Thermal modeling

CAD integration software

IcePro 3.1 interface seamlessly integrates CAD software and Icepak thermal modeling software, automatically exporting much of the model with a few configuration parameters. Complex geometries may also be automatically decomposed into prismatic shapes. Software automatically exports protrusion features and cuts features on boundaries to Icepak. Additionally, it provides an option to replicate the Pro/ENGINEER assembly tree in Icepak. Fluent Inc., www.fluent.com Enter 713

FEA software

More than 80 enhancements

ABAQUS(R) product suite V6.3 is designed to solve problems in non-linear analysis, finite element modeling and post-processing. Product development firms can reportedly use ABAQUS to improve performance of components, materials, and products in every stage of engineering analysis. Features include enhancements to general contact and spot welds, solving multiple load cases, extended parallel processing, and inertia relief. Applications include impact simulation of complex assemblies like consumer electronics. Hibbitt, Karlsson & Sorensenwww.hks.com Enter 714

Fluid flow simulation

Reduces development, testing time

CFdesign v6.0 fluid flow and heat transfer simulation software reportedly allows product development engineers to simulate multiple design scenarios simultaneously and share results throughout the process. A fast track option gives users the chance to test idle CPUs, while the design review center visualizes multiple designs. Users may share simulation results and include comments in the design communication center. Operating with native 3D component and assembly models, the software works with Autodesk Inventor, Solid Edge, SolidWorks, Pro/ENGINEER, Unigraphics, and other MCAD systems. Blue Ridge Numericswww.cfdesign.com Enter 715

Mechanical CAD

With shape description tools

Autodesk Inventor(R) 3D software 6 offers features and improvements like 200 productivity and drawing enhancements, industry-specific routing tools, specific industry machinery, and electromechanical designs. The ShapeManager kernel lets users seamlessly mix solids with surfaces to create stylized, complex parts. Features include layout drawing tools such as breakout views, perspective views, weldment views, and visibility of work geometry. Improved constraints give designers better information about 3D designs. Autodesk Inc.www.autodesk.com Enter 716

CAD/CAM

Ease-of-use in a new combination software

InovateCAM CAD/CAM software combines Inovate 5.2 and VisualMill 4.0 in what the company reports as award-winning 3D design software. By not requiring users to be CAD experts, the CAD/CAM software allows users to enter data, make changes, and get the data back out into CAM, all without difficulty. According to the company, the software also comes at an affordable price. Ironcad LLC, www.ironcad.com Enter 717

3D parametric modeling

CAD-neutral environment

ALGOR, a software engine for converting thin solid features, has included support for Alibre's Design 3D. Alibre Import Extender is an element in the parametric modeling package that opens native parts and assemblies in the company's products for any type of analysis. The Alibre Design application for mechanical collaboration is Internet-capable, allowing engineers and designers to create 3D and 2D associative drawings. Alibre support for ALGOR is available for PC workstations running Windows NT, Me, 98, 2000, or XP. Algor Inc., www.algor.com Enter 718

Fluid dynamics modeling

Includes Tecplot 3D datasets

Virtual Vantage(TM) 3.1 features isosurface viewing in wire frames for its plane, streamline, and surface-based visualization objects. Supporting stereo on Linux systems with stereo-enabled Quadro 4 graphics cards from NVIDIA, the software offers contour color maps, a user-configurable list of shortcut keys on alternative input devices, user alerts, improvements to the interface, and counted streamlines passing through selection planes. It also supports Tecplot 3D datasets, allowing any simulation software that exports data into Tecplot's FEBLOCK=BRICK format to post-process with Virtual Vantage. Fuel-Tech N.V., www.fueltechnv.com Enter 719

STL handling

With perforated support structures

Enhanced support generation, smart algorithms, and extended document generation capabilities are features that reportedly make Magics 8 a fast and easy rapid prototyping software package. Other benefits include flexible fixture creation, a special module that increases the productivity of LOM machines, and upgraded visualization options. The Magics 8 support module includes newly developed perforated support structures, an option to fragment large block supports, extended surface and editing functions, zoom via mouse wheel, and an option to show extended part selection list in the right menu bar. Materialise, www.materialise.com Enter 720

Single board computer

Multiple configuration options

Based on the Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 processor, the 6U CP605 Compact PCI Single Board Computer (SBC) is a 478-pin package with a 2 to 3 GHz high-performance version or a 1.2 to 2 GHz low power dissipation version. SBC serves up to 1 Gbyte soldered DDR SDRAM and, with DDR SODIMM modules, up to 2 Gbyte total memory. Offering more connectivity options, it provides 5 USB 2.0 ports and a 32-bit, 33 MHz PMC interface, supporting the PICMG 2.16 Packet Switching Backplane specification. Kontron America, www.kontron.com Enter 721

Simulation software

Collaborate without mixing languages

Simulation software designed for multitechnology prototyping is ideal for automotive, aerospace and power-technology systems, according to the company, and is used in the electrical design process for electric/hybrid-electric vehicles. Reportedly, the software allows collaboration between OEMs and suppliers. SIMPLORER(R) 6.0 models systems comprised of analog, digital, mixed-signals, mechanics, hydraulics, and various controls without having to choose among languages. Features include VHDL-AMS modeling language, compatibility with SPICE 3F5 standard format, and libraries. Ansoft Corp., www.ansoft.com Enter 722

Solids modeling

Surface, open shell editing

Used to bring solid modeling to 3D, Power Solids version 1.2 has added tools for creating and editing surfaces and open shells. The software is capable of the following features: merge/sew surfaces into solids; delete faces to enable surface trimming; extrude, revolve, skin, sweep with open loops to create complex surfaces; extract selected faces into BrepObjects or NURBS; Extract Selected Faces/Edges into Curves; when combining surfaces with solids, remove excess faces automatically; and flipping the normals of selected faces in a shell. Power Software Inc., www.nPowerSoftware.com Enter 723

Modeling software

Plug-in applications available

Rhinoceros 2.0 software includes hundreds of new modeling and editing commands, more options, new import and export file formats, a C++ software developer kit, and The Zoo work-group license manager. Version 2.0 allows plug-in applications to Rhino that include Flamingo for lifelike images, directional and point lights, VBS and JS support, and snap-to object display. Other features include distance measurement in fractions or custom units, decimals or inches, or mixed. Another major feature of Rhinoceros 2.0 is curvature, continuity, control and analysis using loft command, sweep commands, and blend command for blending sections and bulging. Robert McNeel & Associates, www.rhino3d.com Enter 724

Fluid dynamics software

Creates 2D models

The conceptual design and analysis of airfoils and bodies in close proximity are made easier by the MultiElement Airfoils software package. Used to create 2D models and generate insight into their engineering problems, the software determines high-lift wing configurations, race-car spoilers in ground effect, biplane wings, double keel, and rudder configurations. Features include interactive AirfoilEditor that adds an airfoil to any point in the flow field by double-clicking that location. Pop-up dialog boxes allow users to select from various database libraries or their own custom shapes. Hanley Innovations, www.hanleyinnovations.com Enter 725

Data viewer

3D/2D design

CADKEY(R) V20 Viewer provides access for users to view CADKEY GraphX and CADKEY Workshop V20 architecture files, without modifying the files. With an HTML export tool, the viewer can be used to create a 3D model or 2D drawing web page. Viewer features include CADKEY pan, zoom, rotate, and render tools, as well as user-controllable level mask, views, viewports, and display/hide status of reference parts. Viewer applications suit floor personnel who may need to view a part or drawing without having to install and learn the full software program. CADKEY Corp., www.cadkey.com Enter 726

Design software

Provides early cost estimates

Concurrent Costing(R) V2.0 allows manufacturers and supply chains to assess costs early in the design process by identifying major cost drivers and generating a fast initial cost estimate at any stage in that process. Other benefits include fewer steps than previous versions, expanded information about materials and manufacturing, competitive part evaluation, and improved versions of cost models. Applications include turret press working, laser and plasma cutting, sheet metal stamping, machining, plastic extrusion, injection molding, and sand casting. Boothroyd Dewhurst Inc., www.dfma.com Enter 727