The next Chicago SolidWorks User Group meeting is coming up quick - on Tuesday, September 1st.
When: Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Where: DES PLAINES Campus of Oakton Community College, Room 1610
1600 E. Golf Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Agenda
5:00 - 5:30 pm: Sign-in and networking
5:30 - 6:00 pm: Short business meeting, pizza will be served
6:00 - 8:00 pm: Users Helping Users Presentation followed by Q&A session
Presentation: Users Helping Users
Problems and Solutions provided by meeting participants
Please bring your modeling problems, questions and issues to the meeting. A computer will be there running SolidWorks. The group will take turns trying to help each other with specific issues. Don't be shy - the group has had a regular turnout for quite some time and everyone should be familiar with other attendees. Please come prepared to participate with a problem, a solution, or both!
Pizza and soft drinks will be provided, along with a door prize drawing. The meeting should adjourn around 8 pm.
No RSVP is necessary, headcount for food will be based on attendance from previous meetings.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
SR-30 Soluble Support Material Available for Select Fortus Systems!
Stratasys recently released their new soluble support material called SR-30 for the FORTUS product line! Removal of the new SR-30 material is similar to a break-away style support, so it is easier to remove when dissolving is not necessary. When dissolving is necessary, SR-30 dissolves in less than half the time of its predecessor SR-20. The new SR-30 material even comes with a price drop; it sells for $20 less than SR-20 canisters.
SR-30 boasts a 69% reduction in dissolve time in an agitation tank, and 46% reduction in dissolve time in an ultrasonic tank, on average. SR-30 is compatible with the Fortus 360mc and the 400mc.
For more details, you can read the press release here.
Ready to discuss how the Fortus can make Direct Digital Manufacturing a reality for your company?
Please contact:
Paul Hollowaty at 800-816-8314, ext. 7128
Hollowaty@funtech.com in MI, OH, IN and KY
Bob Hess at 800-816-8314, ext. 7401
bhess@funtech.com in IL, WI, MO and KS
SR-30 boasts a 69% reduction in dissolve time in an agitation tank, and 46% reduction in dissolve time in an ultrasonic tank, on average. SR-30 is compatible with the Fortus 360mc and the 400mc.
For more details, you can read the press release here.
Ready to discuss how the Fortus can make Direct Digital Manufacturing a reality for your company?
Please contact:
Paul Hollowaty at 800-816-8314, ext. 7128
Hollowaty@funtech.com in MI, OH, IN and KY
Bob Hess at 800-816-8314, ext. 7401
bhess@funtech.com in IL, WI, MO and KS
3DU Instructors - Question of the Week (08-22-09)
Hello Bloggers, Rod Harper here again. A little late on the question of the week from last week but I'll post a double here today.
The last two weeks consisted of Advanced Part and my newly created class CAD200 SolidWorks Administrator. I'm pretty excited about this new class but we'll get to that in a moment.
Advanced Part:
Great question right at the end of class. The question was
"If I have modeled many many features into a part and realize I need it in a different set of units (i.e. in to mm), what do I do?"
Maybe the guy who gave you the original napkin sketch wrote down numbers and didn't put any units with it. This definitely could happen in the real world working globally with English and metric units, sometimes interchangeably. So let's set up an example. Current units are set to metric and we need to get to English. There are two ways to go about changing this.
1. Change your units in the document properties to English. What used to be 100mm now becomes a conversion to English at 3.937 in. But what if we were looking for 100 inches? Temporarily leave the units in metric. Click on all the dimensions and manually convert the "mm" to "in". Another way to accomplish this would be to write a short program to run through all the dimensions and update. We'll talk more about Macros/API in another post.
2. If there are WAY too many sketches and features to go back through and update as explained above, you can use the scale command. Insert > Features > Scale will allow you to scale by 25.4 to convert your model to the correct size. Keep in mind that if you make any changes above the scale command in the tree, you will need to be thinking back to metric. This option would be the quickest fix.
SolidWorks Administrator - New course offering!
I've been working on this manual since the end of last year and finally had the first class this past week. I feel it went well and I received no major complaints regarding the course content. This course talks a lot about tools that aren't covered in any of the other classes. One important chapter covers installations of all types and steps you through step/picture by step/picture. Lots of great information to have on hand as a SW admin.
A couple questions came up worth highlighting here.
"Does the Copy Settings Wizard work across versions?"
No it does not. It's meant to help you distribute custom settings across other computers using the same version of SW.
"When do I use the Property Tab Builder versus Custom Properties?"
When the amount of templates files created to fulfill the companies needs becomes excessive, it's time to use the Property Tab Builder. Property Tab Builder allows you to create a task pane that can access any tab you create to fill in a specific set of custom properties in your file. Remember, this does does not change document settings so you will still need to set up your template files to an extent.
That's it for now. Please post a comment on what you think of these tips. Have a great weekend!!!
Rod Harper
3DU Instructor
The last two weeks consisted of Advanced Part and my newly created class CAD200 SolidWorks Administrator. I'm pretty excited about this new class but we'll get to that in a moment.
Advanced Part:
Great question right at the end of class. The question was
"If I have modeled many many features into a part and realize I need it in a different set of units (i.e. in to mm), what do I do?"
Maybe the guy who gave you the original napkin sketch wrote down numbers and didn't put any units with it. This definitely could happen in the real world working globally with English and metric units, sometimes interchangeably. So let's set up an example. Current units are set to metric and we need to get to English. There are two ways to go about changing this.
1. Change your units in the document properties to English. What used to be 100mm now becomes a conversion to English at 3.937 in. But what if we were looking for 100 inches? Temporarily leave the units in metric. Click on all the dimensions and manually convert the "mm" to "in". Another way to accomplish this would be to write a short program to run through all the dimensions and update. We'll talk more about Macros/API in another post.
2. If there are WAY too many sketches and features to go back through and update as explained above, you can use the scale command. Insert > Features > Scale will allow you to scale by 25.4 to convert your model to the correct size. Keep in mind that if you make any changes above the scale command in the tree, you will need to be thinking back to metric. This option would be the quickest fix.
SolidWorks Administrator - New course offering!
I've been working on this manual since the end of last year and finally had the first class this past week. I feel it went well and I received no major complaints regarding the course content. This course talks a lot about tools that aren't covered in any of the other classes. One important chapter covers installations of all types and steps you through step/picture by step/picture. Lots of great information to have on hand as a SW admin.
A couple questions came up worth highlighting here.
"Does the Copy Settings Wizard work across versions?"
No it does not. It's meant to help you distribute custom settings across other computers using the same version of SW.
"When do I use the Property Tab Builder versus Custom Properties?"
When the amount of templates files created to fulfill the companies needs becomes excessive, it's time to use the Property Tab Builder. Property Tab Builder allows you to create a task pane that can access any tab you create to fill in a specific set of custom properties in your file. Remember, this does does not change document settings so you will still need to set up your template files to an extent.
That's it for now. Please post a comment on what you think of these tips. Have a great weekend!!!
Rod Harper
3DU Instructor
Monday, August 24, 2009
FISHER/UNITECH AE Wins PhotoView 360 Beta Rendering Contest
If you are currently a SolidWorks 2010 subscription service customer you can enter the contest. Three winners will be chosen each week and all will qualify for the Grand Prize.
For contest details and guidelines on how to enter, visit the SolidWorks Blog. Winners are contacted individually and their images will be highlighted on the SolidWorks Gallery website.
To check out the prizes, click here. There will be two Grand Prize winners, who will receive a SolidWorks-engraved Apple iPOD ($150 value) and a SolidWorks laptop backpack ($30 value.)
If you're not a SolidWorks 2010 Beta Tester, it's not too late to sign up. Click here to get started.
Monday, August 17, 2009
3DU Instructors - Question of the Week (09-14-09)
Hello all:
This is Rod Harper, one of FISHER/UNITECH's online 3DU instructors. I will be posting great questions each week from students I have been teaching during the week. Some may be easy but others will get much more in depth. Sometimes it may be not so much a question but a difficult topic covered.
This week I finished up a Mold Design and Routing class. Both are excellent classes. Comparing the two, Routing covers much more material than Mold Design so let's look at a question this week from Routing.
We were covering the chapter about routing electrical conduit. The question I was asked was:
When or where do I insert the electrical outlets after the conduit is run between the receptacles?
In the example, we ran the conduit route from the first to the second electrical box to run the initial route. We used rigid electrical conduit in an XYZ route. Remember, this establishes the "housing" to the cables/wires but not the cables or wires themselves. A route sub-assembly is automatically created when inserting the first conduit adapter that plugs into the receptacle.
The next step is crucial. I need to exit the route sketch but stay in the sub-assembly file that contains the conduit route. Then insert the outlets into your route sub-assembly. Once mated into place, edit the route sketch again to start a route from a connection point in the outlet part file. A stub will appear and you can now Auto Route between the newly created stub on the outlet to the connection point at the end of the original conduit route. Finish it up by assigning the wire/cable properties.
Hope this helps.
Have a great weekend everyone! See you next week.
Rod Harper
3DU Instructor
This is Rod Harper, one of FISHER/UNITECH's online 3DU instructors. I will be posting great questions each week from students I have been teaching during the week. Some may be easy but others will get much more in depth. Sometimes it may be not so much a question but a difficult topic covered.
This week I finished up a Mold Design and Routing class. Both are excellent classes. Comparing the two, Routing covers much more material than Mold Design so let's look at a question this week from Routing.
We were covering the chapter about routing electrical conduit. The question I was asked was:
When or where do I insert the electrical outlets after the conduit is run between the receptacles?
In the example, we ran the conduit route from the first to the second electrical box to run the initial route. We used rigid electrical conduit in an XYZ route. Remember, this establishes the "housing" to the cables/wires but not the cables or wires themselves. A route sub-assembly is automatically created when inserting the first conduit adapter that plugs into the receptacle.
The next step is crucial. I need to exit the route sketch but stay in the sub-assembly file that contains the conduit route. Then insert the outlets into your route sub-assembly. Once mated into place, edit the route sketch again to start a route from a connection point in the outlet part file. A stub will appear and you can now Auto Route between the newly created stub on the outlet to the connection point at the end of the original conduit route. Finish it up by assigning the wire/cable properties.
Hope this helps.
Have a great weekend everyone! See you next week.
Rod Harper
3DU Instructor
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Announcing our New Rapid Technology Website
I am thrilled to announce the launch of our Rapid Technology website at http://www.funtechrtgroup.com.
This website is dedicated strictly to Rapid Technology and includes comprehensive information, case studies, downloads, video files and more on the uPrint Personal 3D Printer, the Dimension family of printers and the Fortus line of FDM equipment.
In January 2009, FISHER/UNITECH was awarded an exclusive contract from Stratasys to sell their full-line of high end FDM machines. If your company has advanced rapid prototyping needs or is adopting Direct Digital Manufacturing (DDM) techniques, you'll want to check out the Fortus. The way we see it, Fortus FDM machines are poised to potentially replace tooling and metal part production in the manufacturing environment. This additive process produces parts ready for end-use due to stronger materials, higher accuracy and faster printing. The build envelope of 3x2x3 feet and .002 inch positioning accuracy make a compelling argument for in-house DDM.
See Jay Leno tout the benefits of the Dimension 3D Printer and how he uses it in his shop to produce impossible-to-replace automotive parts. If you outsource or hand-build prototypes, it not only takes time but it costs. You can create working models on the Dimension for $5 or less.
The best in-office solution if you're on a budget (and who isn't!) is the uPrint Personal 3D Printer. With a footprint of 635x660 mm (25x26 in) it literally puts 3D printing on your desk. They also cost less than $15,000.
We have a seasoned Rapid Technology sales, engineering and field group to assist. You can contact the team via email at rtgroup@funtech.com.
This website is dedicated strictly to Rapid Technology and includes comprehensive information, case studies, downloads, video files and more on the uPrint Personal 3D Printer, the Dimension family of printers and the Fortus line of FDM equipment.In January 2009, FISHER/UNITECH was awarded an exclusive contract from Stratasys to sell their full-line of high end FDM machines. If your company has advanced rapid prototyping needs or is adopting Direct Digital Manufacturing (DDM) techniques, you'll want to check out the Fortus. The way we see it, Fortus FDM machines are poised to potentially replace tooling and metal part production in the manufacturing environment. This additive process produces parts ready for end-use due to stronger materials, higher accuracy and faster printing. The build envelope of 3x2x3 feet and .002 inch positioning accuracy make a compelling argument for in-house DDM.
See Jay Leno tout the benefits of the Dimension 3D Printer and how he uses it in his shop to produce impossible-to-replace automotive parts. If you outsource or hand-build prototypes, it not only takes time but it costs. You can create working models on the Dimension for $5 or less.
The best in-office solution if you're on a budget (and who isn't!) is the uPrint Personal 3D Printer. With a footprint of 635x660 mm (25x26 in) it literally puts 3D printing on your desk. They also cost less than $15,000.
We have a seasoned Rapid Technology sales, engineering and field group to assist. You can contact the team via email at rtgroup@funtech.com.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
NELB II: Virtual Job Fair - Call for Exhibitors
I am thrilled to announce an exciting new Community Service program to follow our extremely successful No Engineer Left Behind program launched in January of this year. Through this program and our partnership with SolidWorks Corporation, FISHER/UNITECH provided training and software to nearly 300 displaced engineers across the Midwest. Another 200 have participated in the SolidWorks Engineering Stimulus Program. Our next project, entitled No Engineer Left Behind II, is to continue our commitment to assisting displaced engineers in our industry find challenging positions while also providing valuable service to the discrete manufacturing firms in our area.
No Engineer Left Behind II will offer a unique opportunity for both groups by leveraging advanced technology for a traditional activity. FISHER/UNITECH is proud to announce a Virtual Job Fair for Engineers that will launch September 1st, 2009. If your company has openings in design or engineering, you are invited to participate, at no charge, as an exhibitor in this exciting program. Our Virtual Job Fair will be the perfect complement to the recruitment methods you are currently using.
Help us connect displaced engineers and designers with employers that have the following positions available within the next few months:
- Design Engineer
- Industrial Designer
- Engineering Analyst
- Manufacturing Engineer
- Engineering Management
We estimate this service to be an in-kind value of over $2,000 for exhibiting companies. As an exhibitor, you would be entitled to the following features for 90 days:
One (1) Virtual Booth with any or all of the following components -
- Company Logo
- Company Background Information
- Unlimited Job Postings & Descriptions
- Candidate Application Information
- Digital Photos
- Brief Company Video, Recorded Webcast or PowerPoint Slide Presentation
- Company and/or Product Brochures in PDF
- White Papers in PDF
If you would like to get an idea of what a ‘Virtual Job Fair” looks like, visit www.6connex.com and click on the ‘quick tour’ option on their home page. 6Connex is our technology partner who will host the virtual environment.
We will accept job postings for positions at any of your company locations. FISHER/UNITECH will manage individual booth and content creation within the virtual environment. All you have to do is elect to participate!
If you would like to be a part of this exciting program, please complete our participation form and fax it back to me (Lisa Van Giesen) at 248-577-8524, as soon as possible. You may also email the form to nelb@funtech.com.
If you reply with a completed form, we will contact you to discuss this plan in detail and assist you in building an effective 'virtual booth.' This can be an outstanding opportunity for you to expand your technical team with no advertising or placement fees involved.
If you have any questions, please contact me at 800-816-8314, ext. 7129 or you can send me an email at lvangiesen@funtech.com
Monday, August 3, 2009
New Class: CAD200 SolidWorks Administrator
We've just added a new course to our comprehensive SolidWorks, Simulation, Collaboration and PDM training curriculum. The new course, CAD200 SolidWorks Administrator, will be offered online via our interactive, live-instructor taught 3DU environment. The course will be delivered via three online sessions, and costs $795 per student. If you already have our 3DU Education Pass Premium, you're in luck as the course is now included in the pass. Curious as to what's covered? Take a look at our agenda:
Prerequisites:
- Practical work experience
- Completed either CAD105 Introduction to SolidWorks or CAD110 SolidWorks Essentials
- Experience with the Windows operating system
- Lesson 1: Hardware
- Lesson 2: Installations
- Lesson 3: Automating the Process
- Lesson 4: Tune it up, speed it up
- Lesson 5: More SolidWorks Tools
- Lesson 6: Back it up
- Lesson 7: Managing issues and troubleshooting
- Lesson 8: Macros and API
- Appendix A: SolidWorks Rx File
The focus of this course is on the fundamental skills and concepts central to successfully making you a SolidWorks Administrator.
We have two courses scheduled online via our 3DU environment, the first one begins on August 18th, the second on October 10th. If you'd like more information on the course or to register, please visit our website.
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