Toolmakers Focus on Ease-of-Use

There are often many design tools used to develop full systems, but linking files made with these disparate tools can be problematic. Software providers are taking different tacks to minimize problems, forging partnerships and improving communication techniques.

These improvements in communication make it far simpler for engineers in different departments to see how their work impacts that of other departments. This often makes it possible to do more simulations at earlier points in the design cycle, reducing the cost of fixing errors.

Making it easier to communicate between packages also reduces the chance that translation errors will occur, saving time normally spent moving files and fixing the inevitable errors that arise.

PTC teams up with Mathcad

PTC has teamed up with Mathcad, integrating its engineering calculation software with PTC's Pro/ENGINEER design software.

The bi-directional link between Mathcad and Pro/ENGINEER lets users easily associate any Mathcad file with a Pro/ENGINEER part or assembly using the analysis feature in Pro/ENGINEER. Values calculated in Mathcad can be mapped to parameters and dimensions in the CAD model to drive the geometric design. Parameters from a Pro/ENGINEER model can also be input into Mathcad for downstream engineering design calculations.

Improved traceability and audit capabilities help users verify, validate, and audit engineering work and design results with documentation of design calculations linked directly to CAD models. The software also helps design engineers predict the behavior of their models in addition to facilitating accurate data exchange between applications so error-prone manual steps are eliminated.

Dassault, ABAQUS enhance combined software

Version 2.3 of Abaqus for CATIA V5 Product Lifecycle Management software from Dassault Systèmes makes it simpler to deploy analysis workflows and advanced simulation technology.

The latest software product from the SIMULIA brand from Dassault and its partner Abaqus of Providence, RI, lets design engineers and analysis specialists use the same FEA methods and models within CATIA V5, ensuring repeatability and accuracy.

Support of ABAQUS Version 6.6 brings the functionality of ABAQUS/Standard solver capabilities, including contact enhancements and performance improvements. New weld features make ABAQUS for CATIA V5 an attractive analysis tool for airframe and automotive body modeling.

The ABAQUS continuum shell technology enables the modeling of shell structures so engineers can use the actual CAD geometry of the structure rather than determining an approximate midplane and appropriate offsets of adjoining components.

Autodesk extension improves communications

The Inventor 11 DWF Extension from Autodesk Inc. improves file-sharing capabilities and security throughout the design review process.

It offers enhanced publishing options for designers and design teams so they can share information using compact, 2D and 3D DWF files. Round-trip markup capabilities enable users overlay DWF markups directly onto their drawings while also editing and republishing design changes for verification.

File aggregation capabilities make it possible to combine information from different DWF files to create a single DWF file for sharing. Users can also create and publish a Bill of Materials with structured information. The tool, available to subscription customers of Autodesk Inventor 11 software products, also delivers improved security features such as password protection and access control to prevent unauthorized access and use by downstream users.