cadalyst
Manufacturing

MCAD Tech News #188

3 Oct, 2006 By: Jeffrey Rowe


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Technology Takes Center Stage at IMTS 2006

While many trade shows are waning, IMTS is gaining momentum and offering exciting opportunities for the manufacturing sector

With the advent of the Web and other electronic and digital marvels, I rarely attend trade shows and industry conferences anymore. I’m not exactly alone, either, as attendance at most traditional trade events has dropped off dramatically during the past decade. However, I attended IMTS (the International Manufacturing Technology Show) 2006 a few weeks ago in Chicago and found it to be very worthwhile. Again, I was hardly alone, because at this event, attendance exceeded 91,000 for the first time in six years. It occupied more than a million square feet, so there was literally a lot of ground to cover.

Beyond its sheer size, what was impressive about IMTS? Well, there were tons of manufacturing technologies to check out -- everything from robotic workcells to multi-tasking machining centers for cutting metal to software for controlling all of the robots and machines -- plus some indications of what the future might hold for manufacturing. Read more>>

MCAD Modeling Methods -- Transitioning from 2D to 3D

by Mike Hudspeth, IDSA

In the early 2D days of CAD, when that acronym meant computer-aided drafting, not design, it helped to have an artistic eye. If you didn't have an artistic person at the computer, your drawings didn't turn out that well. I started out drafting, and fortunately I've always had an affinity for 3D sculpture and drawing. In short, I can see and imagine 3D space. Why was that important? Because drawing orthographic projection requires the ability to imagine what the object looks like from different angles. If you worked from actual parts or a model of your design, the process was much easier. But in my experience, drawings were necessary long before such parts or models were available. Read more>>


Mark Your Calendar: MCAD Events

For Cadalyst's full calendar of events, click here >>

Webinar: Extending the Value of ERP for Custom Product Manufacturers
October 12, 2006
The webinar will address the challenges that custom product manufacturers face and recommended solutions to help them deal with product complexity while responding to customer-specific orders more rapidly, accurately and efficiently. Read more

SAP Business Forum 2006
October 18, 2006
Chicago, Illinois
Part of the SAP Business Innovation Series, this complimentary event will include sessions with SAP experts who will answer and discuss attendee questions and concerns. General Colin Powell, USA (Ret.), former U.S. secretary of state, will deliver the keynote speech. Read more

Future Industrial Applications of Additive Fabrication
December 1, 2006
Frankfurt, Germany
This eighth annual conference will coincide with the EuroMold 2006. Experts from several countries will share their knowledge and expertise to help attendees make important decisions related to new business, research and investment opportunities and challenges. Read more

Primavera 23rd Annual Conference
December 3-6, 2006
San Diego, California
The Primavera Annual Conference is an annual educational forum for the company’s software users to update their product knowledge, network with their project management peers and meet Primavera employees. Conference offerings include hands-on learning, project profiles and educational and technical tracks. Read more

Avatech Executive Breakfast Seminars
Various dates and locations
Avatech Solutions will host this series of complimentary executive breakfast seminars, which will focus on effective implementation strategies, executive business issues and Autodesk technology as they relate to increasing profits and productivity. Read more

Datamat Group Tech Expo
October 6, 2006
Uncasville, Connecticut
This fifth annual event comprises speakers and sessions in tracks including Mechanical/Manufacturing and Architectural/Building. Autodesk evangelist and blogger Heidi Hewett will deliver the keynote address, "Getting the Most Out of AutoCAD 2007 -- 10 Best Features and the Move into 3D." Read more

ASUG Fall Symposium Series
Various dates and locations
ASUG (Americas' SAP Users' Group) is hosting a Fall Symposium series to educate members on a wide variety of SAP solutions, including mySAP PLM, Human Capital Management, Enterprise Asset Management, solutions for the public sector and upgrading to mySAP ERP. All ASUG members and licensed SAP customers are encouraged to attend. Read more

Rhino 4.0 -- "Shape to Fabrication"
November 8, 2006
London, United Kingdom
This technology update day will include information on the upcoming Rhino 4.0 release, presentations and in-depth architecture and engineering Rhino user stories. Read more

ASTM Committee E57 on 3D Imaging Systems
January 28-30, 2007
Costa Mesa, California
ASTM Committee E57 on 3D Imaging Systems meets twice each year to address issues related to 3D imaging systems, which include, but are not limited to, laser scanners (also known as LADAR or laser radars) and optical range cameras (also known as flash LADAR or 3D range cameras). Read more

For Cadalyst's full calendar of events, click here>>


what's new at cadalyst.com

Online Archives:Click here to view an online version of this newsletter and past issues of MCAD Tech News.

CAD Manager – Managing the 2D/3D MultiCAD Office: Offices that use both 2D and 3D CAD software must assign the right tools for the right jobs.

Avatech Tricks: Learn the tricks for automating title block information with Autodesk Inventor 11.

Check Out Cadalyst's Latest Discussion Forum: Cadalyst now offers the Product Reviews Discussion Forum, where you can "review our reviews." Read the latest Cadalyst Labs and First Look reviews of hardware and software, then post your own comments about the review. Share your own experiences with that product and see what other CAD professionals have to say. Visit today!

Job Search: If you're in the market for a new job -- or if you just want to see what's out there -- Cadalyst.com offers an online Job Search that will help. Powered by Indeed, this search tool offers a state-by-state list of CAD-related job openings, or you can customize a search to find your own list of U.S. job openings based on the keywords and locations you specify. Check it out today! Use the Job Search button on Cadalyst's Manufacturing Web site or click here for a direct link.

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