Software/Hardware

Surface modeling software

Single-entity geometric properties

GeometryWorks3D Surface modeling software is reportedly the first freeform package to offer single-window integration with SolidWorks 2003. GeometryWorks3D v3.0 was developed for biomedical and industrial design, in conjunction with a medical device firm. Features include Helix spline, helix tube, and helix-on-helix creation; blanket surface creation out of many broken surfaces; and various cylinder-wrapped surface functions. CAD/CAM Components Inc.www.cadcamcomponents.com Enter 623

Fluid flow software

Fluid dynamics solver

The latest release of CFX computational fluid dynamics software is available on 64-bit Intel Itanium^® 2-based workstations running HP-UX11i. The program produces all aspects of fluid-flow analysis for product design and manufacturing processes. CFX v5.6 reportedly handles more difficult hydrodynamic problems than previous 32-bit platforms, the company claims. Ansyswww.ansys.com Enter 624

Die wizard

Form-based selections

A powerful core and cavity design capability is added to the company's PowerSHAPE hybrid modeler, reportedly the first offered in a standard package. The Die Wizard designer is for plastics injection molds. Previously an option, Die Wizard finds the split line of a product model, and then creates split and run-off surfaces, suggesting suitable sizes for the die halves. Users review all solutions at all stages. Delcam, www.delcam.com Enter 625

3D assembly software

Specify tangent direction, curvature

Features of 3D DCM, a dimensional constraint manager for CAD/CAM/CAE applications, include extended support for cones and torii; direct support for spline surfaces; and equal derivative and equal curvature constraints on spline curves. The software, for part positioning, motion simulation, and 3D sketching, solves a wide range of dimensional and constraint schemes in the full range of geometry types. D-Cubed Ltd., www.d-cubed.co.uk Enter 626

Vision Software tools

Generate reference models without images

Enhance the performance of machine vision systems using training and inspection software tools. The tools reportedly reduce set-up time, improve process yield, and provide options for pattern training. Synthetic PatMax^® generates reference models for images that are unsuitable for training. Patinspect^™ is a defect detection tool that detects differences in a located object compared to a trained image. Cognex Corp., www.cognex.com Enter 627

Automotive design tools

Faster digital styling

StudioTools, an automotive style and design software package, includes the company's SurfaceStudio^™, Maya^® 3D animation software and mental ray^®. Learning StudioTools^™ and DesignStudio Productivity Pack^™ are also available. Award-winning designs created with StudioTools include European Car of the Year in 2003. Alias/Wavefront, www.aliaswavefront.com Enter 628

CAD software

Standard Windows toolbar

VersaCAD design and drafting software's latest version, VersaCAD 2003 for Windows, includes an explorer and batch translator. The explorer reportedly offers thousands of graphics from hundreds of libraries, eliminating the need to search many databases. The batch translator converts files to or from formats like DXF, DWG, and IGES, as single or batched in hundreds. VersaCAD 2003 also saves files in the JPEG format. Archway Systems Inc.www.archwaysystems.com Enter 629

Modeling software

Ships fully loaded

Three-dimensional modeling and 2D drafting tools are included in v9.0.1.0 of the company's mechanical design software system. Parts libraries, surface development, standard mechanical component calculation, and tools for working with bills of material are also featured. The package also includes all the necessary tools for mechanical engineering design. VariCAD, www.varicad.com Enter 630

Materials databank

Many defense compliances

The Mvision ESDU metallic materials databank is designed for installation on computers using the company's materials information system, or accessing via the Internet at MSC.DataMart. The ESDU Metallic Materials Data Handbook was developed to meet aerospace materials requirements. Features include query, comparison, and evaluation of material alternatives. MSC.Software Corp., www.mscsoftware.com Enter 631

Notebook computers

Pentium^® M processor

A line of notebook computers will debut with 10 models by the end of 2003, including laptops with 17-inch screens and a model with standard DVD+RW. Expanded wireless offerings use Intel Centrino^® chipsets. Corporate notebooks will feature black chassis with silver frame and a recessed touchpad. Notebook shipments are reportedly outperforming desktops, the company says. Hewlett Packard, www.hp.com Enter 632

CAD software

Automatic feed adjustment

Reverse engineering, visualization-to-mold design, machining, dynamic interference checking, and PDM are advanced features of the company's CAD/CAM v8 software product. An adaptive federate control automatically adjusts material federate. Large assembly designs reportedly load up to 10 times faster than previous versions. A clone command, QuickMill machining function, and edge highlighting shading mode add speed and flexibility. VX Corp., www.vx.com Enter 633

CAD standards manager

Standard interface

NetSPEX v3.0 is a database-driven CAD management system for AutoCAD and MicroStation brands. Features include tools for developing, managing, and deploying CAD standards; the ability to check drawings for standards compliance; a component placement history option; keyboard command navigation; and support for EMF, WMF, BMP, and GIF component previews. ProSoft, www.prosoftnet.com Enter 634

Fluid dynamics software

File transfer, report generation

An upgrade to the remote simulation facility (RSF) includes 96 Gflops of capacity, using a Linux Networx Evolocity^® II cluster system. The RSF gives users supercomputer capabilities for computational fluid dynamics, on a pay-as-you-go basis. It is aimed at users who need surge capacity or must view simulations of large models. Fluent Inc.www.fluent.com Enter 635

CAD software tools

Supports newest digitizing arms

CAD-driven, reverse engineering software integrates with various versions of SolidWorks and supports 3D digitizers. An alignment manager helps create leap sets that allow measurement of larger than normal files. Features include updated probe manager, an independent, resizable position display window, new plane creation tool, keyboard shorts, and support for digitizing arms like Romer Stinger, Immersion MicroScribe G2, and Faro Platinum and Titanium. Revware Inc.www.revworks.com Enter 636

3D design software

View models in seconds

Inventor^® v7 and Streamline^® v5 products, for 3D design and manufacturing collaboration, respectively, are available for use with AutoCAD^® software. Inventor's features include DWG compatibility, support of DWF^™ files, and 3 Gbytes of memory. Streamline offers collaboration throughout product life cycle, offline usage, and Unicode-enabled viewing. Autodesk Inc. www.autodesk.com Enter 637

Image acquisition toolbox

Streams live data

Tools for imaging applications, the Image Acquisition Toolbox and Image Processing Toolbox 4, acquire images into the MATLAB environment. Users evaluate live digital image streams, apply advanced algorithms, develop custom algorithms, and reduce research and development cycles. Features include direct interfaces to analog and digital frame grabbers; communication with Windows-compatible video-capture devices; live video previewing; and simultaneous image acquisition and image processing. MathWorks Inc., www.mathworks.com Enter 638

Circuit design products

Frequency domain linear simulator

Improve the design of RF and high-frequency microwave circuits and systems using the Designer^™ SV linear simulator. Features include intuitive desktop, a complete set of linear component electrical models, filter synthesis, transmission line synthesis, and a schematic/layout editor. Designer SV offers component and circuit models, as well as a device library. Ansoft Corp., www.ansoft.com Enter 639