Wall thickness analysis

RAND Worldwide has released Version 1.0 of its 3DCaliper product-development software. 3DCaliper automates the analysis of 3-D CAD geometry to check proper wall thickness, minimum clearances, and other critical measurements of metal or plastic parts. In addition to being CAD independent, 3DCaliper can check both solid and surface CAD geometry, including hybrid models. The software allows users to address product quality and manufacturability early in the product-development process to reduce expensive design changes, and enables users to check for fill of the casting, mold, or die, as well as part quality. It performs a detailed measurement analysis of the CAD geometry directly on the model, eliminating the need to create mesh representations.

Upgrade from SolidWorks

SolidWorks 2001Plus is the latest release of SolidWorks Corp.'s Microsoft Windows-based 3-D CAD software. The Physical Dynamics tool allows users to move components in a 3-D design to see how they physically interact in real time, calculating the actual contact and transference of motion from one component to another. Mates are often used to define the relative position and degrees of freedom between components in an assembly. The software's Mate Diagnostic tool identifies individual problems between mates by highlighting the specific errors in the design with a red flag. The Top Down Configurations tool allows users to control sketch relations, equations, and feature end conditions, as well as view "what-if" design variations and then distinguish between those views and design changes.

Data repair

ITI TranscenData's CADfix 5.0 offers improved import and export interfaces, a 50% improvement in processing times, support for a wider range of ancillary CAD data and assemblies, and user-configurable automatic model processing. The software offers a series of diagnostic and repair tools in the form of wizards that allow users to identify problem areas, correct problems without compromising design intent, and tailor the repaired model for use in the target system. CADfix now provides full support for STEP assemblies, which can be imported from CAD models and either processed as an assembly, or the components can be exploded and replicated as defined by the assembly structure.

Wire diagram tool

VIA Development Corp. is now offering a stand-alone version of its VIA Wiring Diagram 16.0 electrical design and drafting software package. Originally offered as an add-on package to AutoCAD, VIA Wiring Diagram brings automation to the drawing of control schematic wiring diagrams. Users can insert vertical or horizontal ladders in any combination of locations, widths, and rung spacings. The software also supports point-to-point wiring schematics and offers a variety of drafting and editing tools. It generates bills of material, wire lists, and a variety of other reports.

Plasma displays

NEC Solutions Inc. has developed an advanced 42-in plasma display, the PlasmaSync 42MP4. The device's scan driving method allows for stable, flicker-free images and the display of high-resolution text and graphics. The 42MP4 also features realistic color production due to NEC's Capsulated Color filter technology and AccuCrimson technology. The display's digital zoom function lets users enlarge any portion of the screen up to three times and includes a flexible panning function. NEC's AccuShield Phosphor Protection System provides users with a comprehensive system to minimize the risk of phosphor burn.