MCAD Tech News (#267)
10 Jun, 2009Reverse Engineering a Better Brake Arm
Racing motorcycle designer CRP Technology uses ergonomics study, CAD, and rapid prototyping to create a custom part.
In the world of motorcycle competition, the braking line is a key factor in which the rider can make a difference. Braking force is controlled by the rider through the pressure applied to the brake handle. For this reason, the "brake feel" needed by the rider is one of the most important aspects in motorcycle racing. The rider must be comfortable with the braking action to perform this task with great confidence.
CRP Racing, an Italian team that has been competing since 2007 in the Italian Road Racing Championship (CIV) and in the Honda Trophy, develops racing motorcycles together with its technical staff.
To enhance the riders' comfort and feel with the vehicle, CRP Racing and CRP Technology has used reverse engineering to carry out research on brake levers. This process involved scanning the hand shape of the rider when braking and creating a tailor-made brake lever for the rider in only a few days. Read more »
First Look: HP Officejet 7000 Wide Format Printer
In conjunction with National Small Business Week last month, HP announced several new products that support the needs of small businesses while saving as much as 40% on operating costs. Among the new products is the HP Officejet 7000 Wide Format Printer -- the company's first entry-level, wide-format printer with individual ink cartridges.
The HP Officejet 7000 is a B-size printer that produces professional color documents and photo-quality borderless prints as large as 13" x 19". It offers the lowest cost per page among in-class inkjet printers, with 40% lower cost per page and energy use than competitive laser printers.
This printer is ideally suited for small CAD or engineering offices that don't need larger size prints/plots or find that they need smaller, high-quality output often. The Officejet 7000 doesn't take up much room, measuring only 22.6" x 15.8" x 7.13" (W x D x H), and it weighs a mere 15.4 lbs. The HP Officejet 7000 is easy to use, making it ideal for offices that don’t have an IT professional on staff. Read more »
Mark Your Calendar: MCAD Events
Simulation Methods for Orthopedic Implant Design Using Biomechanics and Structural Analysis
June 16, 2009
10 a.m. PT
Hear MSC Software and LifeModeler talk about new virtual test methods to better understand the functional performance of knee implants. Read more »
Composites Modeling of Wind Turbine Blades
June 30, 2009
10 a.m. PT
At MSC.Software's webinar, hear how simulation can accelerate the development of composite rotor blades. Read more »
Packaging Industry Webcast Series
Through October 6, 2009
MSC.Software is hosting a webinar series on how consumer packaged goods manufacturers are using simulation-driven development to drive more innovative, functional, and sustainable designs at less cost. Read more »
June Webinars: Wide-Format Scanning
Through June 23, 2009
This month's webinars from Contex Americas include tips on large-format scanning and working with large-format, scanned drawings. Read more »
For a complete list of CAD meetings, conferences, training sessions, and more, check out our calendar of events on Cadalyst.com.
3D Printer Buyer's Guide
This new resource from Z Corp., available now in Cadalyst’s Whitepaper Library, describes how tough economic times make a powerful argument for investing in 3D printing. The paper explains how such investments can yield long-term strategic value -- enhancing design and speeding time to market – and conserve money now by raising throughput and reducing labor needs. This paper covers how 3D printer products differ; terminology; and how to quantify costs. Free to users who register
