MCAD Tech News (#225)

31 Oct, 2007 By: Jeffrey Rowe

MCAD and Music Make Math Cool

Some companies are launching their own educational initiatives to ensure that future generations include qualified engineers.

By Jeffrey Rowe

Over the past few years, several major MCAD vendors have become involved in introducing students at various levels to design and engineering as a context for generating more interest in math and science and why they matter. Here I will mention just a few of those companies.

The CAD Academy
Although it currently is still in the early stages of implementation, the CAD Academy is a collaboration of industry professionals, vendors, and educators whose goal is to inspire a new generation of engineers and architects through the implementation of software, such as the SolidWorks Education Edition 2007-2008. Cofounded by SolidWorks, The CAD Academy is a secondary and postsecondary pre-engineering and pre-architectural program. Students emerge from the program prepared to take the Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA) exam, demonstrating competencies in design and engineering principles.

According to Marie Planchard, SolidWorks director of worldwide education markets, "The CAD Academy is designed for school districts that need to increase opportunities for all students to apply math and science in relevant and compelling ways. It's a desperate need, as documented in Rising Above the Gathering Storm and other studies showing that we in North America have a lot of ground to make up to sustain our competitiveness." If you weren't aware, Rising Above the Gathering Storm is a National Academies report focused on reclaiming our country's prominence in science and technology. It calls for tripling the number of students who pass advanced placement or similar math and science exams by 2010. Read more

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cadalyst contributing editor Jeffrey Rowe is the principal of Cairowest Group, an independent industrial design, mechanical engineering and technical communication consulting firm with offices in Colorado and Michigan. You can reach him by e-mail at jrowe@cairowest.com or by phone at 719.539.8549.

Make the Leap to the Third Dimension

By Luke Davis

In the engineering, design, and drafting world, technology is on our side. CAD tools of today are a vast improvement over those of previous decades. In particular, tools that allow for quick and accurate 3D modeling of systems and equipment are moving our field forward by leaps and bounds. Yet most of the consulting engineering world remains firmly planted in 2D technology. Why? Many fear that moving to 3D will be complicated and costly, and has no direct benefit.

However, in reality these myths are just that -- myths. In fact, I'm here to tell you that making the move toward 3D will actually make life easier, save money, and improve client relations. Read more

Mark Your Calendar: MCAD Events

Z-DAC 2007 American Conference
November 5-7, 2007
Hilton Head, South Carolina
The 2007 annual conference sponsored by Zuken will feature presentations on how to overcome the latest technology and manufacturing issues, along with product updates and best practice information. Read more

European CATIA Forum 2007
November 6-7, 2007
Paris, France
The European CATIA Forum, organized by Dassault Systemes, offers opportunities to meet key players of business transformation; share major market trends, business cases, and advanced strategies; and more. Read more

FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show 2007
November 11-14, 2007
Chicago, Illinois
The FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show is the largest event in North America dedicated to showcasing a full spectrum of metal forming, fabricating, stamping, tube and pipe, and welding equipment and technology. Read more

Z-DAC 2007 European Conference
November 27-29, 2007
Bonn, Germany
The 2007 annual conference sponsored by Zuken will feature user and third-party presentations that will address product development issues from both an electronic and electrical perspective. Read more

Advanced Manufacturing Expo
March 26-27, 2008
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
The two events that form the basis of this SME-sponsored expo -- Assembly Canada and the Canadian High Technology Show -- work together to help attendees learn about, compare, and implement solutions designed to help operations become leaner and more flexible. Read more

WESTEC 2008 Exposition & Conference
March 31- April 3, 2008
Los Angeles, California
Sponsored by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, WESTEC offers free educational programs, including sessions on comparative technologies, lean principles, and business management strategies. Read more

MicroManufacturing Conference & Exhibits
Framingham, Massachusetts
April 22-23, 2008
Exploring the many processes available, this Society of Manufacturing Engineers conference brings together industry professionals to discuss the latest developments and to improve processes such as precision micromachining, micromolding, microassembly, and MEMS. Read more

NanoManufacturing Conference & Exhibits
Framingham, Massachusetts
April 22-23, 2008
Colocated with the MicroManufacturing Conference & Exhibits, this conference will highlight the current, near-term, and future applications of nanotechnology and how they are transforming the way we manufacture products. Read more

EASTEC 2008
West Springfield , Massachusetts
May 20-22, 2008
For nearly three decades, EASTEC has been an East Coast manufacturing tradition. Some 14,000 manufacturers, plant managers, and shop owners from throughout the region's diverse industries visit EASTEC to evaluate advanced technologies, production methods, and management concepts. Read more

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