CAD CAM Australia | CAD CAM Australia

Siemens PLM Software's Latest Release of Fremap

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 18:04:54 +0000

-Siemens PLM Software, a business unit of the Siemens Industry Automation Division and a leading global provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services, today announced the latest release of Femap™ software, the PC-based finite element modeling component of the Velocity Series™ portfolio of PLM solutions. Femap 10.2 is an easy to learn and use high-performance solution with a 25 year history of excellence.

Femap 10.2 makes it faster and easier to create the meshed models used by engineers to simulate and analyze product performance using finite element analysis (FEA). The latest release includes unique features to help ensure model accuracy and to visually evaluate analysis results. The productivity enhancements in Femap 10.2 are aimed at streamlining the processes required to create accurate models that can determine the structural, dynamic, and thermal performance of complex engineered parts, assemblies, and systems.

“Femap is recognized throughout the global engineering community for its in-depth finite element modeling functionality and its best-in-class integration with the industry leading Nastran solver,” said Bill McClure, vice president of product development for Velocity Series, Siemens PLM Software. “Today’s announcement builds upon the usability of Femap with extended interactive modeling and analysis capabilities, and increased program performance. The combination of Femap with the industry standard solver NX Nastran software, delivers a world-class, easy to use analysis solution, or what we call ‘real FEA made easy’.”

Faster, easier, more accurate modeling and analysis

Femap 10.2 adds a wide variety of customer-driven enhancements and exclusive new features to improve the entire computer-aided engineering (CAE) process from pre-processing model creation, to solver integration, to post-processing data handling, visualization and analysis. The Interactive Meshing Toolbox introduced in Femap version 10 has added functionality that enables faster, interactive creation of the finite element mesh model. It also includes a new feature editing capability that allows the user to move features, such as holes or surfaces, while the meshed model is automatically updated to reflect the change.

A new topology optimization capability allows the user to apply loads and constraints to material encompassing the entire available design envelope, minimizing weight, and maximizing stiffness by removing unnecessary material to create an optimized shape. The suggested shape can serve as a starting point for successive iterations, significantly reducing the time needed to arrive at a final design.

Femap 10.2 contains several enhancements that improve the speed and accuracy of the post-processing analysis process, including a powerful new feature for working with beam elements. Users now have the ability to quickly and easily view the stress contours in beam cross sections, eliminating the need for time consuming iterative analysis and dramatically improving the ability to detect areas of concern. Faster data handling also enables Femap to process recovered output data in significantly less time, and a new post-processing toolbox consolidates functional elements in the user interface for enhanced ease-of-use.

Consistent with Siemens PLM Software’s open business model, Femap works with all of the industry’s leading finite element analysis (FEA) solvers. With Femap 10.2, the company further expands its already unsurpassed integration with Nastran® software with the support of a new edge-to-face contact feature for NX™ Nastran software. This level of solver integration and support help ensure accurate analysis results and interoperability in a broad range of engineering environments.

Femap 10.2 is scheduled for availability in October. For more information, please visit www.siemens.com/plm/femap.

About Siemens PLM Software

Siemens PLM Software, a business unit of the Siemens Industry Automation Division, is a leading global provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services with 6.7 million licensed seats and more than 63,000 customers worldwide. Headquartered in Plano, Texas, Siemens PLM Software works collaboratively with companies to deliver open solutions that help them turn more ideas into successful products. For more information on Siemens PLM Software products and services, visit www.siemens.com/plm.

About the Siemens Industry Automation Division

The Siemens Industry Automation Division (Nuremberg, Germany) is a worldwide leader in the fields of automation systems, industrial controls and industrial software. Its portfolio ranges from standard products for the manufacturing and process industries to solutions for whole industrial sectors that encompass the automation of entire automobile production facilities and chemical plants. As a leading software supplier, Industry Automation optimizes the entire value added chain of manufacturers – from product design and development to production, sales and a wide range of maintenance services. With around 39,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Siemens Industry Automation achieved sales of €7.0 billion in fiscal year 2009. www.siemens.com/industryautomation

# # #

Note: Siemens and the Siemens logo are registered trademarks of Siemens AG. Velocity Series, NX and Femap are trademarks or registered trademarks of Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and in other countries. NASTRAN is a registered trademark of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. All other trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks belong to their respective holders.

SOLID EDGE ST3 DELIVERS DRAMATIC NEW WAYS TO PRODUCE BETTER DESIGNS FASTER

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 14:50:22 +0000

SOLID EDGE ST3 DELIVERS DRAMATIC NEW WAYS TO PRODUCE BETTER DESIGNS FASTER

Siemens PLM Software’s Latest Solid Edge Release Breaks New Ground, Leveraging Synchronous Technology to Improve Design, Validation, and Collaboration

PLANO, Texas, October 13, 2010 - Siemens PLM Software, a business unit of the Siemens Industry Automation Division and a leading global provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services, today announced Solid Edge® software ST3 (Solid Edge ST3). With this latest release, Solid Edge delivers new functionality – enabled by synchronous technology – that significantly accelerates product design, streamlines revisions, and makes importing and reusing third-party CAD data easier. The new release also includes a variety of enhancements related to simulation, design data management, and more than a thousand customer-driven improvements.

“We believe Solid Edge ST3 marks a major milestone in advancing the technology while still catering to customers’ specific needs,” said Dr. Ken Versprille, PLM Research Director, CPDA. “Synchronous technology has the capacity to perform a wide variety of design tasks in a fraction of the time it takes with a traditional approach. This could provide engineers with more time for creativity and innovation, resulting in better product designs produced faster.”

“With the levels of productivity improvement reported by customers all over the world, we are seeing real proof of the revolutionary breakthrough of synchronous technology,” said Karsten Newbury, senior vice president and general manager of the Velocity Series and Solid Edge business, Siemens PLM Software. “The time savings are significant, but even more importantly is the fact that Solid Edge with synchronous technology allows users to shift their focus to the actual design task versus thinking about how to use software.”

Fulfilling the vision of synchronous technology

Siemens PLM Software has extended the availability of synchronous technology by making it pervasive throughout the product. In addition to support for part modeling and sheet metal design delivered in earlier versions, synchronous-based models can now be used directly with all assembly applications – such as piping, frames, wiring, and assembly features. Also delivered is a first-ever synchronous-based part-to-part associativity that lets users establish and alter design intent before, during or after the assembly design process.

Solid Edge ST3 also provides a ground-breaking capability to work with both synchronous and non-synchronous (ordered) features in the same integrated design environment. Users can leverage synchronous features for accelerated design and flexible edits while adding ordered features for designing process-type parts, such as cast or machined parts. Ordered features in existing models can be selectively moved to the synchronous environment, providing designers with maximum flexibility and ease of use.

As more companies move from other 3D systems to Solid Edge to take advantage of synchronous technology, the new capability to merge 2D drawings with existing 3D models further expands opportunities for productivity. Manufacturing dimensions on 2D drawings can now be automatically transferred to the corresponding imported 3D model. The resulting “as-manufactured” 3D dimensions can be immediately edited, modifying the imported 3D model using synchronous technology.

“Solid Edge ST3 really fulfils the vision of synchronous technology by making this revolutionary capability available throughout all areas of the software and enhancing its versatility,” said Dan Staples, director of Solid Edge product development, Siemens PLM Software. “Our number one goal when adding functionality to Solid Edge is to create business value for our customers, and we believe this release definitely achieves that objective.”

Embedded Simulation

Building on its integrated simulation application, Solid Edge ST3 includes new torque and bearing loads, user defined constraints and new ways to connect assemblies such as bolt and sheet metal edge connectors. Faster results can be achieved with model simplification tools and better visualization capabilities that allow you to see inside the model. Refinements can be made using synchronous technology or ordered methods. Solid Edge allows design validation of parts and assemblies earlier in the product development process for quicker time to market and reduced physical prototyping costs

"Once we added Solid Edge Simulation, the bill from our outsourced professional engineer went down," says John Fillion, Mechanical Engineer at Modern Mechanical Fab, Inc.

Scalable data management

Continuing our long history of working with Microsoft SharePoint® products, Solid Edge ST3 with Insight™ data management solution now takes advantage of Microsoft SharePoint 2010 to further expand its scalable data management strategy. Leveraging the latest SharePoint platform extends collaboration to a wider range of CAD and non-CAD users by expanding project management, business analytics and social media capabilities. In addition, a standalone bill-of-materials (BOM) editor delivered with the embedded client in Solid Edge lets CAD and non-CAD users create product structures that can be opened in Solid Edge, Teamcenter® software or Teamcenter Express software. The result is an accelerated design process as initial BOMs can be established and refined before the product design begins.

“Inergi uses (Solid Edge with) Insight to manage over 105 thousand files for 30 different clients,” said James Bullington, Director of Engineering, Inergi. “Insight is very transparent to our users. They don’t know they are working on a remote sever anymore than their desktop. Insight is a key part of Inergi’s product development process and any design firm would benefit from its use.”

Listening to the voice of the customer

Delivering thousands of customer-driven improvements, Solid Edge ST3 provides even stronger business value throughout the product development process. New functionality was added in a wide variety of areas, including sheet metal, piping and frame design, assembly management, and drafting. Advances in sheet metal include new closed corner types, etching of part numbers and other geometry, and manufacturing-only features, such as tabs added for production or transportation purposes. Solid Edge continues to raise the bar in drawing creation, with the ability to embed all manufacturing dimensions and annotations, including item numbers, in the assembly, and even carry part colors through as line styles in the drawing. New multi-cultural drawings allow mixing of character sets from multiple languages on a single drawing or even in a single annotation. The streamlined user interface includes a fully customizable radial menu, drastically reducing mouse travel. Transparent feature and part management dialogs and reduced-size command interaction dialogs provide maximum graphics workspace area.

“We have been using Solid Edge for 10 years,” said Olivier Pellerin, IT R&D Manager for Group SEB. “Solid Edge ST3 is the best release we’ve seen. The big benefit for Solid Edge is to be able to create and modify models very fast.”

“Solid Edge ST3 advances our award winning synchronous technology and maintains a strong customer focus,” said Bill McClure, vice president of product development for Velocity Series, Siemens PLM Software. “We take great pride in our business philosophy of putting the customer first, and Solid Edge ST3 embraces this philosophy throughout all areas of the product. With several new capabilities and thousands of customer-driven enhancements, Solid Edge ST3 incorporates the voice of the customer and demonstrates our ability to quickly respond to their product development needs.”

About Solid Edge

Solid Edge is the most complete hybrid 2D/3D CAD system that uses synchronous technology for accelerated design, faster change, and improved imported reuse. With superior part and assembly modeling, drafting, transparent data management, and built-in finite element analysis, Solid Edge, a core component of the Velocity Series™ portfolio, eases the growing complexity of product design.

About Siemens PLM Software

Siemens PLM Software, a business unit of the Siemens Industry Automation Division, is a leading global provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services with 6.7 million licensed seats and more than 63,000 customers worldwide. Headquartered in Plano, Texas, Siemens PLM Software works collaboratively with companies to deliver open solutions that help them turn more ideas into successful products. For more information on Siemens PLM Software products and services, visit www.siemens.com/plm.

About the Siemens Industry Automation Division

The Siemens Industry Automation Division (Nuremberg, Germany) is a worldwide leader in the fields of automation systems, industrial controls and industrial software. Its portfolio ranges from standard products for the manufacturing and process industries to solutions for whole industrial sectors that encompass the automation of entire automobile production facilities and chemical plants. As a leading software supplier, Industry Automation optimizes the entire value added chain of manufacturers – from product design and development to production, sales and a wide range of maintenance services. With around 39,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Siemens Industry Automation achieved sales of €7.0 billion in fiscal year 2009. www.siemens.com/industryautomation

# # #

See how synchronous and ordered features are integrated into a single design environment in Solid Edge ST3- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Qq67xBHf9s&p=FC91796AC159B121

See how manufacturing drawing dimensions can be automatically applied to associated imported 3D models http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sd9g0asl_j0&p=FC91796AC159B121

Configuring FlexLM for PTC on Laptop Wireless Network

Thu, 13 May 2010 02:53:37 +0000

NOTE Before proceeding to try the suggestions outlined in this tip, remember that PTC strongly suggests configuring FlexLM licenses to use the computer's ethernet interface. We have given these steps testing in a limited number of environments and they may not work for all systems or versions of Windows.

PTC FlexNET licenses are issued in a text file. These license files are configured to run on one "host" (network name of the PC) and encoded for the hardware address ("MAC address" - no connection to Apple) of the primary network card. FlexLM needs to be able to "ping" the license file's designated host, and have that host resolve to an IP address assigned to a local network card having the encoded hardware MAC address. In other words, the IP host name having the needed MAC address needs to match the host configured in the license file. This scheme runs into big problems with unconfigured ethernet ports on a laptop, ergo these instructions for setting it up on a wireless interface.

Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire will only look at FlexNET services configured for the AVAILABLE network device having the LOWEST numerical value for its key name in the Windows registry at:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINES\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\NetworkCards

The good news is that you can safely "rename" say, the wireless adapter in this list from its original designation of perhaps "13" to the lowest value listed, say "1", without affecting its service. This may be required in situation where a laptop primarily uses the wireless network card but occassionally still plugs into an ethernet connection as well.

This suggestion was found from pointwise.com: Laptops usually employ the DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), in which no IP address will be assigned if a laptop is not connected to a network. This makes the license manger unable to find the vendor daemon on the network via TCP/IP. The solution is to add the machine's real name to /etc/hosts (in Windows C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts) as an additional loopback. For example, given the hostname "goon", add a line in the file, "hosts", as following:

127.0.0.1 localhost loghost
127.0.0.1 goon goon.voom.net # Added for the license manager!
#
# Do not forget to remove any existing entry for goon!
### 192.168.1.4 goon goon.voom.net
#
# Continue with any other host entries

However, even with this change some systems require an administrator's manual stop and restart of the "Flexlm Server for PTC" Windows Service (via Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Services).

The final solution to the problem is explained on the PTC website support section:

When disconnected from a network Windows machines may disable certain network cards resulting in licensing errors from Pro/ENGINEER and the PTC License Server. Pro/ENGINEER may return the error:
"(-96) License server host is down or not responding" or error: "(-15) Cannot connect to license server system" if configured to a license server or error:
"License request failed for feature PROE_Foundation: -9: Invalid host." if configured to a locked license.

This issue is related to the 'media sensing' feature of Windows 2000 and later (including XP and Vista) and disabling this 'media sensing' feature will resolve the issue.

For more information on 'media sensing' see http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q239/9/24.ASP

Start Registry Editor (regedit or Regedt32 from the Windows "Run" menu).
Locate the following registry subkey: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters
Add the following registry entry to the Parameters subkey:

    Name: DisableDHCPMediaSense
    Data type: REG_DWORD (Boolean)
    Value: 1

A post on the MCADFORUM adds further information:

Run, type regedit, then select OK. Browse to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters.
Double click the Parameters folder then right click on the right side of the Registry Editor window and select New, DWORD Value and change the new value name to DisableDHCPMediaSense. Right click on the new entry and select Modify and set the Value to 1 to disable the Media Sensing feature. Reboot the computer. This will maintain the bound protocols when the computer is disconnected from the network.

Displaying your own Custom balloon symbols for BOM in Wildfire 5.0

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 17:59:53 +0000

Following on from last week, we will now take a look on how to use those custom made balloon symbols that we designed.

Now go into the BOM file in which you wish to create and set the repeat regions for BOM Balloons. This is done by going to the Table tab in the drawing ribbon, selecting the BOM balloons from the balloons group and then going to BOM balloon menu manager, select Set region to custom. Once you have done that select anywhere within the repeat region as shown. Next from the GET SYMBOL menu, you will need to select name and then the balloon option. This will acquire the custom symbol which was named balloon. To show the BOM balloons in the drawing view, click create balloon and show by view. After that select the view from the graphics window. Click OK from the custom balloon height dialog box to accept the default height values for the symbol used. Once you have done all of this, you should be able to see that the BOM balloons are now displayed on screen.

Now to use a different user-defined BOM symbol, go to the BOM balloon menu manager and select Alt Symbol. Once this is done select the balloon whose symbol is to bre replaced and then click okay from the select box. from the get symbol menu click on the appropriate name of the custom BOM balloon symbol. Click okay once you have completed adjusting the balloon height.

NOTE: In order to replace a BOM Balloon with a different symbol, the repeat region parameters displayed by the new symbol must match the old symbol. That is, if the original only displays the index in the balloon, the new symbol cannot display the index and the quantity together; only the index.

Congratulations, you have successfully use your own custom BOM balloons in PTC Pro/E Wildfire 5.0

Two Sheetmetal CAD Programs back to back

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 02:42:03 +0000

As demand for more complex sheetmetal designs increase, the need to have the correct CAD system with the required features becomes ever more critical. Alibre Design Version 12 was released at the same time as Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 5.0. Both of these platforms have the capability to create sheetmetal designs, but which one stacks better in the long term? Which one is easier to use?

Well let us view some critical points in both of these CAD systems and see how they compare:

Feature Design:

Alibre Design Version 12 has few new features such as Contour and lofted flange support. sheet metal designs can include tapered corners or profile flange with variable radius along its length. These "lofted flanges" are nicely flattened in Alibre (along with the rest of the part) for the initial pattern stamp or cut-out. Also Alibre has a refined and enhanced interface compared to its previous version , however the design process still remains the same with a simple dialogue box with preset options and a limited amount of features which could be added. Any custom features will require importing into the catalog feature and then defined in the design. A bit of a long way about of adding custom designs for companies who require to add new features on the fly.

However, where Alibre Design falls short, PTC Pro/ENGINEER NC Sheetmetal design picks up the pieces. Pro/E NC Sheetmetal provides a rich amount of sheetmetal features such as punching and die casting, creating various "notch/stress" reliefs on the design as well as creating sheetmetal designs for 3D solids. Require to import a custom design or edit the flange walls? No worries PTC allows for quick and efficient design change and importing from various CAD software to the Design process.

Ease of use/Workflow:

Alibre Design is still using a tweaked interface of their previous sheetmetal design CAD System, so the ease of use is still quite simple and easy to use,however the work flow of the Alibre Design is still somewhat staggered still, in the sense that the need to select multiple features and options to do the same task as Pro/E NC sheetmetal will do in one feature, providing all the necessary options to customize the feature to suit the needs of the design. Hence saving time and allowing the user to become more proficient in design more complex sheetmetal designs.

Nesting/Toolpath:

For Alibre Design, nesting function does not exist in their Sheetmetal CAD system, a serious flaw in making sure that the design data doesn't get lost in migrating over to other platforms to do the nesting and tool-path. This also adds in the necessary requirement to get another CAD system to do the nesting as well as the tool-path required for the manufacturing of the design. Pro/E NC Sheetmetal however looks after the nesting process as well as the tool-path creating a seamless integration from designing to manufacturing of the sheetmetal design. Also with a NC sheetmetal comes with a NC player which is design to show a preview of the path in which the tool will cut and the amount of time require for design to be cut from the stock material. A definite advantage in providing ways in saving money as well as time for PTC Pro/ENGINEER NC Sheetmetal.

Summary:

With everything weighed up, PTC Pro/E NC Sheetmetal is a clear winner by far in providing a seamless,feature rich CADCAM software for Sheetmetal design. However it doesn't meant that Alibre Design isn't worth buying. Alibre Design provides the solution for sheetmetal CAD design system for Users wants an cost effective Sheetmetal CAD system without the bells and whistles attached. But for those who want to be serious about their sheetmetal design, PTC provides a clear- no compromise solution of NC Sheetmetal Addon.

Creating you own custom balloon Symbols for BOM in Wildfire 5.0

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 21:15:16 +0000

When creating Billing of Materials Sheet, it is important to create a different BOM balloons are displayed for a repeated region on the sheet to save you confusion or to make it stand out. This post will look at how to create and use custom BOM symbols. You will to firstly retrieve the file with .drw you want to customize for the session. Next you will need to go the Annotate tab from the drawing ribbon and expand to the format group and select the symbol gallery.

From the SYM GALLERY menu manager Dialogue box, click define and type in balloon as the new symbol name and press enter. Next click insert and then note. from here you are able to change the justification to Center and then click make note. Select the appropriate location to make the note and then type in \index\ in the Enter NOTE input window. Press enter twice to confirm the changes. Click Done/ return once you see the new note appear in the window. Sketch the symbol Geometry as required using the sketch tools.

Note to remember: If text notes are enter with a backslash before and after them, they will become variable text notes. This means that you can arrange for preset values to be defined as symbol attributes and selected when placing the symbols on drawings. However if you want to use the same preset text in the symbol, do not add in any backslashes.

If text notes are entered with a backslash before and after them, they become "variable text" notes. Variable text allows for preset values to be defined as symbol attributes and selected when placing the symbols on drawings. Preset values may be used for each of these notes. If the text in a note is to remain constant when placed, do not use any backslashes.

Now that you that have finished creating you new balloon symbol you will need to configure the symbol General Attributes. By clicking on the Attributes from the SYMBOL EDIT menu manager, this will open up a new dialog box with the name Symbol Definition attributes. Make sure that you define the free, left leader and right leader placement types. Next Select the variable -drawing units as the symbol instance height option is available.Now you will have to configure the symbol Variable Text. This is done by going to the Var Text tab in the dialogue box and type in rpt.index in the preset values for index box text box.

Now complete the symbol configuration by clicking Ok, done with symbol edit menu and done with SYM gallery menu.

The Var Text tab in the Symbol Definition Attributes dialog box is used to define the parameter that will be called out by the variable text note. When the symbol is placed, the system will replace the variable text with the corresponding information being called out by the parameter. Any of the system parameters for drawings or user-defined parameters can be used.

For example, if one would like to call out component names in a BOM Balloon, the variable text can be defined to something like "\comp_name\", and the preset value/variable parameter would then be "asm.mbr.name".

NOTE: Note parameters cannot be used for the value of variable text.

Hopefully that will get you on the way of creating customized Balloon Symbols, Next week we will take a look on how to use that in the billing of Materials.

Design in Pro/E Wildfire 5.0 with the need for speed.

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 20:19:53 +0000

Yeah it is true everyone wants to become faster and faster at any CAD platform that they wanna use. Only problem is, that many people are not to sure how to. One way in which you can gear up the designing and drafting process is using the shortcut keys which are available. In this case we will be looking at some of the key shortcuts that are commonly used in Pro/E Wildfire 5.0:

Regenerate = Crtl+ G

New Files = Crtl+ N

Open File = Crtl + O

Save File = Crtl + S

Find = Crtl + F

Undo= Crtl + Z

Redo= Crtl + Y

Repaint = Crtl + R

Standard View = Crtl + D

For those of you who have known these, may think that is pretty basic knowledge. Another tip to increase your design/drafting speed in Pro/E using the ribbon tabs. Now that is all pretty basic, but you will be amazed on how much time is saved by arranging and customizing the ribbon tabs during the design process. Another tip is the using the Key Tips within the Ribbon tabs. This allow for quick and easy access to the functions and modes of ribbon toolbars.To activate this function simply press the Alt tab button and you will notice your tabs will lettered with appropriate keystrokes for each of the toolbar various functions

It will take time to remember all the functions of Pro/Engineer Wildfire 5.0 but remembering the shortcuts as well as utilizing the Ribbon toolbars to your advantage will cut the learning curve as well as give you that speed edge in the drafting and design side of Pro/E.

Some quick tips and Tricks for Pro/E wildfire 5.0 NC Sheetmetal

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 18:07:46 +0000

There many easy tips that will save you time and effort in Pro/E Wildfire 5.0.As i was working in Wildfire 5.0 today, i stumbled across some tricks which i found to be quite handy to have in mind the next time you run about in NC Sheetmetal Extension.Here are just three that i found particularly useful.

Tip 1: Use mill windows

Still using mill volumes? Mill windows are the fastest to collect geometry for creating volume milling and face milling sequences. In fact, for roughing, re-roughing, corner finishing, and finishing sequences, mill windows are the only way to collect the geometry. Mill windows allow for faster geometry collection, easier referencing for use in other models (via templates) and more robust updates when the underlying part geometry changes. Mill windows are: faster to create, more flexible, faster to regenerate, used in more types of sequences, and can do almost anything that mill volumes can do.

Tip 2: Reuse existing tool paths

There are more ways to reuse existing NC sequences than can be described here, so it will suffice to mention three.

First of all, if you want to quickly reuse one or more NC sequences in the same model, select the NC sequence(s) and pick Edit > Copy then Edit > Paste. You will be prompted for each of the required references (coordinate systems, surfaces, mill windows, etc.) and there you have it, the NC sequence is created and may be redefined if desired.

Second, manufacturing user-defined sequences(MUDF’s) provide a great way to copy manufacturing features into other models. MUDF’s can create any number of features, including datums, manufacturing geometry such as mill windows or turn profiles, and NC sequences. Common applications for MUDF’s include hole-making (especially auto-drilling), pocket roughing and finishing, and lathe programming.

A third way to capture and reuse NC sequences is by creating templates in the NC Process Manager. This is a very fast and powerful way to create programs very quickly, especially when used in conjunction with the mfg_auto_ref_mfg_template config.pro option.

Tip 3: Use the correct post processor

Ideally, you should be able to create a program in Pro/NC, post process it, and send it straight to the CNC machine without ever needing to manually tweak the codes.

PTC offers around two hundred post processors for free download from our website, but while most of them are in use by someone, somewhere, that does not guarantee that they will provide you with the output that your machines (or your operators!) require. The posts may need some editing, or perhaps you will need a completely new post. To that end, every seat of Pro/NC comes with the ability to create and edit NC post processors.

These three tips will help you to be faster and more proficient with that design or project in Pro/E Widlfire NC sheetmetal!

Installing and Updating Licences for Pro/E Wildfire 5.0 guide

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 01:36:20 +0000

Now, installing the a new licence for any CAD software can be tricky, and PTC is no stranger to this. However it doesn't have to be hard at all with friendly help from the support team in PTC who are available 24/7. Note that also the email support is quite good as well with any enquiries you may have with update the licences. Now installing the program initally as well can be quite a handful, but quite easy if you know what are doing.

Now here are some simple guide on how to do so.

Run the setup.exe accordingly, click next and read through the terms and agreements, click accept when you are done and select next.
click onto install Pro/E and select the files that you want to install with the necessary options needed.
The next window will show you a blank screen with your services to flexnet. Now you will need to add in a new license in by clicking add. Now majority of users will be on a single node server.
Select the single option and note to leave the port to 7788. The hostname will be your computer name which can be located in my computer,view system infromation or properties under computer name. ( note to ping your computer to ensure there is no problems with picking up the correct hostname).
Once you have completed this click okay and a new license should be retrieved. * note to have a golden/yellow key icon next to your hostname/port licence.
Click next to contuine and install all the necessary options but make sure to tick additional licences box before click next.
Now go to the licence which pro/E and click edit on the far right hand side to add in any additional extenisons or addons that you brought. Click okay when you are done.
Cick next twice and the installer will start install all the necessary components to Pro/E
Click exit when finished and fire up Pro/E wildfire 5.0.

Steps for upgrading Pro/ENGINEER license with new license pack from PTC:

1) Open the old c:\program files\flexnet\licensing\license.dat
2) Re-save license.dat as "license.dat.old"
3) Highlight the entire two "middle" sequential lines which start with either SERVER or DAEMON, CTRL-C copy thse two lines to the clipboard
4) Open the new licese "lmxxxx.xtx" file
5) Highlight the same two middle SERVER and DAEMON lines in the new license file; CTRL-V to paste over with the information from the old file
6) Save the NEW "lmxxx.txt" file as c:\program files\flexnet\licensing\license.dat
7) From the CONTROL PANEL -> ADMIN TOOLS -> SERVICES first STOP the RESTART the "Flexlm Server for PTC" service. This will cause flexnet to "re-read" all license files.
8) Start Pro/ENGINEER normally, using new license

With these simple steps, it makes the installation process easier to work with so can be on your way to designing on Wildfire 5.0!

Enhancements in NC Sheetmetal Design for Widlfire 5.0

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:21:44 +0000

Just quickly reviewing the the NC Sheetmetal Design enchancements that can be found in the widlfire 5.0 has shown that PTC always believes there is room for improvement.

Some of the new enhancements to the NC sheetmetal desgin is the removal of the .mfg file type. Now for those of you who haven't used this option, mfg file type is the file type which was introducted into wildfire 4.0 NC sheetmetal design for the manfacturing side of Pro/E. The removal of .mfg file is being replaced by the .asm file type. This allows for easier data management of the manfuactoring model and provides functionality to the design as well.

Note that in Wildfire 5.0, when a .mfg file is retrieved, Pro/E will do the folllowing:

The model carries the information stored in the manufacturing model in memory.
Information is written to the assembly file on save.
The .mfg file is no longer required to open the manufacturing model.

Another Feature which was improved in the NC sheetmetal addon was the Manufacturing Information Dialog Box. Addtional infromation such as the percentage of the scrap material of the stock used as well as the machining time of the part are displayed in the Manufacturing info dialog box to help with keeping track of waste and time taken during the manufacturing simulation stage.

For more information about NC sheetmetal Design, please vist PTC.com.

Pro/ENGINEER Standard Part Libraries & Pro/LIBRARY

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:15:03 +0000

Checking the latest Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 5.0 software kit, it appears that the only component of what was once the Pro/LIBRARY standard part library for Pro/E was the Mold Base. There is an online part library available from the browser favorites at http://www.3dmodelspace.com/ptc but each part needs downloaded individually.

After some checking, we discover that active account holders at ptc.com with support access can download most of Pro/LIBRARY in eight parts at http://www.ptc.com/cgi/cs/apps/SftUpd/SftUpdProd.pl (filter for "Pro/ENGINEER" related downloads; scroll to the bottom of the page) and listed under "WILDFIRE LIBRARY DATABASES". Although published with the original release of Pro/E Wildfire there are forward compatible with all releases and operating systems.

Installing these local part libraries require that we set up:

Pro/LIBRARY needs to be manually downloaded and configured as follows:
1: Create SYSTEM VARIABLE PRO_LIBRARY_DIR pointing to very top of library "tree"
    i.e. PRO_LIBRARY_DIR=/usr/local/ptc/libraries
2: Add matching lines in master (/usr/local/ptc/.../text/config.pro):
    pro_library_dir /usr/local/ptc/library
    search_path_file /usr/local/ptc/objlib/bin/config.pro
    SHOW_ALL_MOLD_LAYOUT_BUTTONS   YES
3: Create a top-level menu (Top-Level "index.mnu" File):
LIBRARIES
#
#
/objlib
BASIC LIBRARY
#
/mfglib
...

About .mnu files: The .mnu files configure "navigation" for browsing the library from Pro/E assembly component-insert, 2D detailing symbol-insert, etc. Subdirectories listed in an .mnu file will be shown with the description from the .mnu file, unlisted directories (like installation directories) will stay hidden. Folders in the library without .mnu files will show all directories present in that folder without any further descriptions.

(config.pro can be updated by a utility in the bin subdirectory of each part library. A few are not part libraries but symbol libraries which may find a different location)

At last look the LIBRARY files still available are:

MED-6XX-CD-330_2002490_CONNECTOR.zip
MED-6XX-CD-330_2002490_ELECTRICAL-SYMBOL.zip
MED-6XX-CD-330_2002490_GRAPHICS.zip
MED-6XX-CD-330_2002490_MOLDBASE.zip
MED-6XX-CD-330_2002490_PIPE-FITTING.zip
MED-6XX-CD-330_2002490_PIPING-HEATING.zip
MED-6XX-CD-330_2002490_TOOLING.zip

When we download and install one, we are asked to chose a target directory (should be a new directory that doesn't currently exist, directly under the library "root" location if we will be installing more than one under PRO_LIBRARY_DIR) in a dialog box:

Click next and we can choose what sub-libraries to install:

The library should install without much drama. Depending on which library we are installing, it can be used within Pro/ENGINEER design in a variety of ways. More information about configuring Libraries in Pro/ENGINEER can be found in "Introduction to the Libraries" (U00590197).

PTC gives the answer the minimize making prototypes in product development of electrical hardware

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 01:05:46 +0000

Going through PTC Pro/Engineer Wildfire 5.0, i noticed a new enhancement which is now made available to Pro/E wildfire 5.0, that is the Spark Analysis Extension. Now to me at first it was like about as clear as mud. However as you read up on the function, tinker around with the extension and view the videos provided by PTC, the function made perfect sense.

With Design any sort of product with electrical components and electricity running through it, there are two fundamental issues. They are clearance and creepage distances. Now as explained in the video, clearance distance refers to the shortest distance between electrical fields than can travel through a gas medium or in air. Creepage distances is referring to the shortest path in which electricity can flow through surfaces. Now both of these factors are important when considering the safety and reliability of the electromechanical part.

PTC-Spark Analysis Extension fully automates and highlights problem areas in which it occurs in your part or design. This saves time and money from going back to the drawing boards changing it in the design and then the prototype. The best part of this extension is changes to the clearance can be edited and then applied to the model followed by a quick retest. This make sure that you design is always to the highest standard that you can provide in your final product. Another reason why PTC Pro/Engineer Wildfire 5.0 has become so appealing to the Engineering Community

PTC Solution Day 2010 North Sydney shows a small gimps of the future.

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:09:59 +0000

29th of January 2010 was the PTC Solution Day in North Sydney at the Rydges. As CADDIT.net has mentioned in their article of the PTC solution day, the day revolved around showing off PTC's newest Brainchild Windchill 9.1 in how it can be incorporated into the Lifecycle of PLM. Greg Brown did a fantastic job captivating the crowds in the demos as well as the presentation.

PTC's Windchill is really leading the competition in this area with wonderful security management system for designs and intellectual property from formulas to analysis to manuals quickly and efficiently allowing for clients to interact with little hassle. Not only using Native files from PTC but also files from CATIA, inventor as well as Solidworks showing that PTC is really on the life pulse on the needs of companies and clients internationally.

The new enhancements of Windchill 9.1 is great but the most exciting thing for me was the new Wildfire 6.0 and its newest features and the line in which PTC is going to take. The changes include enhancements in the user interface, as well as introduction of 3D modeling based on 3D deformation. The best way to describe is like a ball of clay. Now by using the mouse you can pull the ball into different shapes and places molding the 3D model. Pretty cool in action.

There many other things which i can mention that was a real eye opener that day but i guess it is best to leave it to PTC to start the show. Until next time. See ya.

New Sketch Interface Improves the Learning Curve for Wildfire 5.0 Users

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:19:12 +0000

Pro/Engineer Wildfire 5.0 rolled out, it was promised that the ease of use was the greatest improvement made in Pro/E, and it shows. With the introduction of right click menus in sketch as well as new ribbon interface into Pro/E Wildfire 5.0, learning how to use the CAD system just got easier.

Now the right click menu can be operated based on the selected entities that the user has chosen. By holding down the right button on the mouse, a set of new options have been intregrated into the user interface. For example, let say you have selected two or more entities in a sketch which are identical to each other, but you need to change the dimensions of these selected features. Highlight the necessary features, hold down the right click for the menu and select the dimension option. Change the dimensions accordingly and bam, you have changed all three in one go. Now that is just one of the possibilities that are now available with right click menu. Changing the feature itself, dimensions and even the constraints can be all altered with the right click menu. This simply cuts down the unnecessary time required to do it manually and makes using Pro/E that much more easier to use.

Oh have I mentioned that Wildfire 5.0 works even with files from AutoDesk? Another sore spot that most CAD software has is the loss of data in between CAD systems. The boffins from PTC have increased native support for other CAD systems and non-geometric data exchange. So you do not have to deal with the brain numbing experience of redoing all the data for that model or assembly again.

Just goes to prove the myth of PTC Pro/Engineer wildfire 5.0 being to hard to use dead wrong.

Pro/ENGINEER ease of use, the search function and exploded view

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 21:12:02 +0000

As the weeks progress in using Pro/E Wildfire 5.0, i am impressed at the ease of use of the program itself. Just getting the parts required for the assembly can be a nightmare for some engineers since they sometimes are working in more than one project in the same directory with about 5 other files types of the same model. Pro/E has made it quite simple in sorting the files that you require simply by using the file type filter opinion to select the model type i want as well as using the search function.

The best part of this function is that you can do this either on the local harddrive or on a network based system to file the design required for editing. It is also worth noting that the search function is not limited to single part files either. You can use the search function of Pro/E Assembly for ASM files with many parts. Instead of manually finding the part that you are looking for, go to Edit and find function and you will get another dialogue box showing that you can search for various components in assembly by using the correct name and hopefully you have named the parts in the assembly as well.

Now the 3D mode, allows for assemblies to be quickly disassembled and shown in an exploded view. This helps to show the various components in which can be edited dynamically now in Wildfire 5.0. This is simply done by going to main menus >View > Explode > Explode View. To move components in exploded view just go to View > Explode > Edit Position, then from here just move the necessary components required. This is just a few functions that i have found particularly useful that are available in Pro/E Wildfire 5.0.

Here is a nice example that i have found:

Comparing CAD

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:26:03 +0000

I'm Phil, I will be working on a couple projects involving two mechanical engineering CAD programs. We use multiple CAD based programs and compare their features, it is quite interesting to see the differences and the packages which are offered between them. For example, PTC Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 5.0 Pro/NC and Pro/TOOLMAKER are both CAD/CAM programs that meet the needs of CNC machinists in widely different areas.

You may have already read about the articles on the 4 Myths of Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire and A preview of Alibre CAM 2.0 CNC software, the high end and mid-low range of CAD/CAM manufacturing and CNC machine programming.

Where do I stand in all of this? Well as the weeks go on, I will provide some details blogs post of each of the CAD Programs and the new changes they have made as well as how to use the features. I will keep you posted with new features here. Phil Signing off for now.

Alibre CAM 2.0 Machinist Software Preview

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:08:09 +0000

Alibre has published information about the next release of Alibre CAM software for CNC manufacturing and CNC milling. New features added to Alibre CAM Standard, Alibre CAM Professional and Alibre CAM expert will offer greater control to machinists for toolpath creation, editing and post processing to G-Code. CADDIT Australia has published the review on their blog.

See the full article HERE (link opens in a new window).

For more information about Alibre Design or Alibre CAM contact us HERE.

Busting Four Myths of 2D and 3D CAD Software Marketing

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 07:34:40 +0000

"Should my business be using 3D CAD software?"
Maybe the better question is "how exactly would using 3D CAD get my job done better?" Let's explore four myths about using CAD today.

Myth: everyone uses CAD already
42% of builders surveyed in 2006 still don't use any CAD program at all according to one survey. Should they be using CAD? Probably, and many are changing over. But statistics like this sometimes help us see through the "don't get left behind" marketing hype and be more realistic about our requirements.

Myth: CAD software is too hard for me to learn
That's only true if you choose the wrong CAD software for your needs. 3D CAD software might be exactly what you need, or exactly what you don't need. A successful CAD migration involves three steps: 1) identify your business requirements 2) identify CAD systems meeting those requirements 3) identify which vendors offer the support you need for the system you choose. When possible, try to buy a CAD system from a vendor that offers direct support for the system you choose. They should also be able to help you identify your requirements before you buy. Your vendor choice alone can make a big difference in the success of your CAD system. To help new CAD users, CADDIT has published a free CAD e-book.

Myth: 3D is always better
If you are working for a customer who wants a 2D drawing, give them a 2D drawing. According to a recent marketing report by the Aberdeen Group, there are several reasons people use 2D CAD in the first place, including demand for increased quality/reliability, shortened product development schedules, accelerating product commoditization and marketspace competition. The main reason that seems to prevent 2D CAD users from migrating to 3D CAD is "The current process using 2D works, no need to make a change (40% of surveyed)".

progeCAD is an example of robust 2D/limited 3D CAD that is helping thousands of businesses meet their mainly-2D design needs successfully. Many surveyors, builders, electricians and engineers have no real need for 3D CAD at this time.

Myth: Everyone is going to use 3D CAD soon
"Most CAD users still work in 2D, while 3D design is rapidly moving to the forefront.." - Business Wire, Nov 14, 1995 article "AccelGraphics announces first entry-level workstation-class 3D graphics accelerator; new board delivers high-performance 3D graphics for price-sensitive MCAD users". More that 10 years later, CAD software marketing is still warning the world about an impending obsolescence of 2D CAD. The reality is that designers have far more freedom of choice than ever before in finding a design package that fits their needs and budget.

The key is knowing the right CAD for the right job at the right price. A certain flexibility to adapt one's self to learning several systems is therefore practical, but we don't need to learn them all. Technology is just a tool that we create to help us get a job done. It should never become a religion that ironically blinds us from seeing a better way of getting that job done. CADDIT has already helped hundreds of companies find the right CAD software. What has surprised many of our customers is that the best system for them is often not the most expensive or complex system we support.

CADDIT is a professional CAD and CAM software consulting company based in Sydney Australia. The full version of this article can be found here.