The MCADCafe crew  just returned from SolidWorks World 2013 in Orlando. During the conference we saw, heard, and experienced many interesting things, but one of the most intriguing was SmartBird, from automation technology supplier, Festo.

Toward the end of the second day’s general session at SolidWorks World, Elias Knubben, Head of Corporate Bionic Projects at Festo took the stage to discuss the work his group does at Festo. One of the projects he discussed was SmartBird, a radio-controlled ultralight flight model with excellent aerodynamic qualities and extreme agility for a robotic “bird.”

He gave a good presentation on the project, but the exciting part was when an actual working model was brought on stage and sent soaring over the crowd. It flew several times around the auditorium and came to rest when the controller steered SmartBird back toward the stage into Elias’ outstretched arms — he caught it in mid-air to end the flight.

This bionic/robotic “bird” was inspired by the herring gull, and can start, fly, and land autonomously – with no additional drive mechanism. Its wings not only beat up and down, but also twist at specific angles for specific flight characteristics. This is achieved with an active articulated torsional drive unit, which in combination with a complex control system attains a high level of efficiency during flight operations. In other words, Festo has succeeded in creating an energy-efficient technical adaptation of a flight model from nature.

With SmartBird, Festo has deciphered the flight of birds – an age-old dream realized that I along with the rest of the audience found fascinating.

3D Systems Acquiring Geomagic

3D Systems announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Geomagic, Inc., a leading global provider of 3D authoring solutions including design, sculpt and scan software tools that are used to create 3D content and inspect products throughout the entire design and manufacturing process. This acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, and is expected to close during the first quarter of 2013, after those conditions are met. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The combination of Geomagic’s powerful sculpting, modeling, scanning and inspecting software tools with 3D Systems’ portfolio strengthens its 3D authoring platform and positions the company for accelerated growth in the fast-growing, 3D content-to-print space. The transaction adds complementary products and technology, increases the company’s reseller coverage globally and is expected to be accretive to its non-GAAP earnings in the first full year following the completion of transaction.

“Geomagic represents the perfect strategic fit for us and we will be thrilled to welcome 3D pioneer and Geomagic Founder and CEO Ping Fu as our Chief Strategy Officer once the deal has closed,” said Abe Reichental, President and CEO, 3D Systems. “Our complementary capabilities in product development, channel coverage and marketing combined with greater efficiencies are sure to result in more affordable and user friendly solutions that will delight our customers and could present attractive long term shareholder value. In line with that, we intend to expand the range of our 3D authoring solutions further into new manufacturing and consumer applications and concurrently maintain and enhance the existing Geomagic and Rapidform product lines.”

“We have worked with 3D Systems for many years to accelerate adoption of 3D content-to-print solutions and believe that now is the right time to combine our efforts to further democratize access to design and 3D printing,” said Ping Fu, Founder and CEO of Geomagic. “Joining 3D Systems provides us with the scale, resources and strategic platform to realize our shared vision of delivering functional, affordable and extensible 3D authoring solutions for the benefit of professional designers and engineers, as well as the exciting maker’s movement.”

Strategic and Financial Benefits

• Growing reseller channel accelerates revenue growth from combined portfolio and presence
• Profitable razor and blades business with accretive software gross profit margins enhances non-GAAP earnings power
• Highly complementary portfolio delivers powerful and affordable design and manufacturing solutions and greater customer value
• Expected to be accretive to non-GAAP earnings in the first full year following completion of transaction.

Bend Not Break – A New Book by Geomagic CEO, Ping Fu

Geomagic is proud to announce that our CEO and co-founder, Ping Fu, is releasing her book today. “ Bend Not Break” (Penguin) is a story of personal resilience and of business success by someone who is almost an accidental entrepreneur. A heartbreaking history living through Mao’s cultural revolution, her family is forcibly split up, and an 8 year old Ping is raising and protecting her 4 year old sister. Exiled from China in her early twenties, with no money and little English, Ping manages to make it through with waitressing jobs and university in the U.S., a focus on computer science education and unexpected encounters with innovators and entrepreneurs. From those combined experiences, Ping created an innovative and industry leading 3D software company, Geomagic, which delivers 3D imaging and design technologies to the world.

New York Post, Dec 30 2012

“Today, Ping Fu is the CEO of tech firm Geomagic, which she founded with her husband. She’s come a long way. At 8, her family in Shanghai was torn apart by the Cultural Revolution — she and her younger sister sent to a re-education camp in another city. Ping was forced to eat what she calls “bitter meals” of dirt, animal dung and tree bark. She was raped at 10, a political prisoner at 25. Finally deported to America, she arrived her with just $80 and knowing almost no English. Her success at the American Dream is a real triumph.”

Booklist – Starred Review

“Fu speaks to the need for humanity to practice love in business relations in order to avoid inflicting pain on future generations. This well-written tale of courage, compassion, and undaunted curiosity reveals the life of a genuine hero who remains committed to making the world a better place.”

Kirkus Reviews – Starred Review

“The book reflects the tone of its author: clear, honest and unassuming.”

Publishers Weekly – Starred Review

“Ping’s eloquent prose and remarkable attitude shine through in every word—and her compelling story will remind more than one reader to be thankful for what they have.”

Ping and her book will be featured soon on Bloomberg news, BBC world News and more across the coming weeks. To order a copy please go to: http://www.bendnotbreak.com/purchase.html

Commentary By Jeffrey Rowe, Editor

What a month it’s been for Geomagic and its Founder and CEO, Ping Fu:

• Geomagic will be acquired by 3D Systems
• Bend Not Break by Ping Fu was published

• Geomagic Spark 3D Scan-to-CAD software was introduced

The acquisition of Geomagic by 3D Systems continues to consolidate the 3D scanning software sector by yet another player. The acquisition of Geomagic comes on the heels of a competitor. Just three months ago, 3D Systems acquired Rapidform, another global provider of 3D scan-to-CAD and inspection software tools.

With the additions of Rapidform and now Geomagic, 3D Systems has secured a cornerstone of its self-proclaimed fifth growth initiative: “To create a seamless, digital scan, design and print platform for the benefit of its customers. This important growth initiative is consistent with the company’s overall drive to democratize and deliver integrated 3D content-to-print solutions. Rapidform broadens 3D Systems’ range of capabilities with complementary products and technology.”

What all this means is that 3D Systems now has a greater ability to capture, process, and print 3D objects. That’s a pretty wide spectrum of capabilities, but one that is tightly tied together from both the software and hardware sides.

Like seemingly all sectors of engineering software, and increasingly hardware, market consolidation marches on. How this will impact current and future customers remains to be seen. However, as I’ve said in the past, don’t expect this to be the end of 3D Systems’ acquisition strategy.

With the acquisition, Ping Fu’s title and functions changes from CEO to Chief Strategy Officer, but I’m pretty confident that she’ll continue to have tremendous influence on Geomagic’s direction and purpose in the 3D Systems scheme.

I’ve read excerpts of the book, Bend Not Break, and have found it to be both interesting and inspiring. Ping Fu came to the U.S from China in 1983 on a student visa with no virtually money or English language skills. She went on to earn BS and MS degrees in computer science, as well as co-found Geomagic in 1997. At the time she wanted to develop software that could take 3D scanner data, process it, and output it on 3D printers. Her ultimate goal was to do for 3D printing what Adobe did for desktop printing/publishing.

Overall, it’s a fascinating story of the birth of an industry, including all of its triumphs, innovations, as well as roadblocks. Through it all, though, she has proven to be a very smart technology proponent, but also very grounded with unshakeable integrity. Although I’ve only read portions of the book, I am anxious to read it in its entirety and highly recommend it, even if you’re not necessarily a “tech-oriented” reader.

Lastly, being introduced later this month, Geomagic Spark enters a competitive market, but as unique 3D software that combines a live 3D scanning interface, 3D point and mesh editing capabilities, modeling design, assembly modeling, and 2D drawing creation in one comprehensive application. While traditional CAD packages have modeling capabilities, (with few exceptions) they lack the tools to process 3D scan data into usable 3D for modeling. Geomagic Spark, however, incorporates 3D scan data functionality, integrating Geomagic’s scanning technology with direct modeling capabilities, using the SpaceClaim platform. With this combination, you can create accurate, manufacturable solid model parts and assemblies using combined scan and CAD data in the same application. Partial scan data also can be used for creating models.

I’ve met with Ping Fu a few times over the years and have always found her to be intelligent, engaging, and honest. We wish her and Geomagic the best in future endeavors going forward.

Jeffrey Rowe is the editor of MCADCafé and MCAD Weekly Review. He can be reached at jeff@ibsystems.com or 719.221.1867.

This Week

Lead Stories

3D Systems to Acquire Geomagic

Bend Not Break – A New Book by Geomagic CEO, Ping Fu

Product and Company News

Autodesk Acquires PI-VR

Geometric acquires 3Cap Technologies GmbH

Vero Software Acquires Sescoi International

Hexagon Acquires New River Kinematics, Leading Portable Metrology Software Provider

Edgecam Files Managed in Autodesk Vault

Hankook Delcam wins Award for Excellence in Sustainability Management

Agni Link ERP-CAD Data Integration System For SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor Now Compatible with Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2013

i GET IT New Training Section Offers Users More Direct Approach, Simpler Interface for Learning

FIRST ULTIMATE ASCENTSM 2013 Robotics Game Revealed

CIMdata & Hiller Associates Announce New Survey on Product Cost Management

Organovo Partners With Autodesk Research to Develop 3D Bioprinting Software

GstarCAD MC PRO Tackled the Key Problem of Mobile CAD Apps

CIMdata Announces Schedule for the 2013 PLM Certificate Program

New Release of Aras Requirements Management Solution Embedded in PLM for Systems Engineering

VCollab and intrinSIM announce new partnership with MSC Software CorporationDassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE Platform Adopted by Olympus Technologies Singapore to Accelerate Medical Device Time to Market

CDS Case Study on Fenner Drives Success with Online CAD Downloads – Generating 600-900 Qualified Leads per Month

VideoNews – ZWCAD+ 2012 SP1 Released With New Features and Enhanced Performance

ZWCAD+ 2012 SP1 Released – Video Interview with Daniel Huang, ZWCAD+ Product Manager

Bombardier Aerospace Relies on Apriso for Manufacturing Operations Management

Water Pik Improves Its Flow with SofTech’s ProductCenter PLM

Eurocopter Expands Use of PTC Technology Solutions to Accelerate Service Strategy

New Meshing Algorithm, Faster I/O in Latest Release of Pointwise Meshing Software

Delcam Reports Record Orders in December

PTC’s Continued Support for FIRST Connects Students with Manufacturers to Practice Every Day Product Development Processes

FoFdation project partners, Artis and Delcam, start machining trials

OPEN MIND pleased with EuroMold 2012 – Milling strategies in application

Hexagon Metrology Enhances PC-DMIS Inspection Software

Pointwise Opens Meshy Award Contest for Best Mesh

ZWCAD Touch: Fast Edit, Remark DWG Files with Easy Cloud Sync

Cimatron Declares Cash Distribution to Shareholders

Richard Childress Racing Puts CNC Machining On Fast Track With NC Simulation

SYSPRO ERP Selected by Renowned Manufacturer/Distributor of Promotional Products

IMAGINiT Technologies Earns Autodesk MEP Systems Engineering Specialization

Cimatron Announces TASE Delisting Date; Shares to Continue Listing and Trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market

SofTech Announces Q2 Fiscal Year 2013 Operating Results

Celeritive Technologies Signs VoluMill License Agreement with Missler Software for TopSolid Integration

3D-PDF reading and writing with Kisters 3DViewStation V11.4

Turkish engineers evaluate WorkNC CAD/CAM for automotive applications (SESCOI)

Adopting VISI and Edgecam is “Massive” As College Moves Into New Era

Related MCAD News

ADCOLE Diesel Cam Tester Handles Parts up to 105″ Long

Plex Systems Raises Strategic Investment from Accel Partners to Continue Transitioning Manufacturing Industry to the Cloud

3Shape releases its new Dental System 2013

Montebello Packaging Speeds Production With Infor

Corporate Moves, Views, and News

Bend Not Break – A New Book by Geomagic CEO, Ping Fu

Stratasys Founder and Chairman Inducted into Industryweek’s Manufacturing Hall Of Fame

Roland DGA Announces Major Changes to its Executive Management Team

Multi-Year Collaboration Agreement between Astrium and ESI Group

WorkNC CAD/CAM vendor, Sescoi, expands its Indian office

Novedge Expands its Partnership with MecSoft Corporation

GLOBALFOUNDRIES to Build R&D Facility in New York to Accelerate Advanced Manufacturing Technologies for Global Customers

Industry Events

A New Era Begins – MSC Software 2013 Users Conference

Supersonic Car Steering Wheel Design Challenge

Delcam to show 2013 releases of CAM products at Houstex 2013

Hundreds of Manufacturing Leaders to Gather for Third Edition of The MFG Meeting (AMT)

Geometric to launch CAMWorks 2013 at SolidWorks World 2013

FIRST ULTIMATE ASCENTSM 2013 Robotics Game Revealed

NASA Kicks Off 2013 FIRST Robotics Season With Live Broadcast

The Chrysler Foundation Powers Up 2013 FIRST Robotics Season

Automotive Leaders to be Honored at MAIN Event Co-Sponsored by Dassault Systèmes

Mcor to introduce 3D printer with industry’s most powerful color capability at SolidWorks World 2013

OPEN MIND exhibits at SolidWorks World 2013 – CAM fully integrated with the CAD environment

Aras Announces Live Webcast on Next Generation Requirements Management for Systems Engineering

OPEN MIND exhibits at SolidWorks World 2013 – To show CAM fully integrated with CAD environment

Delcam for SolidWorks World 2013 – Fully Integrated CAM for SolidWorks

Tata Technologies PLM Products Team to Attend Autodesk Americas Marketing Boot Camp 2013 in New Orleans

SECO to sponsor Delcam’s international student CAM competition

The Curiosity Rover and its Journey to Mars: Doug McCuistion, Mars Exploration Program Director (ret.), to speak at PI 2013

Stratasys to Present at the Annual Needham & Company Growth Stock Conference

Dassault Systèmes Promotes Innovation as Platinum Sponsor of EyesOn Design at North American International Auto Show

Corporate Newsletters

GoEngineer SolidWorks Newsletter – December 2012

News.Delcam – January 2013

Javelin Technologies Design Newsletter: January 2013

FEA Information Journal – December 2012

Well, another year is just about over, and what a year it’s been for the MCAD industry. Let’s qualify that statement, though. Busy, yes. Innovative and disruptive? With relatively few exceptions, not so much.

Granted, a lot went on, but the magnitude of the events just seemed smaller this year than in recent years past.

With that said, let’s take a brief look at some of the major things that did transpire in 2012:

Technology Advancements

There were a number of incremental technological advances, but the two that really caught our eye this year were:

Direct modeling that continues to attract proponents from a list of MCAD vendors that continues to grow every year, and 2012 was no exception.

Reverse engineering and 3D modeling contained in one package — Geomagic Spark — an innovative scan-to-cad platform that incorporates SpaceClaim as its CAD engine.

Acquisitions

Autodesk acquired HSMWorks (CAM software),Inforbix (PLM software). To complement its “virtual prototyping” initiative, Autodesk also acquired Qontext and its enterprise social collaboration software technology.

3D Systems continued its buying binge that began a couple years ago by acquiring Z Corp., Vidar, Rapidform, Viztu Technologies, FreshFiber, and a couple major service providers.

PTC acquired Servigistics for its service lifecycle management (SLM) software that could change how traditional PLM is viewed.

New Computing Platforms

Although not really new, tablets continued to make their way into the tool palette for designers and engineers. They are still used mostly for viewing and markup, but some interesting sketching, conceptual design, and rudimentary simulation showed up on tables in 2012. The future of tablet engineering software applications is tied closely to the next category, the cloud.

The Cloud

It wasn’t all that long ago that an MCAD executive referred to the cloud as “mere vapor,” but that is rapidly changing as real engineering applications become available.

Autodesk 360 is a cloud computing platform suite of services that include PLM, simulation, rendering, and conceptual design. Will these cloud-based services ultimately replace traditional applications that reside on users’ computers? That remains to be seen, although Autodesk has not made a definitive statement one way or the other.

Kenesto is a cloud-based service for social business and process collaboration. A socially oriented PLM, if you will that is an interesting approach. With Michael Payne and Steve Bodnar on board, this company and technology could be poised to go places.

3D Printing

This segment of the larger rapid prototyping/additive manufacturing industry really took off, thanks largely to MakerBot’s Replicator 2 machine. 3D printers distinguish themselves by being lower in cost (less than $5,000), but also (for the most part) producing less than stellar parts.

A New Kid on the Block?

Several of the founders and early employees of SolidWorks, including Jon Hirschtick, Dave Corcoran, Scott Harris, and John McEleney are back together again. They have formed a company with a venture known as Belmont Technology. What they are up to remains to be seen, but there is strong speculation that they are developing an innovative approach to 3D design (no surprise there). Absolutely no details have been disclosed to date, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it turns out to be a cloud-based platform. This will be one to watch as an encore from some very smart guys.

The Future

That’s anybody’s guess, but look for huge news from DS SolidWorks, starting with the product announcement(s) it is likely to make at its annual user conference in late January. Expect to see more of a presence of Solid Edge in the MCAD market. Autodesk should make its intentions more clearly known on its future software offerings — whether they will be on-premise, cloud-based, or a combination of the two. 3D printing will continue to proliferate because of prices that continue to plummet and quality that incrementally improves. Interoperability will continue to be a major challenge for mixed CAD environments. Look for more native engineering software available on the Mac platform.

Whatever happens in 2013, the technical/engineering software industry will continue to be a fascinating and vital place to be, and I’m glad to be a part of it.

We have seen a lot of interesting things happen in the MCAD industry this year – everything from acquisitions to new products. One of the things that I’ll remember this year for is an especially innovative product that was announced this month and will be introduced in January – Geomagic Spark.

Geomagic Spark enters a competitive market, but as unique 3D software that combines a live 3D scanning interface, 3D point and mesh editing capabilities, modeling design, assembly modeling, and 2D drawing creation in one comprehensive application. While traditional CAD packages have modeling capabilities, (with few exceptions) they lack the tools to process 3D scan data into usable 3D for modeling. Geomagic Spark, however, incorporates 3D scan data functionality, integrating Geomagic’s scanning technology with direct modeling capabilities, using the SpaceClaim platform. With this combination, you can create accurate, manufacturable solid model parts and assemblies using combined scan and CAD data in the same application. Partial scan data also can be used for creating models.

Geomagic Spark is well-suited for engineers and manufacturers that design in 3D from existing objects or those that need to finish or modify scanned parts.

Geomagic Spark can handle scan and mesh data from both parts and assemblies

Geomagic Spark is the result of a collaborative effort between Geomagic and SpaceClaim, a company known for its 3D direct modeling capabilities. The companies’ partnership began when Geomagic introduced its initial SpaceClaim integration in the 2012 release of Geomagic Studio. Based on user feedback, both realized that a fully integrated application was viable and could change the landscape of designing directly from 3D scans. This resulted in the creation of Geomagic Spark.

“Geomagic Spark, in a single application, introduces a whole new paradigm for the capture/modify/make process. It can be used by CAD professionals but, more importantly, by the millions of manufacturing engineers who are not CAD experts,” said Tom Kurke, president and COO, Geomagic. “The high level of support, technical expertise and the quality API from SpaceClaim allowed Geomagic Spark to come to market quickly.”

Geomagic Spark’s integrated package includes point cloud, mesh, and CAD modeling in the same user interface. You can scan directly into Geomagic Spark or load an existing point cloud or polygon mesh. From there you can choose from the range of automated tools used to convert and edit data into a polygon mesh: sampling, noise reduction, wrap, mesh simplification, etc. Geomagic Spark’s solid modeling tools simplify the process of creating solid geometry from the mesh, with curve, surface, and solid extraction. Once a solid model is created, you can compare the solid model to the mesh upon which it is based, identifying areas of deviation. 2D drawings with annotations and dimensions are available and can be created interactively with the 3D data. This combination of 3D data processing and CAD functionality promotes process efficiency in reverse engineering, production-focused manufacturing, prototyping, concept modeling and creation, documentation, and production.

Geomagic Spark makes scanning and designing in 3D a more straightforward process. With SpaceClaim’s direct modeling you can interact with models without the complexities and limitations of a multi-level feature tree.

Geomagic Spark follows the typical Geomagic workflow logic, starting with Spark and transitioning over to SpaceClaim in a seamless process under the same UI.

Some of the features in Geomagic Spark include:

• Direct scanning into Geomagic Spark using hardware plug-ins for Faro, Hexagon and Creaform (others to be announced)
• Point cloud editing – Deletion, sampling, noise reduction, etc.
• Native CAD format import via add-ins from SpaceClaim
• Mesh editing – Deletion, hole filling, trim and repair
• Intelligent selection tools
• Accurate extraction of surfaces, solids and sketches from the mesh
• Push/pull geometry modification tools
• Sketching and solid modeling capability
• Mesh-to-solid deviation analysis
• 2D drawing creation
• 3D PDF generation
• Assembly creation, manipulation and editing
• Compatible with a powerful collection of third-party add-ins for SpaceClaim (e.g., photorealistic visualization, PDM, analysis and CAM)
• Interoperable with a range of CAD and PLM tools in addition to neutral file formats (IGES, STEP, OBJ, ACIS, and PDF)

According to Evan Fader, Geomagic regional manager, Geomagic Spark was not created to replace other Geomagic products, such as Qualify and Studio, but rather, to complement them. In a nutshell, Spark is intended to quickly reverse engineer and model parts and assemblies. Beyond availability as a standalone product, Geomagic Spark also will be available as part of Geomagic’s new Enterprise Bundle, which will also include Geomagic Studio and Geomagic Qualify^.

When it hits the market early next year on January 28, 2013, the price for Geomagic Spark will be $9,900, plus $1,800 maintenance.

I’m on the list for a software trial when Geomagic Spark is released next month. Based just on a brief Web demo, this is one I’m looking forward to because it could really be a game changer for directly converting scanned data into 3D models.

Autodesk Ushers In New Era of Cloud Based Design

Autodesk previewed Autodesk Fusion 360, the world ’s first comprehensive cloud-based 3D modeling offering, at Autodesk University.

Autodesk Fusion 360 allows design and engineering professionals to more easily create 3D product designs and collaborate with others in the cloud. The cloud technology behind Autodesk Fusion 360 offers anytime, anywhere access, from virtually any mobile device or web browser and puts essential data at the center of the design experience. It also supports an open design environment, allowing designers to readily incorporate and modify CAD data from virtually any source.

“Data is at the center of the product design process, and the cloud frees that data to be accessible anywhere, anytime, ”; said Robert “Buzz ” Kross, senior vice president, Design, Lifecycle and Simulation at Autodesk. “Autodesk Fusion 360 will give designers and engineers the first powerful, easy-to-use and complete cloud-based design solution.”

Autodesk Fusion 360 leverages the Autodesk 360 cloud-based platform and adds to Autodesk ’s cloud portfolio for manufacturers, which includes Autodesk PLM 360, a cloud-based product lifecycle management offering, and Autodesk Simulation 360, a comprehensive set of simulation tools delivered securely in the cloud.

3D Industrial and Mechanical Design in the Cloud

A comprehensive product design tool geared toward small business professionals, Autodesk Fusion 360 capabilities span all aspects of industrial and mechanical design, melded with anytime, anywhere access to data, collaborative and social development capabilities the cloud has to offer. Autodesk Fusion 360 also connects to advanced capabilities such as large scale mockup, simulation, PLM and rendering.

Next Generation User Experience

Autodesk Fusion 360 offers a radically different user experience through an intuitive interface that conforms to the role and level of user expertise. Autodesk Fusion 360 provides built-in guidance to novice users to speed the learning curve, and the ability to turn off guidance and access deeper functionality for design experts. Regardless of their level of expertise, users can start designing in a matter of minutes and begin to leverage Autodesk Fusion 360 ’s integrated social collaboration tools.

Redpoint Studios, a New England based industrial design and product engineering consultancy, recently adopted Autodesk Fusion 360 to help their clients bring compelling new products to market faster. “The learning curve is phenomenal. In a matter of days I was modeling blends and transitions that would take months, if not years, of skill building to achieve in a NURBS modeler, ” said Matthew Harris, Industrial Designer, Redpoint Studios, LLC. “The potential for this product is huge and I can ’t wait to see what ’s next. ”;

Availability

Autodesk Fusion 360 will be available on a term basis making it affordable to businesses of all sizes. This delivery model will provide maximum flexibility and eliminate the high upfront costs of software license purchases, as well as the annual expense of software updates and upgrades. It is an ideal fit for professionals and small businesses seeking flexibility to scale their product design tools to fit changing project needs.

Autodesk Fusion 360 is expected to be generally available next year. For more information and a chance to experience Autodesk Fusion 360, visit www.autodesk.com/fusion360.

Commentary By Jeffrey Rowe, Editor

Although I couldn’t attend Autodesk University this year, it didn’t stop me from briefly speaking with Keith Perrin, Autodesk Senior Industry Manager about Autodesk’s Fusion 360 the day before the official announcement at AU. I actually spoke with him on an Amtrak train between Chicago and Detroit while passing by the steel mills in Gary, Indiana. Somewhat fitting.

What was Project Forge when I spoke with Perrin the day before the announcement became Autodesk Fusion 360 the next day at AU.

I had been wondering about what plans Autodesk had for T-Splines after acquiring it, and the answer came in the form of Fusion 360. Also in the mix is Autodesk’s direct modeling technology, Fusion. It seems that Fusion 360 is intended to appeal to users who may or may not have other CAD experience. It combines capabilities for conceptual design for the industrial designer, as well as design refinement capabilities for the design engineer.

Fusion 360 is an extension into CAD of some other cloud-based technologies that Autodesk already offers for simulation and PLM. Perrin said that Fusion 360 is an example of another one of the jigsaw pieces coming together for Autodesk’s Digital Prototyping initiative in the cloud.

With functions coming from both T-Splines and Fusion, Autodesk Fusion 360 will offer a hybrid modeling approach with explicit, direct, and parametric modeling capabilities.

The UI sounds interesting as Perrin said it would be gesture based with relatively few buttons and pulldowns. He also said that the UI would lend to Fusion 360’s discoverable approach with no formal training required. The “training” is embedded in the application and provides self-paced guidance. Exactly what this is remains to be seen, but sounds like an interesting approach.

Because Fusion 360 is intended to work in mixed CAD environments, interoperability was a big deal and got a lot of attention during development. Built-in translators residing in the cloud will provide for import and export of design data in most major formats.

Fusion 360 is due out as a marketable application in early 2013. Going forward Fusion 360, because of its cloud/online nature, will be frequently updated throughout the year, and not restricted and subject to Autodesk’s annual major release cycle.

For now, Fusion 360 is being developed for and will initially be available for PC and Mac desktop platforms, but should be available for iOS, Android, and Windows tablets down the road. Ultimately, this will provide for design and collaboration capabilities on both desktop and mobile platforms.

When asked about pricing, Perrin said that it would be “aggressive,” but had yet to be determined.

Although I’m not totally sold on the cloud concept for design work, Autodesk Fusion 360 might be a game changer as it combines various aspects of conceptual design and design refinement. I’m anxious to sign up for a trial and experience what design in the cloud is all about.

The Week’s Top Stories

At MCADCafé we track many things, including the stories that have attracted the most interest from our subscribers. Below are the news items that were the most viewed during last week.

Geomagic Announces Geomagic Spark, a Revolutionary New Approach to Designing from Scan Data

Geomagic announced Geomagic Spark, the newest addition to the company’s line of 3D scan, design and inspection applications According to the company, Geomagic Spark is the only 3D software that combines a live 3D scanning interface, robust 3D point and mesh editing capabilities, comprehensive modeling design, assembly modeling, and 2D drawing creation in one complete application. While traditional CAD packages have modeling capabilities, they lack the tools to process 3D scan data into usable 3D. Geomagic Spark, however, incorporates 3D scan data functionality, integrating Geomagic’s advanced scanning technology, 15 years in the making, with the direct modeling capabilities of the SpaceClaimplatform. Now, users can create accurate, manufacturable solid models and assemblies using combined scan and CAD data in the same application, even with partial scan data.

OPEN MIND and CGTech Announce Renewed Agreement

OPEN MIND, developer of hyperMILL, software for programming CNC machine tools, and CGTech, developer of VERICUT software for simulating CNC machine tools, announced today a renewed agreement between their two companies. As part of this relationship, the two companies work closely to provide integration between their products and customer support. CGTech and OPEN MIND have already worked together to create an interface between hyperMILL and VERICUT. The interface, which continues to be enhanced, is designed to help their mutual customers create a better machining process by providing an easy way to verify hyperMILL’s post-processed machining paths in VERICUT.

Delcam CADCAM used for machining of laser-sintered metal

Additive manufacturing and machining are usually regarded as competing processes. However, the two technologies are being combined in a project at the French research centre PEP, where Delcam’s PowerSHAPE CAD software and PowerMILL CAM system are being used to finish machine parts created by laser sintering. PEP is the main technical centre for innovation in the French plastics industry, specializing in the injection molding of thermoplastics. The main areas of expertise of PEP’s researchers and engineers include design and simulation of parts and processes, injection molding processes and tooling, and plastics materials.The Delcam software was first chosen by PEP for PLATINNO, a technological innovation platform for tooling undertaken in association with CETIM, France’s main research centre for mechanical engineering. The aim of the project is to provide support – technical, human resources and financial – for companies working in the French plastics sector. With support from CETIM, which has undertaken research into high-speed machining for many years, PEP was introduced to all the main CADCAM vendors to assess their systems. The organisation particularly liked the Delcam software, not least because the company could meet all of its needs. It acquired PowerSHAPE, PowerMILL, PowerINSPECT and ArtCAM.

Aras Announces VPLM for Autodesk Vault

Aras announced the launch of a new solution designed specifically for companies that run Autodesk Vault with Inventor and AutoCAD. Aras VPLMTM for Autodesk Vault provides packaged functionality out-of-the-box for corporate-wide PLM business processes, enabling global companies that run Autodesk software to improve product quality, accelerate time to market and achieve greater profitability.Built on top of Autodesk Vault Professional, Aras VPLM extends the capabilities of Autodesk Vault to drive PLM processes throughout a company and its supply chain for collaboration across organizations including product development, operations, quality, purchasing, sales & marketing and other groups worldwide. Scalable and secure, Aras VPLM is a business-ready solution for New Product Development and Introduction (NPDI), Complex Configuration Management, Enterprise Change Management, Outsourced Manufacturing, Quality Compliance and more.

Jeffrey Rowe is the editor of MCADCafé and MCAD Weekly Review. He can be reached at jeff@ibsystems.com or 719.221.1867.

This Week

Lead Story

Autodesk Ushers In New Era of Cloud Based Design

Product and Company News

The Cloud Takes Center-stage at Autodesk University 2012

Dassault Systèmes Announces the V6 Release 2013x of its 3DEXPERIENCE Platform

PLMIG Workshop Series produces first draft Version 3.0 PLM-ERP Handbook

SofTech Announces Latest Release: ProductCenter PLM 9.3.0

MecSoft releases VisualXPORT 2.0 for SolidWorks

Granta Announces Foundation Partnership Integrating Materials Information Management with Siemens PLM Software

Pratt & Whitney Canada Selects Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE Platform

RS Components Enhances its 3D CAD Model Selection Tools for Engineers

Missler Software introduces TopSolid’Split 7.7

Autodesk Reports Third Quarter Results

SIMPOE announces 45 day SimpoEdge free trial program for Solid Edge users

Optomec and Stratasys to Present Capability Assessment of 3D Printing Integrated with Printed Electronics

Geomagic Announces the 2013 Editions of Geomagic Qualify and Geomagic Qualify Probe

Moldex3D partners with OPM to leverage two companies’ technologies in conformal cooling solution

BOXX Unveils New Multi-GPU Workstation at Autodesk University 2012

Tech Soft 3D Brings Leading Desktop Technology to the Cloud with HOOPS Communicator

GibbsCAM Extends Educational Program into Student Homes

KeyShot Now Available with PTC Creo 2.0 Academic Edition

Free CAD data translation from Delcam

Mentor Graphics and PTC Support the Real World Design Challenge Program with Software Donations

CIMdata Releases Series of Country-Specific PLM Market Analysis Reports

New KOMPAS-3D V13 Plus Available

Impressive solutions for manufacturers from ROBOTMASTER and its partners

Solutions for manufacturers from ROBOTMASTER and its partners

NAFEMS: Download Free SDM White Paper

Siemens PLM Software is Named 2012 China’s Best CAE Supplier for its Advanced Simulation Solution

Lakowa Utilizes ZW3D

ESPower Electronics Implements Aras PLM Platform for Product Portfolio Management

Liquidmetal Technologies’ Manufacturing Partner Moves Beyond Prototypes to Ship First Production Parts

CAE and HPC experts wanted!

Software Cradle scSTREAM and HEAT Designer Version10 Release

Robots App Brings Amazing World of Robotics to iPad

pewag and TraceParts present together for the first time a world first in lifting technology

tetra4D Releases New 3D PDF Plug-Ins for Autodesk Products

Related MCAD News

Autodesk Named One of the Top 25 Best Workplaces

Visteon Expands Information and Controls Portfolio with Head-Up Display Technology

SAE International Responds to Recent CO2 Statement – Invites Automakers for Collaboration on CO2 as an Automotive Refrigerant

Mazor Robotics Announces Financial Results for the Third Quarter 2012 and Provides Update on Operating Progress

HP Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2012 Results

Corporate Moves

Boeing Moving to New Complex in Huntsville

AMT Technical Director Tim Shinbara Selected for National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute Executive Committee

Industry Events

Call For Speakers Opens For 2013 3D Collaboration & Interoperability Congress (CIC)

Phenomenal Response to NAFEMS World Congress’ Call for Papers

GibbsCAM Triple-Feature at Autodesk University 2012

MecSoft Announces Presence at EuroMold 2012

Improved Corrosion Protection and Instant Cure Coatings for Tube and Pipe Manufacturing at FABTECH

CimatronE’s Complete Mold Solution on Show at EuroMold

HP Demonstrates Cloud-based Large-format Printing Solutions and Workstations at Autodesk University

Webinar: What’s New in NX 8.5 CAM (Saratech – Dec. 13, 2012)

Webinar: Innovations in Engineering Simulation for Today’s Electric & Hybrid Vehicles (CD-adapco – December 6, 2012)

ModuleWorks to show latest CAD/CAM components at Euromold

Delcam to show latest in CADCAM for toolmakers in Indonesia

Webinar: Vehicle Thermal Management System Performance Modeling with System Level Fluid Simulation (Mentor Graphics – Dec. 12, 2012)

Creaform’s Go!SCAN 3D Handheld and White Light 3D Scanner Showcased at EuroMOLD 2012

ZW3D Design Challenge – Holiday Edition

IMAGINiT Technologies and ASCENT Experts Speak at Autodesk University and ATC Summit 2012

Webinar: Simplify programming with Refer-Operation in ZW3D (ZWSoft – December 6, 2012)

IMAGINiT Technologies Releases New Software and Services at Autodesk University 2012

Actify Announces Viewing 2.0, the Next Generation Platform in Product Data Viewing at EuroMold

Robotmaster at Euromold 2012

Tata Technologies Urges Manufacturers: ‘Learn, Connect, Explore’ at Autodesk University 2012

Productivity solutions at EuroMOLD include the latest developments in all WorkNC CAD/CAM solutions and a preview of WorkNC Robot

SURFCAM 6 to be Demonstrated at EuroMold 2012

Delcam India to show Vortex high-speed roughing at IMTEX

Corporate Newsletters

FEA Information Journal – November 2012

Hawk Ridge Systems SolidWorks Newsletter – December 2012

It seems that one of the most talked about events in the engineering software space this year has been Autodesk’s acquisition of HSMWorks. The misconceptions and misunderstandings surrounding this acquisition have been amazing.

In an attempt to get a better handle on the reasons and implications for the acquisition, I spoke briefly with Carl White, Director of Manufacturing Engineering Products at Autodesk.

He said the primary reason for the HSMWorks acquisition was to get into production workflows that previously had been untouched (from Autodesk’s perspective). He feels that the acquisition will help round out Autodesk’s Digital Prototyping philosophy, since he believes that HSMWorks is oriented to both CAM programmers and designers.

For the near term, White said that Autodesk is looking hard at the best way to integrate HSMWorks into the workflows of Autodesk (Inventor) customers. He said that Autodesk intends to keep improving the underlying HSMWorks kernel and will remain neutral and CAD agnostic. OK, I’ll buy that for the time being.

Longer term, he said that Autodesk would be exploring more cloud options with HSMWorks, but couldn’t elaborate at this time. There’s that cloud thing again . . .

He said that the HSMWorks channel is viable and still running, but didn’t elaborate too much on that point.

In closing, White said that Autodesk realizes that it is largely dealing with mixed, and not exclusive, CAD environments. He maintained that Autodesk is not in the business of acquiring technology companies to shut them down.

This is an example of Autodesk making an acquisition as part of its strategy to becoming a bigger presence in the plug-in software business. White said that Autodesk is committed to continuing to develop HSMWorks to benefit both Inventor and SolidWorks users.

So, after talking with Autodesk’s Carl White about the fate of HSMWorks product and customers, I came away with a feeling that it may not be the doom and gloom situation purported by some, but this is one to watch closely to see what actually happens as we move forward.

Siemens is expanding its portfolio of industry software by acquiring LMS International NV (Leuven, Belgium), a leading provider of test and mechatronic simulation software including model-based systems engineering to the automotive, aerospace and other advanced manufacturing industries. With this acquisition, Siemens will become the first product lifecycle management (PLM) software company to provide a closed-loop systems-driven product development solution extending all the way to integrated test management. The integrated solution will increase simulation accuracy, which improves decision making and enhances customers’ ability to design the product right the first time. The decision making process is underpinned by a deep and accurate virtual analysis linked to the physical world.

Siemens is the leader in next generation product development, through a strategy that unites the virtual and real worlds and is well positioned in integrating virtual product development with physical manufacturing. The complexity of today’s products demands a systems driven approach to product development. A key element of this approach is systems engineering which requires the merging of the virtual and physical domains for product development. With the acquisition of LMS, Siemens can provide a complete suite of virtual design, simulation and physical performance testing applications intelligently integrating all aspects of the product development process.

“With the acquisition of LMS, we are expanding our portfolio of industry software in an area that is critical for many customers. They will now be able to simulate, test, optimize, and produce their products in a unified, consistent data environment. This will make them faster, more efficient, more flexible, and more cost-effective,” explains Anton S. Huber, CEO of the Industry Automation Division.

“By acquiring LMS we continue to deliver on our goal of providing the full breadth of product development solutions, from the virtual to the physical. This will enhance our core competencies by adding model-based simulation, design, test and measurement capabilities to both the virtual design and physical test process. Integrating the full environment gives our customers the ability to bring together information from the logical model, physical model and functional model to refine and optimize designs and measure results, which transforms decision making in product development. It’s something our customers appreciate today and will even more fully appreciate tomorrow. We are committed to investing both organically and through acquisitions to achieve our vision, which includes providing world class simulation solutions,” said Chuck Grindstaff, CEO and president of Siemens’ PLM Software Business Unit.

“We will continue to focus on our core strength of test and mechatronic simulation,” said Urbain Vandeurzen, Chairman and CEO of LMS. “In combination with the entire Siemens PLM Software portfolio we plan to further expand our leading position in the automotive, aerospace and other advanced industries. We are confident that the strong market recognition of LMS’ engineering excellence will continue to be visible and to appeal to customers in all industries.”

The manufacturing industry faces a significant challenge of efficiently developing the right products while mastering the growing complexity of next generation products. One aspect of this growing complexity is the rapid expansion of products integrating mechanical systems, electronics and software, referred to as mechatronic systems. With the acquisition of LMS, Siemens is well positioned to deliver PLM solutions where the mechatronic systems in a new design will simultaneously be optimized.

This acquisition builds on Siemens’ HD-PLM vision of providing an immersive, decision-making environment to help customers make smarter decisions resulting in better products. Siemens and LMS are both committed to providing open solutions, which allow customers the flexibility to integrate with existing systems to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their product development and manufacturing processes.

Commentary By Jeffrey Rowe, Editor

In what has been a banner year for acquisitions in the engineering software arena, yet another notable acquisition is about to go on the books for 2012. This time it’s Siemens PLM Software acquiring LMS, a leader in test and mechatronic simulation widely used in the automotive and aerospace sectors. With a unique combination of mechatronic simulation software, testing systems and engineering services, LMS addresses diverse engineering attributes, ranging from system dynamics, structural integrity and sound quality to durability, safety, and power consumption.

We have followed LMS for several years and have been impressed by the breadth, depth, and uniqueness of its product offerings. Based on what LMS has to offer and what Siemens PLM Software has been looking for to expand its offerings in CAE and simulation, this looks like a good deal for both parties.

For several years, we have considered one of the most prominent aspects of LMS to be its Virtual.Lab, LMS’ simulation environment for functional performance engineering. LMS Virtual.Lab is an integrated software suite that simulates the performance of mechanical systems with regard to attributes such as noise and vibration, durability, ride and handling, and dynamic motion. LMS Virtual.Lab covers virtually all the critical process steps and required technologies to perform an end-to-end assessment of designs in key disciplines that are especially important to the automotive and aerospace markets. The last time I checked, LMS Virtual.Lab suite’s modules were based on CAA (Component Application Architecture), the open architecture PLM system from Dassault Systemes. Whether this is still the case and/or will continue into the future remains to be seen.

Virtual.Lab provides a digital engineering process for refining critical functional performance attributes before committing to physical prototyping. For example, LMS Virtual.Lab lets users accurately assess such things as the radiated noise of a new engine design, the vibration handling and associated comfort levels of a complete vehicle, or the fatigue resistance of an aircraft landing gear. Using Virtual.Lab, you can analyze a multitude of design options, and drive major design choices from the perspective of key performance attributes.

As it has for some time, Virtual.Lab offers application-specific modules for areas, such as powertrain acoustics, powertrain dynamics, vehicle dynamics, full-vehicle noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), component and system-level durability. Some of the modules available with LMS Virtual Lab include:

LMS Virtual.Lab Finite Element Method (FEM) Acoustics — LMS Virtual.Lab FEM Acoustics offers an advanced method for simulating acoustics using FE meshes while still modeling the propagation area. Since these types of models tend to be large, advanced computing techniques and solvers are essential. With LMS Virtual.Lab Rev 9, FEM acoustics provides more solver options and high-tech routing features to solve practically any application regardless of size or frequency range.

LMS Virtual.Lab Boundary Element Method (BEM) Acoustics — Time domain BEM is a new time-based method for acoustic wave propagation applications. Users can see how the acoustic waves spread throughout an acoustic field. It is a way to efficiently solve problems such as high-frequency acoustic structural radiation issues.

LMS Virtual.Lab Source Identification — Source identification is an inverse acoustic technique that accurately determines vibration sources for a better understanding of noise problems and ultimately better noise and vibration system optimization. By coupling a near-field measurement with Inverse Numerical Acoustics, users can simulate vibration sources to use as loads for accurate forward acoustic predictions (near field measurement applied for far field simulation).

LMS Virtual.Lab Aero-Acoustics — Enhanced for aero-acoustic applications, LMS Virtual.Lab Aero-Acoustics now contains a variety of features to reduce flow-induced noise, including conservative mapping, quadrupoles including truncation, and confined fan.

LMS Virtual.Lab Motion — Addresses real-world problems, such as driving dynamics, aerospace, wind, powertrain, tracked vehicle and functional and physical (1D/3D) co-simulation.

LMS Virtual.Lab Durability — Thermal fatigue methodology analyzes the impact of changing temperatures on fatigue behavior both by modeling the effect of temperature on the fatigue material properties, as well as accounting for the influence of temperature cycles on fatigue performances. This is a good way to accurately evaluate fatigue for engine parts, exhaust systems, turbo chargers, and other parts that are influenced by cyclical temperatures.

For some time, LMS Virtual.Lab has integrated Design of Experiments (DOE), Response Surface Modeling (RSM) and advanced optimization techniques. These capabilities let Virtual.Lab users automatically assess several design alternatives, and use design methodologies to assess the influence of real-world variability in a search for safer, higher-quality, and better performing products.

For automotive and aerospace design simulation, the LMS Virtual.Lab suite remains one of the most comprehensive, capable, and versatile packages we have seen. Of course, Siemens is acquiring much more than Virtual.Lab, and this should be an excellent addition and complement to its high-end NX CAD line. As good acquisitions (mostly) should, this one will let each organization continue to do what they do best, hopefully in the best interest of each other’s customers.

The Week’s Top Stories

At MCADCafé we track many things, including the stories that have attracted the most interest from our subscribers. Below are the news items that were the most viewed during last week.

Delcam launches dual-column version of PowerINSPECT

A new module has been made available for the latest version of Delcam’s PowerINSPECT inspection software that allows the software to create efficient inspection sequences for use on dual-column CNC coordinate-measuring machines (CMMs). The combination of a dual-column CMM and PowerINSPECT enables inspection times to be reduced by allowing the simultaneous measurement of different features on larger parts. Using this new module provides the ability to measure parts on these devices in a single coordinate system without repositioning. In general, the dual-column mode works in a similar manner to the single-column CNC version of PowerINSPECT: models are loaded in the same way; inspection items are created using the same methods and so on. An additional programming operation is needed to distribute the various items to be inspected between the two columns. Additions to the offline-programming and program-running capabilities provide tools for moving inspection items between the two columns to balance the inspection time needed for each one. The user can switch columns in much the same way that they switch probes or tools.

Comet Solutions and Red Cedar Technology Sign Partnership Agreement to Advance Process Automation and Design Optimization

Red Cedar Technology has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Comet Solutions to integrate HEEDS multi-disciplinary design optimization technology with the Comet Performance Engineering Workspace. The Comet Performance Engineering Workspace leverages a proprietary Abstract Engineering Model to enable both process automation and multi-fidelity models. By linking this with the revolutionary technology in the HEEDS multi-disciplinary optimization software, the design space of a complete CAD and CAE system model can be quickly explored and the design can be efficiently optimized.

Granta announces new integration with ANSYS software

Granta Design announced a new software product to provide vital materials data for simulation engineers, developed through Granta’s partnership with ANSYS. The new GRANTA MI:Materials Gateway for ANSYS Workbench enables validated materials property models to be quickly and consistently accessed and applied from within ANSYS software, providing full traceability of the materials inputs to simulations. Working with some of the world’s top engineering enterprises, Granta has developed GRANTA MI, a system to capture, analyze, and manage all of a company’s corporate materials data – for example, from testing, R&D, or previous design experience. This data is complemented by Granta’s catalog of materials property reference data, which covers metals, plastics, ceramics, composite materials, etc. With the new MI:Materials Gateway any authorized ANSYS Workbench user can browse and search all of this information resource within their routine workflows. They can then select approved CAE models and apply them directly to their simulation projects.

GstarCAD releases GstarCAD MC PRO for Android

GstarCAD released GstarCAD MC PRO for Android provides users many functions, such as browsing, editing, sharing and saving CAD drawings on a mobile device. GstarCAD MC PRO adds some innovative functions, including reading .dwg drawings directly without conversion and complete offline functionality.

Jeffrey Rowe is the editor of MCADCafé and MCAD Weekly Review. He can be reached at jeff@ibsystems.com or 719.221.1867.

This Week

Lead Story

Siemens PLM Software Acquiring LMS

Product and Company News

Editorial: Kinetic Modeling by Scott Wertel

PTC Sponsors 2013 Real World Design Challenge

Wire EDM in Edgecam 2013 R1

Vero Software Release VISI 20

PTC Announces Solid Q4 EPS Results

ModuleWorks and exocad sign partnership agreement

Terrafugia Selects Product Lifecycle Management Solution From Omnify Software

Stratasys Adds Black ULTEM 9085 High Performance Thermoplastic for Additive Manufacturing

Stratasys and Objet Provide Update on CFIUS Review

ANSYS, Inc. Reports Record Q3 Results

Case Study: Alphacam Accuracy Helps Swiss Watches Keep Perfect Time

Rapidly Growing Boat Dock Company Turns to Autodesk Software

Groundbreaking Study of Complex Composite Materials with MSC Nastran and Marc

Geomagic Teams with Solutionix to Provide 3D Scanning Software for the Versatile New Rexcan CS Plus Scanner

Missler Software and Okuma collaborate closely together

Tech Soft 3D Now Global Provider of Autodesk Software Development Platforms and Tools

ZW3D 2012 SP2 Released With a More Efficient and Intelligent Mold Design Module

Luxion and DuPont Performance Coatings Launch KeyShot Material Download Site for DuPont Paints

Apriso Accelerates Move to Paperless Manufacturing with FlexNet 9.6

Icona Solutions’ latest 3D ‘virtualisation’ software empowers design teams in perceived quality decision-making

Russian Nuclear Company NIAEP Powered by Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE Platform

Tecnodinamica of Italy Implements Aras Enterprise PLM Backbone

Dassault Systèmes Reports Solid Q3 and Upgrades Q4 and Full Year 2012 Financial Objectives

Geometric’s Revenues Rise

DMG Virtual Machine interface for TopSolid’Cam

Majenta Solutions earns Autodesk Product Support Certification

MontaVista Announces New Proof-of-Concept Program to Deliver Low-Cost Option for Rapid Prototyping of Automotive Projects

New Reporting and Tool Oscillation in Alphacam 2013 R1

New technology partnership leads the way to better and faster simulation (Infolytica )

CADENAS PARTsolutions Launches Mobile Apps for Industrial Manufacturers to Publish Product Catalogs, Configurators and CAD Models to iPad and Android Tablets

Easier Multi-Tool Use in Radan 2013

PDF3D Integrates XSL-FO for 3D Technical Report Generation

New Release fo Fatigue Analysis Software fe-safe (Safe Technology)

Institute of Technical Education Selects Intergraph SmartMarine 3D

New SolidWorks forums in Spanish

Mazor Robotics Receives First Renaissance System Order from Transmedic Pte Ltd, Southeast Asian Distributor

Related MCAD News

HP Delivers Comprehensive Windows 8 PC Portfolio

Visteon Reports Q3 2012 Results

Autodesk Ranks #6 Among IT Companies on Newsweek Magazine’s Green Rankings

HP Unveils Cloud-Based Service Desk Solution

HP Helps SMBs Modernize IT Infrastructure to Support Growing Mobile Use

Delphi Completes Acquisition of Motorized Vehicles Division of FCI

EMC Delivers Documentum Platform 7.0

Bisimoto Engineering Builds 600+ HP Hyundai Elantra GT Concept For 2012 SEMA Show

DP Technology Corp. and ZOLLER GmbH & Co. KG. Introduce New ESPRIT-ZOLLER Interface

Corporate Moves

Actify Opens New Office in Edinburgh, Scotland

Industry Events

Longview Advisors Announces 2013 3D Collaboration & Interoperability Congress

PLM Road Map To Be Presented with PLM Innovation Americas 2013

CimatronE’s Die Design Solutions on Show at EuroBlech

CIMdata Announces Date and Location for the Next North American CIMdata PLM Certificate Program

Delcam for SolidWorks 2013 on show at SolidWorks World

Video News: ROBOTMASTER powers new robotic solutions for manufacturing at IMTS 2012

Design & Manufacturing Event to Join Montreal Exposition and Conference

Additive Manufacturing Users Group Conference Opens Registration

Webinar: Explore and Improve your Design – Faster than Ever Before with ANSYS 14.5 (Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012)

CDS Provides Online Catalog and PTC Creo Models for 2012 – 2013 FIRST Robotics

KUKA Robotics Corporation Debuts Innovative Packaging and Palletizing Solutions at Pack Expo 2012

Engineering Webinar: Automating the process of simulation CAE / CFD (CD-Adpco)

Molex Launches QuickConnect and Fast Start Up Features for Industrial Robotics at Pack Expo 2012

Delcam Thailand to show latest CAM developments in Bangkok

Camtech to Show Latest Edgecam at EuroMold 2012

Manufacturing Summit: Closing the Divide

CCE to showcase OfficeLink at PLM Innovation

FIRST Extends Annual Robotics Championship in St. Louis Through 2014

Corporate Newsletters

ZWCAD+ Newsletter – October 2012

FEA Information Journal – October 2012