MCAD Tech News #214

Book Review: SolidWorks 2007 Bible

First edition succeeds as a comprehensive reference and learning source.

Although digital media such as online tutorials and PDFs are big these days, when it comes to learning and mastering MCAD products, a few good books are still produced. Too often, though, many MCAD books end up being just rehashes of the documentation that comes with the software. Also, MCAD books often tend to be written for specific groups or types of users, usually beginners. MCAD books that appeal to and are useful for a wide spectrum of users are relatively rare. A notable exception is a book I received recently titled SolidWorks 2007 Bible ($49.99, 1104 pages) by Matt Lombard, published by Wiley and aimed squarely at intermediate users.

I met Lombard for the first time during SolidWorks World 2007 earlier this year in New Orleans and was impressed by his demeanor and depth of SolidWorks knowledge. He is very involved in the SolidWorks user community and frequently speaks on a variety of topics at SolidWorks user group meetings around the country. He also maintains a blog called Matt Writes that includes an interesting mix of humor, tech tips, opinions, and observations. So, all in all, Matt is well qualified for writing a comprehensive book on SolidWorks. Read more>>

By Mike Hudspeth, IDSA

Two of my favorite quotes came from Walt Disney's The Black Hole. Hotshot pilot Charlie Pizer quips to cutesy robot V.I.N.CENT., "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy," to which Vincent replies, "All sunshine makes a desert, say the Arabs."

What has that got to do with 3D modeling, you ask? Plenty! One of my pet peeves is dealing with people who model as if the only tool they know is a hammer. Everything looks like a nail to them. They know one set of techniques and stick with them for everything they do. They never branch out and try new things. They have an entire toolbox at their disposal but let most tools sit rusting as unused icons in virtual disuse. Read more

Mark Your Calendar: MCAD Events

AutoCAD PowerDay
July 24, 2007
London, United Kingdom
AutoCAD PowerDay, presented by Evolve, will offer sessions on many aspects of AutoCAD; participants sign up and pay for only the sessions they wish to attend. The sessions are designed for all levels of user.
Read more

VisMasters Design Modeling & Visualization Conference
August 9-11, 2007
San Diego, California
This two day event focuses on the business, art, and technology of design visualization, bringing together like-minded designers and industry leaders from around the world to share their accomplishments and vision for the future. Session topics are intended to benefit architects, designers, students, and professional visualization artists. Read more

ISEIT 2007 Americas
October 22-23, 2007
San Antonio, Texas
The International Symposium for Engineering IT (ISEIT) 2007 Americas will provide an opportunity to participate in a networking forum with leading technical consultants and advisers on plant and marine technology. Interactive presentations on the new AVEVA PDMS 12 and on AVEVA NET will demonstrate these progressive and innovative technologies. ISEIT Americas is colocated with Viewpoint, the AVEVA Americas independent users' group. Read more

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