CAD Manager's Newsletter (#177)
24 Jul, 2007 By: Robert GreenCAD Standards, Part 4: Create a Library
The end result is well worth the time and effort it takes to put together a comprehensive CAD standards and training library.
In the last installment of CAD Manager’s Newsletter, I continued my series on CAD standards by explaining how you can use audio/video capture to help create better standards and even make your own training videos. If you haven’t had a chance to read the latest installment, I recommend that you do so now.
This time I will talk about using the video and written standards you’ve created and repurposing them into a comprehensive database of multimedia standards and training materials. Here goes.
Get Everything Organized
In order to create a great training and standards library, you’ll need to put all of your electronic files in a protected network location that is readable (but not editable) by all users. Therefore, a little organizational planning is in order and should include the following action steps:
Set up a network repository. Create a network directory that can be viewed by everyone who will need your CAD standards and/or training materials. I recommend breaking this directory into a few subdirectories for written standards, videos, templates, etc. Read more>>
I understand how to manage my 2D files, but I’m struggling with the new 3D building design and mechanical modeling tools we’re using. Any pointers on how to deal with this issue?
Robert Green replies: The good news here is that the most important part of managing 3D tools is having consistent, well-thought-out procedures in place. And when you’ve achieved that for your 2D files, you’ve got a good start for 3D.
So take the logical approach to controlling your files and expand your methodology to control 3D tools, understanding that the following problems will likely be the issues you’ll need to deal with. Read more>>
Submit your questions to Robert Green atrgreen@greenconsulting.com.
3D CAD Resource Web Site
3D CAD Resources.com provides online tips, tricks, and tutorials for beginning users of Catia, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Unigraphics, and others. Also offered are links to engineering forums and CAD-related Web sites and downloads of free and beta software.
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Springback and Die Compensation Course
October 25-26, 2007
Les Diablerets, Switzerland
ESI Group, a supplier of digital simulation software for prototyping and manufacturing processes, will sponsor a three-day course on the springback phenomenon in sheetmetal forming. The course, designed for CAE engineers, model designers, and experienced tooling engineers in the forming industry, spans a range of topics from understanding springback, die compensation, geometry update, and material modeling to solver implementation. Read more
Click here to view the complete calendar of events at Cadalyst.com.
