spline technology to enrich smooth surface models in the popular computer assisted design (CAD) program for mechanical engineers. T-Splines were invented in 2003, and were first available as a plug-in for Rhino. Autodesk acquired the technology in 2011, introducing it first in Autodesk Fusion 360. The technology now comes as a palette of tools within Inventor, significantly enhancing the program's capabilities for smooth surface modeling. Infinite Skills' Mastering Autodesk Inventor - T-Splines Tutorial demonstrates how to use these powerful tools with a highly focused course that includes projects for learning to apply the lessons in everyday design situations. Course author Paul Munford began his career as a woodworker building sets for the movie and television industry. He later moved into the digital design world, eventually becoming

Software training firm Infinite Skills Inc. this week introduced its “Learning SketchUp Pro 2014 Tutorial,” an introductory course teaching the popular, easy-to-use functionality of the 3D modeling program for application in all types of professional design. SketchUp Pro provides several inventive features that have made the program popular amongst amateur and professional designers. Its drawing layout functionality provides a user-friendly interface, making the program easy to learn, while its fully interactive 3D Warehouse provides an infinite world of models to incorporate in the user's designs. Infinite Skills’ Learning SketchUp Pro 2014 Tutorial teaches all the fundamental tools and techniques for getting started with SketchUp, providing a foundation of SketchUp skills that can be applied to any design practice. Course author Daniel Brown is a recognized expert trainer for SketchUp and currently runs his own 3D modeling and training service, DV-3D. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Nevada at

Gstarsoft has launched a new GstarCAD8 patch version highlighted by the new 64-bit architecture support, which means the more data that can be processed at once, the faster the system can operate. There are several other advantages to a 64-bit system as well, most practically the ability to use significantly greater amounts of physical memory. The GstarCAD8 for 32-bit version could only have 2G memory. Sometimes some large drawings could not be opened without enough memory. This patch version supplies the 64-bit version which could distribute and use significantly greater amounts of physical memory. Users could open and operate large drawings by this version. GstarCAD8 64-bit package is separate from its 32-bit counterpart, all the features are same .users may choose to install 64 bit version of GstarCAD8 software on 64 bit operating system. Those version also Support for .dwg 2013 (used by AutoCAD 2014&2015). In this patch version also has been added

AVEVA today announced that KBR, a global engineering, construction and services company, has substantially extended its utilization of AVEVA technology, which includes the selection of AVEVA Everything3D (AVEVA E3D™). The new contract enables KBR to deploy AVEVA E3D along with an increased number of AVEVA solutions on major capital projects around the world. 'We have a long standing relationship with AVEVA and we expect that AVEVA E3D will give us additional capabilities and flexibility to meet the needs of our customers,' said Farhan Mujib, Executive Vice President, KBR Operations. 'AVEVA E3D is also fully interoperable with our current AVEVA PDMS environment, allowing us to quickly deploy the software on new or existing projects. We’re excited about the new integrated functionality solution, which will be a game changer for our project users.' KBR has been an AVEVA customer for more than 25 years and has contributed to the product strategy and roadmap development,

Etam Group has selected Centric Software, Inc., to provide its product lifecycle management (PLM) software. The French designer and manufacturer of lingerie, clothing and accessories features three major brands: Etam, 1.2.3. and Undiz. Each brand designs its owns collections and works with a global network of subcontractors and textile manufacturers. The Undiz brand’s style, development and sourcing teams will be the first to implement Centric 8 PLM. Etam Group chose Centric for its ease of use, scalability, and ability to handle multiple brands, categories and processes, says Sebastien Bismuth, CEO of the company’s Undiz brand. The PLM solution will support the rapid growth and development of the Undiz brand, he adds. “As we rapidly grow our style teams in diverse locations, Centric will improve productivity and efficiency, and help us reduce time to market.” For Etam Group’s Undiz and other brands, improving the productivity and efficiency of the product design and development processes was

Lectra is pleased to announce that Aokang has adopted Lectra Fashion PLM to streamline the company’s process and organization. Founded in 1988, Aokang is a top footwear company in China, with four of their own brands: Aokang, Kanglong, Redess and Meirie’s. Aokang designs, develops and manufactures products to make high-quality leather shoes. The company’s strategy is to capitalize on its strong branding and sales to increase its own distribution network. Aokang is leveraging its design, manufacturing and R&D capabilities to expand activities throughout China. The motivation to adopt Lectra Fashion PLM came from the need to optimize management and organization. Lectra Fashion PLM will help the company better control workflow and collection planning, supporting Aokang’s goal to streamline its supply chain and reduce time-to-market. “To face fierce competition, the rising cost of inventory and discounts at retail, we have to strengthen our merchandise planning capabilities and streamline the flow of goods to retail.

AVEVA today opens registration for the AVEVA World Summit 2014, being held from 14-16 October in Berlin, Germany. AVEVA customers from across the world’s process plant, power and marine industries are invited to the Summit to share their experiences and business challenges. The 2013 Summit drew delegates from 27 countries and offered dedicated agendas for plant Owner Operators, engineering contractors (EPCs) and shipbuilders. This popular agenda structure will be retained for the 2014 Summit, providing a mix of general interest sessions, as well as dedicated presentations and case studies to suit the specific interests of delegates from different industry sectors. 'The Summit is firmly established as AVEVA’s premier international customer conference,' said Steve Tongish, Vice President of Marketing, AVEVA. 'We produce an outstanding programme of AVEVA and customer presentations and we always include a few surprises. Delegates benefit from the wide exchange of ideas that only a global, multi-industry event can offer. And