Reviews
More than Meets the Eye — A Look at Today’s CAD Viewers
By Ron LaFon
To see designs without having to access every originating application, users can use 2D and 3D CAD drawing viewers from developers such as AutoDWG, BlueCielo ECM Solutions, CAD Systems Unlimited, CADSoftTools, Informative Graphics, Oracle, Rasterex Software, Right Hemisphere, and Trix Systems.

IronCAD v10 — 3D Modeling Software
By Mike Hudspeth, IDSA
Multikernel modeler uses both Parasolid and ACIS to get the design job done.

AcceliArch with AcceliCAD — Add-In Architectural Drawing and Modeling Software
By Ron LaFon
Software combination yields a low-cost, flexible alternative that can work with or in place of AutoCAD.

Notixia v1.1
By Mike Hudspeth, IDSA
This manufacturing process-management software is as much fun to use as it is productive.

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An Open Letter to Your Boss
By Robert Green
Green directly addresses CAD managers’ bosses to extol the virtues of CAD management services.

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Low-Cost Rapid Prototyping
By Mike Hudspeth, IDSA
With a vast array of available technologies, RP lets designers create affordable physical models.

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Building with Words
By Jerry Laiserin
New technologies let you go beyond automated spec writing.

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Logging Daily Activities and Other Tips
By Bill Kramer
Harry’s Top Tip of the month helps CAD managers record their daily activities.

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Breaking stories from around the industry.

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Latest hardware and software releases.

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Talk about CAD-related issues.

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Conferences, classes, trade shows and more.

Book Reviews
Latest publications about CAD.

All About Autocad
Circles and Lines
By Lynn Allen
More AutoCAD CUI tips to help you create the perfect toolbars.

Learning Curve
By Bill Fane
AutoCAD 2008’s annotative objects change everything and do it automatically.

Bug Watch
By Steve Johnson
Did Service Pack 1 introduce some problems? Here’s how to fix them.

CAD Clinic: Civil 3D
By Phil Zimmerman
Use band and code style sets for consistent data displays.

AEC Tools
1-2-3 Revit
By Rick Rundell
Using BIM for digital fabrication of structural steel.

Avatech Tricks
By Stan Wile
AutoCAD Electrical’s simple font and style tools revealed.

Solutions From Synergis
By Bill Frederick
Sharing project data in Civil 3D.

Building Blitz of Habitat Homes
By Heather Livingston
Advance preparation and BIM software help volunteers provide accurate estimates, minimize waste, and optimize the logistics of a charitable effort for hurricane victims.

3D Model Automation Not Just Blowing in the Wind
Custom SolidWorks add-on improves efficiency for engineering consulting firm that specializes in wind analyses on highrise buildings.

3D Modeling
On the Edge
By Russell Brook
Solid Edge can automatically create table drawings from a family of parts.

Alibre Design Tips
By Ryan Montgomery
Turn 2D legacy data into 3D models.

What is VI Doing for Brown?
By Bruce Jones
The huge expansion of a UPS sorting facility leads to lessons learned about the extensive use of xrefs, file-size management, and large-file plotting.

Cadalyst Web Exclusives
General Lee’s Bird’s Eye View
By Kenneth Wong
GIS sheds new light on the Battle of Gettysburg.

Event Report: PTC Gets Explicit at Pro/E Wildfire 4.0 Launch
By Kenneth Wong
Company clarifies plans for CoCreate and reveals four new Pro/E modules.

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Cover concept developed by Cadalyst Art Director Annie Leung.