Position Papers

AMC Bridge has released PLM360-for-SW™, an innovative add-in that enables the exchange of model information between SolidWorks users and the cloud-based Autodesk® PLM 360 system. The add-in manages the Items and BOMs workspace of PLM360, enabling users to utilize the collaborative and distributed features of Autodesk® PLM 360. Users can create an item in the workspace for each model component, extract the BOM structure from the assembly hierarchy and add it to PLM 360, and modify data in accordance with user permissions.

Delegates at the VISI 21 Update Presentation Days say the events were vital in understanding a number of significant new and enhanced items of functionality. The new release of Vero Software’s specialist mould and die CAD/CAM solution contains in excess of 340 updates, continuing its emphasis on intelligent solutions for mould making and stamping die industries. Richard Parker, of CPG Engineering, and Mark Haddon, from Scorpion Mouldings, were amongst more than 80 manufacturers attending VISI’s event at machine tool manufacturer Seco’s UK headquarters in Warwickshire. There was also a second event at the AMRC Training Centre in Sheffield where British Skeleton #1 and former World Champion, 3 x European Champion and 4 X Olympian, Prof. Kristan Bromley detailed how VISI is used to manufacture high precision components for Olympic winning sleds, and produce rapid composite tooling for recreational Baseboards, which he describes as the most exciting new sport innovation to hit the

Stratasys Ltd. has introduced a new 3D printing curriculum for educators. The full-semester, 14-week course is aimed to help prepare secondary and post-secondary students worldwide for careers being transformed by 3D printing. Learning materials are free to educators and include a curriculum guide, supporting presentations, 3D models (STL files) and grading tools. Focused on academia community engagement, the content may be continuously refreshed with the help of participating educators. "We notice a strong demand coming from the industry for a curriculum focusing on 3D printing," says Shelly Linor, director of global education for Stratasys. "Educators around the world now have an opportunity to make a big impact by using and contributing to our curriculum. They will also be able to better prepare their students for future careers as 3D printing is becoming an intrinsic part of the design and manufacturing processes in leading companies," Linor says. The beginner course, Introduction to 3D Printing: From Design to Fabrication, explores

Machining Training Solutions (MTS) and Geometric have partnered to address a critical skill gap in the manufacturing industry: The lack of skilled CAD/CAM programmers and CNC operators for advanced computerized machines. The companies have joined forces to deliver state-of-the-art training programs at Eastern Florida State University to fill the growing demand for skilled, advanced technology positions critical for leading U.S. manufacturers competing on a global scale. New training programs are being developed through this partnership to leverage Geometric’s feature based CAD/CAM system and MTS’s interactive training programs on PC and mobile platforms and to offer training to students any time on any device. In addition, these fully interactive training programs allow students to learn real-world manufacturing in a virtual environment using the world’s most advanced virtual CNC machine simulation software. “CAMWorks is a perfect partner for providing this solution. Its intuitive approach and the ability to build upon the knowledge of experienced

Synopsys, Inc. announced that Brian Beattie has been promoted to executive vice president, business operations and chief administrative officer. Beattie will continue to lead finance, operations, and information technology as he has done since joining the company in 2006 as chief financial officer. His role will now expand to also include human resources, facilities, and the corporate business development and strategy group. Trac Pham, Synopsys' vice president of corporate finance, has been appointed chief financial officer, and will continue to report to Beattie. Both appointments are effective December 5, 2014. "In our drive to scale Synopsys into its next phase of growth and global efficiency, we are bringing together many vital elements of our infrastructure and business development efforts under one leader. Brian's expanded role and focus will be on improving Synopsys' business performance while evolving the company's planning, execution and management practices," said Aart de Geus, chairman and co-CEO of Synopsys. "Trac has been a

SmartCAMcnc has announced the release of SmartCAM® v2015. SmartCAM v2015 delivers a new Knowledge-Based Machining (KBM) repository, new High Speed Milling (HSM) strategies, and many user interface and core application improvements. The SmartCAM Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software family consists of applications for Computer-Numerical Control (CNC) milling, turning, fabrication and wire EDM. The knowledge-based machining improvements found in SmartCAM v2015 lay the groundwork for capturing user knowledge and shop expertise. A new KBM repository allows frequently-used toolpath process parameters to be stored and then later recalled.  Part Materials can be defined directly within the SmartCAM application, and Speeds/Feeds settings can be stored and updated directly, without the need of a separate utility.  The new Machine Definition allows all files associated with a particular machine to be simply recalled by selecting the Machine name. "SmartCAM v2015 introduces a new Knowledge-Based Machining database that will serve as the backbone for all of SmartCAM's manufacturing data needs,"

Maplesoft™ today announced the release of the MapleSim™ Battery Library, an add-on component library to their advanced system-level modeling tool. The MapleSim Battery Library allows engineers to incorporate physics-based predictive models of battery cells into their multidomain models so they can take battery behavior into account early in the design process. MapleSim offers a modern approach to physical modeling and simulation, dramatically reducing model development and analysis time while producing fast, high-fidelity simulations. With the MapleSim Battery Library, engineers can include battery behavior in their system-level models, allowing them to understand how the battery will behave as part of the greater system. With this information, engineers can optimize battery and system performance, and reduce the risk of undesirable effects such as battery overheating. The MapleSim Battery Library supports both equivalent circuit and electrochemical battery models, and includes parameter identification tools for determining model parameters from experimental data. It can be used in any modeling

Intergraph® has released CADWorx® 2015, the next-generation AutoCAD®-based software solution for plant design and automation that has enhancements to CADWorx Design Review that allow the generation of .ifv files for viewing and sharing CADWorx design models on the Apple iPad using the free Intergraph FreeView® app. Intergraph CADWorx, an intelligent 2D and 3D plant design system, provides ease of use, flexibility, scalability and interconnectivity. The software offers piping and instrumentation diagram (P&ID) synchronization with the model plus intelligent modeling and automatic production of design deliverables such as isometric drawings and bills of material, enhancing organizational productivity throughout the engineering and design process. Other CADWorx 2015 features include capabilities for routing of mitered elbows, skewed pipe design and male and female needle valves; custom field default values for models; new tables in the specification editor; and a new, more user-friendly ISOGEN® interface. For a complete list of CADWorx 2015 enhancements, visit www.intergraph.com/cadworx2015/enhancements. Patrick Holcomb, Intergraph Process, Power &

Granta Design today announced GRANTA MI™ Version 8, the latest release of their flagship materials information management software. A standout feature is MI:Explore, an innovative new web application (app), that gives diverse user groups fast access to the data they need. In addition, database implementation and management have been made significantly faster and easier, with enhancements including Next Generation Access Control, which supports the most complex of security requirements. The new release will enable corporate materials knowledge to be applied by more people, across more locations, in support of more initiatives than ever before. The new MI:Explore web app is an intuitive graphical interface through which users can interact instantly with materials information, with no training required. The app can be configured to present specific user groups with a tailored experience, exposing only the data and tools that they need. In addition, a new Web Platform Development Kit enables companies to build their own

Autodesk, Inc. announced that Autodesk® PLM 360 is enjoying strong uptake among companies creating the network-connected devices that are powering the Internet of Things (IoT). By using PLM 360, these customers are able to more efficiently design and manufacture a wide range of innovative devices that blur the line between hardware and software—everything from motorcycle helmets with integrated navigation systems, to a device that empowers drivers with knowledge about themselves and their cars so they can be safer and drive smarter. “Companies in this fast-developing area are defining and creating the IoT,” said Brian Roepke, director of Product Lifecycle Management products at Autodesk. “At the pace they move, these companies rely heavily on cloud-based technology because they’re the only services that allow them to innovate quickly.” Unlike traditional PLM systems, PLM 360 is designed to be simple, affordable, and accessible. There is no hardware to install or lengthy deployment to manage: customers sign up for a subscription and configure