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CAD Users Try To Beat Clock

Exhibitors at the National Design Engineering Show are putting almost as much imagination into their booths as they are outing into their products. Walking around the show floor you can spot magicians, friendly talking robots, and a few celebrities as well as breakthrough components and materials that can boost design productivity. PTC has one of the more inviting attractions—and it appeals to engineers’ competitive instincts, as well as their thirst for cash and refreshments.

The attraction is the Go Proof Challenge. Engineers are invited to test their skills by creating a CAD model from a sketch. Each competition sees two engineers creating different models for time. They are simple models, such as a cap on a panel with holes. The engineers with the fastest time win $1,000 and a chance to compete by creating a more complex model. If they win at the higher level competition, they win another $1,000. In any case, they get a beer for their efforts!

Mark Brown, an engineer with Eagle Tool, was one of the winners. There were three features on the part he had to create. His time: one minute, 34 seconds.

“I’m not comfortable getting up in front of a lot of people,” he said, “but it was fun.”  The cash will no doubt come in handy. And the beer: that was great too.

–Paul Teague