CAD designers typically fall into two categories: rock star or orchestra musician. There are many reasons for this, including the engineer’s personality and skill, but much also depends on the types of products you are building. Organizations that build large systems that are in a production line: cars, farm equipment, and airplanes, for example, tend […]
SOLIDWORKS World 2015: Focus on MBD
Now at home in sunny Denver, CO after attending SOLIDWORKS World in sunny Phoenix, AZ held February 8-12, 2015, I reflect on the week. There were cookies, coffee, countless training and educational sessions, cute 2-wheeled jumping robots to drive, a mini 4-rotor helicopter to fly, methods for controlling a 3D model with just your hand in front […]
CAD Modeling Etiquette: Do Your Colleagues Need a Refresher?
I hear it every day from other engineers: “I could use that model in my assembly, but it’s so bad. I might as well just remodel it.” Bad modeling techniques and a lack of solid expectations (or standards) in the hardware industry have driven the majority of us in product design at least a little crazy […]
MBD and CAD Re-Use Workshop at SOLIDWORKS World
Do you use 2D flat drawings to communicate your product designs? Does it make sense to hand over a 3D model to your manufacturer? Do you know how to take advantage of the SolidWorks software suite to enable your organization to leap into a model-centric product definition world? Do you need more educational support on […]
Modeling Schema Techniques for 3D: the Easy Button
I’ve gotten to the point in my career where it’s not “how will I meet these deadlines?” but “which deadlines will I miss altogether?”. There are many days that I need an easy button. Do you sit at your desk some (or most) days asking yourself not “how will I meet these deadlines” but more […]
How to Maximize 2D & 3D CAD Modeling Efficiencies
We use 2D and 3D CAD, but we certainly aren’t RE-USING it Aren’t most companies using 3D CAD? Yes, most are, less those rare cases where manufactures are still modifying 2D AutoCAD drawings to satisfy their customers. Yet those designing with 3D CAD are still not reaping the full benefits. Meaning that they have […]
How to Integrate CAD and 3D Print Manufacturing
Are you using a 3D Printer to manufacture your parts? If so, do you know where your CAD is coming from? When using a 3D Printing Manufacturing technique, you MUST understand Model-Based Definition (MBD) and what it means to the quality of your product.Are you using Solid Works/EPDM or CREO/Windchill or NX/TeamCenter to design your […]
What and How of Direct Digital Manufacturing (DDM)
Realizing this is the 3rd post in a row on 3D Printing and it’s uses, I do apologize. But I can’t help but get excited about how excited everyone else is exited about 3D Printing. The juices are flowing (NASA Uses 3D Printing to Build a New Breed of Aircraft), and technology is improving (Stratasys […]