CAD Tech News (#54)

▶ Event Report: Catching Up with Solid Edge

At Solid Edge University 2016, Siemens PLM talks about what's happening, and what's ahead, for the 2D/3D CAD software and its users.

By Nancy Spurling Johnson

If you've been following the CAD software market for any length of time, you've likely heard folks refer to the technology as mature — that is, it has moved beyond any opportunity for significant improvement, comfortably planted on a technological plateau like a retired person in a La-Z-Boy.

Well, CAD vendors would beg to differ. One in particular is Siemens PLM Software, developer of Solid Edge, NX, and numerous other product-development tools. At Solid Edge University 2016 (SEU) in Indianapolis last week, John Miller, senior vice-president, Mainstream Engineering Software at Siemens PLM Software, told the 500 users in attendance, "I don't think this market is done. I think there's all kinds of room for innovation."

An innovative push into the future requires a leader, and Siemens PLM has a new one. Miller introduced CEO Tony Hemmelgarn, who took the helm on October 1, moving up from his previous role as executive vice-president of Global Sales, Marketing, and Services following 15 years with the organization. He replaces Chuck Grindstaff, now the company's executive chairman.

To bolster its established software portfolio, Siemens PLM has introduced new features such as cloud-based access to Solid Edge and is integrating new capabilities across the product line via recent acquisitions including Polarion (browser-based development of product-embedded software) and CD-adapco (design simulation). Read more »

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Nancy Spurling Johnson is the content director for Longitude Media, publisher of Cadalyst.

▶ Microsoft Expands Touchscreen Horizons with Surface Studio

For professionals who like to get hands-on with their designs, this 28" all-in-one computer provides lots of space for sketching, modeling, and more.

By Cadalyst Staff

Microsoft pushed tablets into new territory with its Surface Pro, which — in its latest iterations — is capable of handling full versions of Windows-based CAD applications. Now the company is introducing another take on touchscreen design tools: Surface Studio and Surface Dial. The Studio is part workstation, part "digital canvas," boasting an ultra-HD 4.5K screen with 13.5 million pixels that interacts with the Surface Pen stylus, human fingertips, and the new Surface Dial input device.

In contrast to the Surface Pro, the Surface Studio isn't meant to venture into the field — its 28" PixelSense Display is designed for visual exploration, not mobility. That doesn't mean it's limited to one position; hinged supports enable Surface Studio to transition from Desktop mode (perpendicular to the work surface) to Studio mode (a 20 degree angle, similar to a drafting board).

Hinged supports enable users to move the Surface Studio display between an upright position and a slanted work surface.

The 28" display dwarfs the base of the Studio, which is an all-in-one configuration without a separate tower unit. The small case houses a sixth-generation Intel Core processor and an NVIDIA GeForce graphics processing unit (GPU). Although GeForce more typically used in gaming computers than CAD workstations, the Studio can reportedly handle 3D CAD programs such as Siemens NX. Microsoft envisions the Studio supporting "end-to-end" workflows encompassing sketching ideas, creating models, and reviewing and marking up designs. Read more »

▶ WHAT’S NEW

AutoCAD Video Tips: Customize Your AutoCAD Tooltips
Tooltips pop up all over our displays — now it's time to take control of them! In this video from Cadalyst and Autodesk Evangelist Lynn Allen, you'll see how to manage the timing of AutoCAD's tooltips and customize them to your liking. Watch the video »

Cadalyst White Paper: What Makes a Mobile Workstation?
Apart from the form factor, what differentiates mobile workstations from their stationary cousins — and from each other? This seven-page white paper developed by Cadalyst explains the categories of mobile workstations, the subsystems vendors are using, and why one type of component might be better for your needs than another. Download now »