PCBWorks from Altium enables direct links to automatically build parametric, 3D models of a circuit board in SolidWorks. By L. Stephen Wolfe, P.E For decades CAD users and software developers have bemoaned the lack of integration between electrical and mechanical CAD software but progress has been slow for a good reason. The people who write electrical CAD software rarely … [Read more...] about A quantum jump in mechanical-electronic CAD integration
Dassault Systèmes introduces 3D Experience Platform to COE
Only 400 customers have moved to the latest version of Catia and the complex ecosystem that supports it. By L. Stephen Wolfe, P.E. The Catia Operator’s Exchange (COE) is a not-for-profit US organization that helps customers of Dassault Systèmes share information about the CAD software giant’s flagship Catia software. Most of the members are employees of automotive or … [Read more...] about Dassault Systèmes introduces 3D Experience Platform to COE
The business case for SolidWorks Mechanical Conceptual
Intriguing but pricey. Steve Wolfe takes a close look at the most highly anticipated new MCAD product in years. By L. Stephen Wolfe, P.E. [Editor's Note: Larger versions of the images in this article are available on the GraphicSpeak Facebook page.] As reported on January 28, the SolidWorks division of Dassault Systèmes announced the first release of software dubbed … [Read more...] about The business case for SolidWorks Mechanical Conceptual
MINE pioneers a new model for financing technology innovation
Former Mental Images CEO Rolf Herken is assembling a team of engineers and financiers to explore a proof-of-concept approach to software development. Dassault Systèmes is an early partner. By L. Stephen Wolfe, P.E. Venture capital has spawned many successful companies, made rich people out of bright, hardworking folks from middle-class families, and turned famous venture … [Read more...] about MINE pioneers a new model for financing technology innovation
3D Experience Platform could solve problems
Dassault Systèmes unveils its next-generation product development system, clearly a strategy for the long haul. By L. Stephen Wolfe, P.E. At Dassault Systèmes’s annual 3D Experience Customer Conference November 12-13, 2013 in Las Vegas, the mechanical engineering software giant shed glimmers of light on its soon-to-be delivered 3D Experience Platform. This appears to be an … [Read more...] about 3D Experience Platform could solve problems
SolidWorks Electrical takes on AutoCAD, Part 3
Steve Wolfe explores the history and capabilities of the market-leading AutoCAD Electrical with a new competitor from SolidWorks. By L. Stephen Wolfe, P.E. [Editor’s Note: This is the conclusion of Steve Wolfe’s three-part report on SolidWorks Electrical. Links to the other articles in this series are at the end of this article.] SolidWorks Electrical competes most … [Read more...] about SolidWorks Electrical takes on AutoCAD, Part 3
SolidWorks Electrical takes on AutoCAD, part 2
Steve Wolfe explores the history and capabilities of the market-leading AutoCAD Electrical with a new competitor from SolidWorks. [Editor’s Note: This is Part 2 of Steve Wolfe’s report on SolidWorks Electrical. Links to the other articles in this series are at the end of this article. In part 1 Steve explored the history of both products.] By L. Stephen Wolfe, … [Read more...] about SolidWorks Electrical takes on AutoCAD, part 2
SolidWorks Electrical takes on AutoCAD, part 1
Steve Wolfe explores the history and capabilities of the market-leading AutoCAD Electrical with a new competitor from SolidWorks. By L. Stephen Wolfe, P.E. Unless your company fabricates sheet metal or building materials or makes hand-held devices so small there is no room for cables, then your products probably including electrical wiring. That’s a huge market for CAD … [Read more...] about SolidWorks Electrical takes on AutoCAD, part 1
Eye-tracking poised to become a standard computer-graphics feature
SolidWorks is only one of many companies looking to incorporate eye tracking into future updates to the user interface. By L. Stephen Wolfe, P.E. [Editor’s Note: This is not the first time Steve Wolfe has written about Tobii; take a look at his 2005 article, “Tobii pioneers eye-tracking software.”] When I first saw Tobii Technology’s eye-tracking hardware and software … [Read more...] about Eye-tracking poised to become a standard computer-graphics feature
Desktop FDM 3D printer redefines low-cost market
A new 3D printer from China seems to have solved the issues that have plagued other low-cost competitors. By L. Stephen Wolfe, P.E. When 3D printing systems (also called stereolithography or rapid prototyping systems) appeared in 1988 they sold for an eye-popping quarter-million bucks. At the time, many people believed that 3D printer prices would fall over the next … [Read more...] about Desktop FDM 3D printer redefines low-cost market