Products: February 2006

By DE Editors

Mathcad 13 Drives Engineering Innovation, integrated with LabVIEW

    Mathsoft Engineering & Education, Inc. (Cambridge, MA) has released Mathcad 13. In a related development, Mathsoft also announced the integration of Mathcad with the National Instruments (Austin, TX) LabVIEW graphical development environment.

Mathcad 13 builds on the enhancements first offered in version 12, such as its XML and .NET support. With Mathcad 13, engineers can document and capture their calculations, analyses, and engineering-critical values as they create them. It has a user-friendly interface that eschews cryptic interfaces to save time and effort.

Mathcad 13 includes new program debugging capabilities, improved 2D plot graphics, a new AutoSave feature, new error messages that pinpoint mathematical errors, and more. Price: $1,195 per user. For details,  visit mathsoft.com.

Mathcad 13 from Mathsoft Engineering & Education, Inc. received the most votes in our November 2005 issue. Vote for your favorite product from this month by going to the last page of this section.

  Theorem Adds 3D GD&T Capability to UG NX

Theorem Solutions (Loveland, OH) announces the immediate availability of its latest UG NX STEP translator, incorporating 3D geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) capabilities. 3D GD&T data, sometimes known as product manufacturing information (PMI) or model-based definition (MBD) data, is regarded as increasingly important in the PLM arena, especially where 3D geometry is shared with manufacturing facilities.

The new CADverter is the result of a project commissioned by PDES Inc. (North Charleston, SC), an international industry and government consortium accelerating the development and implementation of the standard for the exchange of product model data, better known as STEP. Throughout the development, Theorem worked in close consultation with both Boeing and Pratt & Whitney, which supplied production parts for early testing of the software’s ability to accurately exchange data between different CAD/CAM and PDM systems.

The CADverter meets this need and conforms to the STEP AP203 Edition 2 standard, including translation of colors, layers, 3D annotations, validation properties, externally referenced files, and now GD&T. Theorem says it is the most complete implementation of the AP203 E2 standard by a commercial translator on the market.

For further information, visit theoremsolutions.com.

    KeyCreator 5 Intro Guide Released

Conceptual Product Development, Inc. (West Caldwell, NJ) announced the release of Doctor Walt’s KeyCreator 5 Introductory Guide. Walt Silva introduces both veteran CADKEY users and novices to the newest KeyCreator from Kubotek USA (Marlborough, MA). Detailed illustrations, combined with an easy-reading text style, greatly simplify the learning task. With this book the company also introduces its new policy of providing training books in both black and white and color versions. Price: $23.95 (B/W); $27.95 (Color), 144 pages.

“With KeyCreator 5, Kubotek USA, Inc. has continued the evolution of the venerable CADKEY mechanical design package,“ said Walter Silva, president of Conceptual Product Development. “Following on the heels of the KeyCreator 4 release, Kubotek USA is backing up their promise to the CADKEY user community to revitalize and revolutionize one of the all-time favorite mechanical design packages. This book is the first of a series of new training materials for KeyCreator 5.”

For more information, visit docwalt.com.

  XVL Converter Certified for Inventor 10

Lattice3D (Los Altos, CA) has announced that XVL Converter for Autodesk Inventor Series 10 has received certification from Autodesk (San Rafael, CA). As a result, Inventor Series 10 users can adopt and use XVL and XVL applications for 3D Publishing and Communications. A robust platform leads to the ultra-compression and then rapid use of 3D data downstream of design.

“Users can be assured that the same standards of product quality we want for Autodesk Inventor are being extended to the integration with the Lattice3D suite of solutions,” said Richard Runnells, senior manager of Autodesk’s partner program.

Lattice3D’s solutions enable the rapid reuse of 3D CAD data for design review, parts lists, procurement, tech documents, training materials, manufacturing communications, assembly process definition, quality assurance, packaging design, websites, and more.

For more information, visit lattice3D.com.

  Paradigm Announces Multi-Function Scanner, Copier, and Print Solution

    Paradigm Imaging Group (Costa Mesa, CA) has introduced the EIS Ultima II Series single-footprint large-format color multifunction, scan, copy, and print system. It was designed for a broad range of applications including facility management and CAD. The new EIS Ultima II series includes a choice of four different 42-in. color scanner models, a high-performance Rocket scan/print controller, touch-panel LCD monitor, and a new 44-in. wide print engine.

What distinguishes the new EIS Ultima II from the previous EIS Ultima is the newly integrated Canon imagePROGRAF W8400 printer, which extends functionality and increases the print width from 36 to 44 in. The Canon W8400 printer uses a pigment-based, six-plus-one ink system (interchangeable matte black ink), a 4-picoliter ink droplet size, and 2400 X 1200 resolution.

The integrated controller houses a 2.8 GHz Pentium 4 processor with 1GB DDR and 80 GB hard drive. The Scanning Arts controller software provides an easy-to-use interface with large control buttons on its main control screen that provide the feel and functionality similar to that of an office copier.

Price: $16,995 to $29,995. For more information, visit paradigmimaging.com.