MCAD Tech News #168
1 Mar, 2006 By: Jeffrey RoweDigital prototyping is affecting everything
Virtual Reality
Digital prototyping is affecting everything
from parts to plants
Regardless of whether it’s called digital prototyping or virtual prototyping, the concept comes down to simulating something in the physical world. It could be simulating the machining of a part or simulating workflow based on the placement of machines on a plant floor. Digital simulation might be the best description.
Keep in mind that digital/virtual prototyping of anything is not exactly CAD or CAM, but can be akin to one or both. It primarily involves digital simulation and testing for verifying and validating designs and processes, and is an intensely math-based method of viewing them. In other words, it can require some heavy computational horsepower. Some people term digital simulation and testing simply good, old-fashioned computer-aided engineering, although most don’t. Read more >> Autodesk on March 1 unwrapped the latest versions of a multitude of products. Here we'll focus on new features planned for AutoCAD 2007, the flagship CAD product and the engine behind the various Desktop vertical products. Coming soon, we'll review products geared specifically for the AEC, manufacturing and civil design markets.
Autodesk announced these products today, but they won't start shipping until around March 23.Read more >>
Mark Your Calendar: MCAD Events
IDEAL Web Presentations
Ongoing
Interactive webinars and live product demonstrations on a variety of dates address topics relevant to large-format document production, 3D printing and other hardware technology. Presented by IDEAL.
Agility 2006
March 12-15, 2006
Las Vegas, Nevada
Sponsored by Agile Software, conference is designed to help attendees make informed decisions about how to drive product innovation and product portfolio optimization, accelerate new products to market and achieve success with globalized product development and manufacturing.
Optical Design and Laser Training with OptisWorks
March 13-15, 2006
Montreal , Quebec, Canada
Discover how laser and optical design merge with mechanical design software.
April 25-26, 2006
Cologne, Germany
Delphi Deutschland and the ProSTEP iViP Association invite all PLM experts to attend what is billed as the largest product lifecycle conference in German-speaking countries.
For Cadalyst's full calendar of events, click here>>

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For all the latest news and new products, subscribe to Cadalyst Daily e-newsletter. Plus, every issue includes a feature you won’t find anywhere else -- hardware and CAD software reviews, success stories, AutoCAD tips and much more! Last week’s installments included this highlight:
- Longing for the Good Ol’ Days (How to restore some of the 2005 in AutoCAD 2006)
- Exotic Appeal on Two Wheels: How Wild West Motor Company raised the creative bar using high-end surfacing technology
- CAD Giants Make it Big in 2005, Part 2 (Dassault Systèmes)
First Look Review: Progemec for Mechanical Drawing: IntelliCAD add-on from ProgeSOFT offers embedded mechanical tools and symbols.
First Look Review: HP OfficeJet Pro K850dn Color Inkjet Printer: HP's new OfficeJet Pro K850dn inkjet printer generates quality wide-format color prints.