CAD utility

C ADfix 3.0 is designed for detection and repair of geometry and topology imperfections found in CAD models. With the product, designers working with problem files for downstream applications can access and utilize CAD files from customers and suppliers. The latest version of the program includes new features such as import and export for native CADDS, STEP, ACIS 5.0, and Parasolid.

International TechneGroup Inc. , 5303 Dupont Circle, Milford, OH 45150; www.iti-oh.com .

Lighting prediction

T hree-Dimensional Thermal Prediction software from this company is said to provide design engineers with high precision and speed, and the possibility to reduce or eliminate prototype tooling and testing. The product is said to allow engineers to evaluate early in the design process the expected thermal performance and stamina of high-heat lighting components, which need to function at temperatures up to 400F.

GE Plastics, One Plastic Avenue, Pittsfield, MA 01201; www.geplastics.com .

Design software

U G/Shape Studio(TM) is a new line of industrial software which its manufacturer says solves the problem of data translation between design software and mechanical CAD. The product is said to allow products to be developed from concept through manufacturing in the same environment, offers designers a wide range of alternatives which can be easily evaluated, and increases innovation.

Unigraphics Solutions, 13736 Riverport Dr., Maryland Heights, MO 63043; FAX (314) 344-5158; www.ugsolutions.com .

Test applications

S tart-Up Kits for a variety of automotive testing applications are now available from this company to help engineers configure and customize them for their own uses. The product has open source code architecture, and is designed to work with the company's other data acquisition and signal conditioning products. Kits available include dynamometer, engine knock detector, and frequency detector.

National Instruments,11500 N. Mopac Expwy., Austin, TX 78759-3504; FAX (512) 683-9300; www.natinst.com .

Development software

D esignStudio(TM)Version 3.2 is the latest version of this company's PC-based software for factory automation. New features include enhanced tools for system integration, graphics, trending, and logging capabilities, as well as higher speed. The software also can create applications on industrial or desktop PCs which can be downloaded to Windows CE runtime workstations.

Xycom Automation Inc., 750 North Maple Road, Saline, MI 48176-1292; FAX (734) 429-1010; www.xycomautomation.com .

Assembly software

T he FVA assembly system is a virtual Full Vehicle Assembly System which is said to enable integration of CAE tools to adapt data structures and functionality, allowing an entire automobile to be assembled from the CAD geometry of components. The product allows virtual components to be substituted for physical prototypes, which is said to shorten design time and allow multiple design options to be developed simultaneously.

MSC.Software, 815 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90041; FAX (213) 259-3838.

3D CAD

M ore than 150 enhancements and improvements have been added to the latest version of this company's Windows(R)-native 3D mechanical design software. Improved areas include file management, large drawing performance, large assembly development, ease-of-use, modeling, surfacing, and drawing productivity. The program is said to automate functions such as copying, renaming, and managing custom properties.

SolidWorks, 300 Baker Ave., Concord, MA 01742; FAX (978) 371-7303; www.solidworks.com .

Supply chain software

e Change Solutions Release 3 is the latest version of this company's design change management software for managing the business process during design changes. The software's business process automation is said to manage and automate input, review, approval, and notification of change across the supply chain, and allows for information distribution and a single, consistent place for business-critical information.

Motiva, 12651 High Bluff Dr. Ste. 100, San Diego, CA 92130; FAX (619) 481-8482; www.motiva.com .