Importing Parts With Failed Faces

Those of us SolidWorks users who get parts sent to us from other CAD platforms often receive them in a variety of formats. Obviously the best type of files to receive are native SolidWorks files. But when we get them translated through STEP or IGES and we open them, SolidWorks automatically employs its Import Diagnostics tool.

The results of these diagnoses occasionally yield faces of the part that didn't translate and we're left with Failed Faces.

When you find yourself in this situation, you can delete these faces by simply Right Clicking on the items within the Property Manager shown above, and selecting Delete. Note that when these faces are deleted you will see an increase in the number of "gaps" as edges are removed, yielding more gaps, so don't be alarmed by this.

The deleted faces can now be replaced using Filled Surface and similar surfacing tools ending with merging and knitting the surfaces together!

WHITE PAPER - Is Now the Time to Try DDM?

Over the past 20 years additive manufacturing technology has migrated from use in rapid prototyping to a full-fledged manufacturing solution, which is referred to as "direct digital manufacturing".

Increasingly, companies are applying it to manufacturing applications, and with each success, they prove that it is a viable alternative.

Learn more about low-volume manufacturing with FDM Technology with this white paper.

Get the white paper

SWUGN Summit in Kansas City is Two Weeks Away

Make sure you register to attend the upcoming SolidWorks User Group Network Summit, a full day training event for only $40.

Tuesday, May 17th, 2011
Doubletree Hotel - Overland Park
10100 College Blvd.
Overland Park, KS 66210

There are five training sessions with a choice of two topics for each.  Breakfast and lunch is provided.  Talk with your boss and get this on your schedule, it's an event that should not be missed!  The individual sessions are listed below for your convenience.

For more information, please visit the SWUGN website.  If you click on the KC link, you'll be able to register for the Summit online.

Technical sessions are geared toward users of all levels.

Agenda

7:30am - 8:00am	Registration opens/Breakfast
8:00am - 8:45am	Opening session, orientation
8:45am - 10:00am	Session 1A - Radical Workarounds for Shell/Fillet/Draft
	Session 1B - A Look at PhotoView 360
10:15am - 11:30am	Session 2A - 20+ Cool Things
	Session 2B - Finding SolidWorks Resources
11:30am - 12:30pm	Lunch
12:30pm - 1:45pm	Session 3A - SolidWorks Simulation
	Session 3B - Maximizing SolidWorks Performance
2:00pm - 3:15pm	Session 4A - Why I do Things Like This or Like That
	Session 4B - Xpress Tools in SolidWorks
3:30pm - 4:30pm	Session 5A - Surfacing for Non-Believers
	Session 5B - SolidWorks n!Fuze

An iPhone Accessory Gains Traction with FDM

Pedal Brain's iPhone accessory logs a wide range of data for competitive cyclists and uploads it onto the web where it can be viewed by coaches and teammates. In the past, Pedal Brain sent their designs to contract manufacturing companies that built prototypes using stereolithography and several different molding methods.

In this customer story, learn how FDM can substantially improve your design process by getting you from concept to part in only a couple of hours.

Download the complete story

Flow Simulation: Optimize Thin Walls Resolution

In Flow Simulation, in the Results and Resolution window, there is an option called Optimize Thin Walls Resolution. This option is checked by default, and I always get the question, when do I uncheck this? The simple answer is 'never.'

The Optimize Thin Walls Resolution option enables a special algorithm for resolution of thin walls. When this option is selected, one computational mesh cell can contain more than one fluid and/or solid volume, substantially reducing the amount of cells needed to resolve thin walls and other fine geometrical features of a model. Both sides of a thin wall or all faces of a sharp edge can reside within the same cell. And again, it is recommend to NOT switch off the Optimize Thin Walls option. The main reason we have the option, is to allow users to duplicate their efforts/studies prior to when the option first appeared.

News from the West Michigan SolidWorks User Group

Due to the 2011 Holland Tulip Time festival, the WMSWUG meeting originally scheduled for May 10th has been canceled.

Please make a note on your calendars that the next meeting in July will be held on:

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011
Time:  5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

May Chicago SolidWorks User Group Announced

The next CSUG meeting has been scheduled for:

Date:  MONDAY, May 2nd, 2011
Time:  5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Location: 
Skokie Campus of Oakton Community College
(aka) Ray Hartstein Campus Room P103
7701 N. Lincoln Avenue
Skokie, IL  60077 

Agenda

• 5:00-5:30 pm:  Sign-in and networking
• 5:30 pm:  Hot dogs (Chicago style!), chips and soft drinks will be served
• 5:30-6:00 pm:  CSUG business
• 6:00-7:30 pm:  Presentation
• 7:30-8:00 pm:  Q&A session, door prize drawing
• 8:00 pm:  Meeting adjourned

Presentation:  Maximizing SolidWorks Performance
This presentation will explore the extensive benchmarking of vast amounts of data to determine what changes in the environment, configuration, and modeling methodologies make the biggest differences in SolidWorks performance.  Attendees will determine best practices for their own situation.

No RSVP is necessary, headcount will be based on the average from previous meetings. 

Workgroup PDM Viewer Setup and Anti-Virus

When trying to install programs now days, we often take for granted the basics of software installation. First - DISABLE Anti-virus, then install. Anti-virus has become so common place, we tend to leave it on during installs. As we all know, best practice is to turn it off, then install. For whatever reason, we tend to ignore this step and 99% of the time, we're fine. However, that other 1% of the time can cause you hours and hours of trouble shooting.

The "Workgroup PDM Viewer" install is one such product. Anti-virus can block the SUCCESSFUL install of it. I highlight "successful" because it may appear to install successfully with no indication that the AV is actually blocking portions of the install.

SolidWorks is working to ensure this doesn't happen but if you find yourself installing WPDM Viewer, do yourself a favor. Disable your anti-virus before installing. Turning it off may be the most productive 5 seconds you spend.

Happy installs.

Introducing SolidWorks Night School - Milwaukee, WI

FISHER/UNITECH introduces SolidWorks Night School in Wisconsin! Each month we will host a night class for SolidWorks users. This class is open to anyone who wishes to attend!

Our next class will be held:

Date:  May 18, 2011
Time:  6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

1126 S. 70th Street
Suite N610A
Milwaukee, WI  53214
Map to Location

We will cover Routing inside of SolidWorks. You can register for these classes on our website: www.funtech.com - Just click the Events tab and search by the Wisconsin location.

Some come on in, get some pizza, hone your SolidWorks skills and meet other SolidWorks users!

Hope to see you there!

CAD Designer/Engineer Needed in Mid-Michigan

XG Sciences, Inc., is looking to hire a CAD Designer/Engineer, position is located in mid-Michigan. 

POSITION OVERVIEW:  A hands-on technical position critical to the development of manufacturing equipment, process layout and plant design.  The successful candidate will be responsible for design of equipment to manufacture of the next generation of an emerging new product.  You will get a chance to work in a fast-paced, high energy environment with experienced and highly motivated people.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Create electronic 3D models and 2D prints for manufacturing equipment, components, instrument installation and production line assembly
• Create detailed isometric drawings and piping and structural layout drawings from a 3D model
• Optimize unit layouts
• Interface with internal customers to determine plant layout and design requirements
• Analyze process parameters and characteristics
• Perform other duties as necessary

REQUIREMENTS:

• An Associates of Science degree in a technical discipline or Computer Aided Design together with experience in machine design, component design and plant layout
• Use and familiarity with SolidWorks is required
• Past experience in machine design and engineering complex assemblies
• Able to demonstrate a mechanical aptitude and skills
• Evidence of excellent interpersonal, verbal and written skills.  At ease in a team-oriented organization
• Must be able to work independently and able to prioritize and manage multiple tasks

DESIRABLE ATTRIBUTES AND SKILLS:

• Use of SolidWorks piping and sheet metal design options
• Dedicated to exceeding quality standards and providing products and services of the highest caliber
• Experience in design of hydraulics, pneumatics or electron control applications
• Hands-on shop time
• Able to work with changing schedules

If interested, please send your resume to Scott Murray at s.murray@xgsciences.com.

Thermoplastics Webinar - A Solid Choice for 3D Printing 4/26/11

When designing a new product, engineers can best predict its end performance by prototyping with a material as similar to it as possible. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) thermoplastics use the same types of raw materials found in injection molding - and that's why 3D printing is a wise choice.

Join Stratasys for a webinar where they will introduce nine FDM materials and the characteristics that make them ideal for everything from rapid prototyping to low-volume manufacturing. You'll learn the unique properties of each thermoplastic and find out how these aspects can help you choose the right material.

DATE: 
Tues. April 26, 2011

TIME:
1:00 pm Central
Find my local time

Register Here

PRESENTED BY:
Fred Fischer
Director of Business Development, Stratasys, Inc.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

• What thermoplastic is the best choice for your application
• How additive manufacturing technology works
• What makes each FDM thermoplastic unique

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

• Design Engineers
• Product Designers
• Manufacturing Engineers
• Inventors/Entrepreneurs
• Technology Educators

Learn more about Stratasys technology

See FISHER/UNITECH at the Erie Tool Show

 

 

FISHER/UNITECH will participate in the upcoming Erie Tool Show and will demo the SolidWorks family of design products.  Attendees will also see a selection of 3D models printed from the Dimension 3D Printer, the industry-standard in testing form, fit and function in an office environment.

April 26-17, 2011

Show Hours:
Tuesday, 10 am - 8 pm
Wednesday, 10 am - 6 pm
Register to Attend

Bayfront Convention Center
1 Sassafras Pier
Erie, PA  16507
Download Show Brochure

Meet our local team of experts and learn how the SolidWorks family of design products allows you to focus on innovation, while increasing productivity and improving collaboration, all at a low cost of ownership.  We'll demo SolidWorks, Simulation, EPDM and 3DVIA.

Learn more about the Dimension 3D printer and how you can create perfect working models directly from your CAD program.  3D models printed from a Dimension can be sanded, milled and even painted.  Test form, fit and function with faster turnaround, reduced costs, greater detail, higher durability and ease of use than traditional prototyping methods.

The Erie Tool Show brings together machine tool suppliers and support industries from the tri-state area to display the best selection of equipment for  advanced manufacturing.

Greater Cincinnati SolidWorks User Group Meeting

Don't miss the next GCSWUG meeting coming up:

Date: Tuesday, May 17th, 2011
Time: 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Location:  Makino, 7680 Innovation Way, Mason, Ohio 45040
Map to Location
 

Agenda (All times are estimates)

• 5:30-6:05 pm:  Food, Drinks and Networking
• 6:05-6:10 pm:  Opening Remarks
• 6:15-7:00 pm:  Dave “Woody” Woodruff presents "Digital Flow Bench CFD Project" - Engine Intake Port Air Flow Analysis
• 6:50-8:00 pm:  Avelino Rochino, Certification Program Specialist from SolidWorks will talk about the Certification Program and also give a presentation on Weldments.
• 8:05-8:20 pm:  Shop Tour (TBD)
• 8:20-8:30 pm:  Questions and Answers, Giveaways, Closing Remarks

RSVP for the Tuesday May 17th meeting

Northeast Wisconsin SolidWorks User Group Meeting

The next NEWSUG meeting will take place two weeks from Tuesday on:

Date: Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Time: 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC), Room E130 A and B

1825 N Bluemound Drive

Appleton, Wisconsin 54912

Phone: 920-735-5600

Click for a map to FVTC
Click for a school floor plan

Directions: 
Head North on Hwy 41. Take Wisconsin Avenue (Wis 96) exit. Go right (east)for ½ mile. Turn left on Bluemound Drive (by Fleet Farm). FVTC will be on your left after about ½ mile.

Head South on Hwy 41. Take Northland Avenue (Wisconsin 15, County OO)exit. Go left (east) for about a half mile. Turn right on Bluemound Drive. FVTC will be on your right after about ¼ mile.

The nearest room entrances are entrances 9 and 10 on the west side of the building.

Meet in room E130 A and B

Registration: Register on line at www.newsug.org

Agenda: 

• 5:00 pm:  Tips and Tricks – Bob Braun
• 5:15 pm:  Announcements
• 5:25 pm:  Creating and Managing CAD Libraries – Don Glaske
• 5:55 pm:  Light Meal, Door Prizes and Networking
• 6:20 pm:  Sketch Blocks – Bob Braun
• 6:50 pm:  Lofting and Sweeps – Don Glaske
• 7:25 pm:  Closing

Next Meeting:  September 27, 2011

Topics: Shetmetal Part 1, SolidWorks Explorer, Title Blocks and Drawing Borders

3D Mouse Anywhere

3Dconnexion has just announced a new driver platform, called 3DxWare 10.  With this, it's now possible to use a 3D mouse in any application. From Microsoft Office to internet browsers and from media players to games with 3DxWare 10, a 3D mouse can complement, or provide a compelling alternative to, most input devices including keyboard, traditional mouse, joystick and gamepads.

Discover the limitless possibilities for incorporating 3D mice into everyday use.

IMPORTANT: 3DxWare 10 is currently available in beta version only. Beta software is not officially supported, however you can visit 3Dconnexion's forum to give feedback, share your experiences and get advice.

[Read More]

[Download Now]

FISHER/UNITECH to Participate in PMA Suppliers Night

The Cleveland District of PMA (Precision Metalforming Association) is hosting its annual Suppliers Night next Tuesday, April 19th, at the Holiday Inn, Independence, OH.

The event is free of charge, and attendees can network with exhibitors who will be showcasing their products and services to the metalforming industry.  FISHER/UNITECH will participate in the event.

Location:

Holiday Inn
6001 Rockside Rd.
Independence, OH 44131
Phone: 216-524-8050

Starts: Tuesday, April 19, 2011, 4:00 PM

Ends: Tuesday, April 19, 2011, 8:30 PM

The event will feature nearly 60 exhibitors, a cash bar, complimentary buffet and raffle prize drawings at 6:00, 7:00 and 8:00 pm. 

Learn how FISHER/UNITECH can help your organization improve quality, increase productivity and most importantly control costs while streamlining your product design and development process.

Engineer Needed in Hampshire, IL

One of our customers, Rotec Industries, located in Hampshire, Illinois, is in need of an engineer with heavy equipment experience.  If interested, please contact:

Robin Oury
Project Manager
Tel:  847-683-1809
robin@ueusa.com

FISHER/UNITECH Acquires PA Resellers' SolidWorks Business Unit

I'd proud to announce that FISHER/UNITECH continues to grow and expand its reach into new territory, this time in Pennsylvania.  You may remember that back in December of 2010, we acquired CADVenture, a SolidWorks software reseller with offices in Mentor, OH and Pittsburgh, PA.  This morning we announced via press release the acquisition of Roney Software for Manufacturing Inc.'s SolidWorks software business unit.

Roney Software for Manufacturing, Inc., located in Girard, PA, will continue to provide leading edge computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) solutions to the design and manufacturing market.  As a result of this acquisition, Roney Software's SolidWorks customers will benefit from immediate access to new products and value-added services from FISHER/UNITECH.

New customers will have local sales and support personnel available to them in our Findlay Township, Pennsylvania, office providing full educational facilities.  With a technical staff of over 30 product specialists, consultants, applications and technical support engineers, we have the infrastructure to ensure our customers are getting the most out of their technology investment.

Since 1993, FISHER/UNITECH has grown to support a customer base of over 6,000 companies and 15,000 users in nine states.

Read More

Central Indiana SolidWorks User Group Meeting

The meeting is only two weeks away, don’t forget to bring a colleague.

Register Now

Date: Thursday April 21st

Time: 4:30pm Registration and networking.  Meeting starts at 5:00pm

Location:  Dorel Juvenile Group, 2525 State Street, Columbus, IN 47201

Park in small lot, off Cherry street, on the west side of their facility. Enter the doors that are closest to the parking lot.

This meeting will be joint with the SolidWorks of Louisville User Group (SLUG.)

• SLUG Presentation Chair, Bryan Ray, will present “CSWP Certification, how it benefited SAMTEC and their employees, and we did it for free” 
• Dinner: (Sponsored by SWUG Corporate)
• Technical Presentation: "Managing your Hardware for Best Performance" followed by Tips and Tricks 
• Door Prizes: 7:30pm, followed by a Dorel plant tour

 Visit the Central Indiana SolidWorks User Group website.

New SolidProfessor Webinar Series

SolidProfessor has launched a new webinar series called "5 Challenges that ALL Design Teams Face."  Check the schedule below and register today!

When?

• Thursday, April 14th, 2011 - 9:00 am PST/12:00 pm PST
• Thursday, May 19th, 2011 - 9:00 am PST/12:00 pm PST
• Tuesday, May 24th, 2011 - 12:00 pm PST/3:00 pm PST

Why?
Many companies using SolidWorks today are continually challenged with keeping up to speed with the many product capabilities, as well as ongoing updates and annual product improvements.  SolidProfessor Enterprise provides a solution by allowing company administrators to provide a comprehensive SolidWorks education resource to individual users, while tracking usage and retention.

SolidProfessor is a long time SolidWorks solution partner who creates on-demand SolidWorks instruction.  Click here to learn more and register.

SWUGN Summit - May 17th, 2011 in Kansas City

By now you've probably heard the SWUGN Summit is coming to Kansas City this year.  The agenda has been set, so you may begin making plans to attend.

Tuesday, May 17th, 2011
Doubletree Hotel - Overland Park
10100 College Blvd.
Overland Park, KS 66210

A SWUGN Summit, which stands for SolidWorks User Group Network, is a full day training event that costs $40.  There are five training sessions with a choice of two topics for each.  Breakfast and lunch is provided.  Talk with your boss and get this on your schedule, it's an event that should not be missed!  The individual sessions are listed below for your convenience.

For more information, please visit the SWUGN website.  If you click on the KC link, you'll be able to register for the Summit online.

Technical sessions are geared toward users of all levels.

Agenda

7:30am - 8:00am	Registration opens/Breakfast
8:00am - 8:45am	Opening session, orientation
8:45am - 10:00am	Session 1A - Radical Workarounds for Shell/Fillet/Draft
	Session 1B - A Look at PhotoView 360
10:15am - 11:30am	Session 2A - 20+ Cool Things
	Session 2B - Finding SolidWorks Resources
11:30am - 12:30pm	Lunch
12:30pm - 1:45pm	Session 3A - SolidWorks Simulation
	Session 3B - Maximizing SolidWorks Performance
2:00pm - 3:15pm	Session 4A - Why I do Things Like This or Like That
	Session 4B - Xpress Tools in SolidWorks
3:30pm - 4:30pm	Session 5A - Surfacing for Non-Believers
	Session 5B - SolidWorks n!Fuze

Job Opportunities in Kansas City Area

A local company is seeking a designer with Pro/E and SolidWorks experience in sheet metal and injection molded parts.  If you are interested, please contact Norm Jennings at 816-228-7272.

ALMACO, located in central Iowa, is looking for a SolidWorks Drafter.  If you know of anyone out that way looking for work, or someone who would consider relocating, please pass this on. 

ALMACO designs and manufactures agricultural research equipment.  Currently, ALMACO has an opening for a drafter with SolidWorks experience.  If interested, please go to www.almaco.com to find out more and to apply online. 

St. Louis SolidWorks User Group Meeting Announced

The next St. Louis SolidWorks User Group meeting has been scheduled and will be held on:

Date:  April 27th, 2011
Time:  4:00-7:00 pm

Barry-Wehmiller Companies, Inc.
Conference Room:  Pneumatic Scale (6th floor)
8020 Forsyth Blvd.
Clayton, MO  63105

Agenda:

• 4:20-4:30 pm:  Welcome and Introductions
• 4:30-5:30 pm:  CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) Engineering Simulation - Understanding the Technology and Benefits, by Jon Bequette and Nolan Halliday from CD-Adapco
• 5:30-7:00 pm:  What's New in SolidWorks 2011, by Jeremy Stadtmueller from SolidWorks Corporation

The presentation on CFD will be done by Jon Bequette and Nolan Halliday of CD-Adapco.  The presentation will explain the many uses of CFD in multiple industries.  The presentation will include real-life examples as well as a live demonstration of the CFD software.  Jon Bequette is an Account Executive at CD-Adapco based in St. Louis, MO, and Nolan is an Applications Engineer at CD-Adapco, based in Detroit, Michigan.  Nolan's Master's degree was focused on CFD of supersonic air inlet system design.

The presentation on "What's New in SolidWorks 2011" will be done by Jeremy Stadtmueller from SolidWorks Corporation.  Jeremy is a Global Account Technical Manager at DS SolidWorks.  He has been in the CAD industry for 15 years including the last 8 with SolidWorks, working with large global customers to help them address their needs in a complex engineering environment.

As always, please RSVP to ragu@bwir.com if you would like to attend. 

Chicago West SolidWorks User Group Meeting

The next CWSUG meeting is planned for:

Date:  Wednesday, April 27th, 2011
Time:  6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Gaspardo and Associates, Inc.
245 Oswalt Ave.
Batavia, IL  60510

Agenda

• 6:00-6:30 pm:  Sign-in and networking, food and drinks served
• 6:30-7:30 pm:  Presentation by Gaspardo and Associates, Inc.
• 7:30-8:00 pm:  Q and A, door prize drawing

Presentation
Gaspardo and Associates, Inc.
By:  Steve Gaspardo

In its full service Chicago-based 3D metrology laboratory, Gaspardo and Associates performs high-accuracy computer-aided measurement, inspection, verification, and reverse engineering services on near net shape and free form geometry components.  The firm serves a wide variety of industrial customers, including engineering firms, automotive and aerospace manufacturers and their tiered component suppliers, industrial mold and pattern producing manufacturers, injection molders and foundries, and stamping shops.

You'll see their new equipment that was designed and rendered in SolidWorks.  You'll learn how SolidWorks helped in the design and development of these products.



Please RSVP for the meeting to:  cwsug@ymail.com

RSVP is necessary to ensure enough food is provided. 

New SW User Group - KEMSUG

KEMSUG, which stands for Kettle Moraine SolidWorks User Group, is hosting its inaugural meeting at Moraine Park Technical College.  You already work with the best in design software, now connect with other users and professionals in the design industry.  Don't just use SolidWorks, connect with KEMSUG!

Date:  May 11th, 2011
Time:  5:30-7:30 pm

Moraine Park Technical College
235 North National Avenue, Room A-112
Fond du Lac, WI 
Map to Location

Agenda

• 5:30-6:00 pm:  Introduction and explanation of why you should be part of a SW User Group
• 6:00-6:20 pm:  SolidWorks Tips and Tricks presentation
• 6:20-6:40 pm:  Prizes given away and food and beverages served
• 6:40-7:30 pm:  What's New in SolidWorks 2011
• 7:30-7:45 pm:  Q&A, wrap-up, next meeting date

Register for the Meeting

For more information on KEMSUG, visit the group website or contact group leader:

Don Glaske
920-539-8052
info@kemsug.com
www.kemsug.com

Simulation Professional: Frequency Analysis Support Issue

Every structure has the tendency to vibrate at certain frequencies, called natural or resonant frequencies. Each natural frequency is associated with a certain shape, called mode shape, that the model tends to assume when vibrating at that frequency. When a structure is properly excited by a dynamic load with a frequency that coincides with one of its natural frequencies, the structure undergoes large displacements and stresses. This phenomenon is known as resonance.

Recently, one issue came up for one of our customers where the natural frequency values (in Hz) were all very small (approximately zero.) The issue wasn't with the Simulation software, but with the properties set for that type of analysis. If you right click on the study, and select Properties, you will get a box with all the properties for a frequency analysis. One of the properties is Number of Frequencies. This property lets you set the desired number of natural (resonant) frequencies to be calculated. The default is set to calculate the lowest five frequencies. Now the problem arises when there are no supports (fixtures) on the component being analyzed. Basically, a body without any restraints has six rigid body modes and these rigid body modes have zero frequencies (infinite period.) So, SolidWorks will assign to these six rigid body modes (the first six natural frequencies) a value approximately equal to zero. Therefore, if you are looking for the first natural frequency of your component that has no supports, you must input 7 for the Number of Frequencies property.