Rolling a Sheet Metal Tube from the Center

Sometimes when you create a rolled sheet metal tube, you want to display the flat form of the shape as if it were rolled symmetrically about the centerline - opening the tube equally from the center instead of from one edge. Here is a very simple and easy way to do just that:

When you create the initial sketch of the tube, put a very small "flat" at the bottom center of the sketch and be sure to relate it properly to the origin. The flat can be very small, (.001 in) so that it never affects the tube shape. Then when you display the flattened form of the sheet, the flat originates from that small central flat in the sketch.

How to Design Your Part for DDM

Traditional manufacturing methods, like machining and injection molding have many rules, restrictions, and limitations. These rules don't apply when using Direct Digital Manufacturing (DDM.) Designers are free to concentrate on the best design and not concern themselves with manufacturability. The shift is so fundamental that the impact may not be fully recognized for years to come.

Find out how it's possible.

SolidProfessor Updates

Upcoming Webinars

SolidProfessor has planned two webcasts in August.

Design teams today are faced with very similar challenges, regardless of what products they make. In this webcast:

• Find out if you have the same challenges as other design teams
• Discover what others are doing to overcome their challenges
• Learn about tools and strategies for managers that help their team succeed

Choose from one of the following dates:

• Thursday, 8/11/2011 - 9:00 AM PST / 12:00 PM EST
• Tuesday, 8/16/2011 - 12:00 PM PST / 3:00 PM EST

Register Online

SolidProfessor Enterprise Website

Visit the SolidProfessor website and learn more about SolidProfessor Enterprise.  You'll find links to demos, whitepapers, product information and webcasts. 

Visit SolidProfessor Enterprise Website

We're Putting Down Roots in Cincinnati!

I'm thrilled to announce that we've relocated our Dayton, OH, office and staff to Cincinnati, OH, in support of our growing customer base.

Our new digs, measuring in at 2,500 square feet, doubles what we had in Dayton.  We are located at 11260 Chester Road, on the sixth floor of the Spectrum Office Tower at the junction of I-75 and I-275.

The state-of-the-art training room can accommodate up to ten students for SolidWorks 3D CAD classes.

Join us for our Grand Opening event!

Tuesday, August 23, 2011
10 AM - 2 PM

11260 Chester Road, Suite #660

Cincinnati, OH 45246
REGISTER ONLINE

This event is free to attend. Complimentary refreshments and lunch are included.

Get a one-on-one technical session with one of our SolidWorks experts! Test drive the product of your choice, SolidWorks, SolidWorks Simulation, SolidWorks Enterprise PDM or 3DVIA Composer. Test drives are available anytime between 10 AM and 2 PM.

In addition, attend one of several product presentations being delivered throughout the day. See our schedule below so you may plan accordingly.

• 11:00 AM - SolidWorks 3D CAD Software
• 11:30 AM - SolidWorks Simulation
• 12:30 PM - FISHER/UNITECH Training Programs
• 1:00 PM - SolidWorks Enterprise PDM
• 1:30 PM - 3DVIA Composer

We look forward to meeting you in our new location!

Additional Simulation Pro/Premium Functionality

Below is a list of functionalities in Simulation Professional (and above) that are NOT available with SolidWorks Premium and do not show up in the general list of analysis types in our bundles. Please contact us if you would like to learn more about these tools.

• Fatigue Check Plots
• light weight, quick fatigue check
• Trend Tracker
• keeps track of results and model changes as you iterate on your design
• Event Based Motion
• time saving, easier to program motion model
• 2D Simplification
• huge analysis time saving tool. Will typically get more accurate results due to the level of mesh refinement that can be obtained.
• Edge Weld Connectors
• checks weld strength
• Export Deformed Body
• saves deformed part out so that it can be brought into SolidWorks to check for clearances
• Export to FEA
• (Ansys, Nastran, ABAQUS, IDEAS, Patran, Exodus)

SWUGN Technical Summit - Detroit

Troy, Michigan
Tuesday, August 9th, 2011

If you use SolidWorks and are located in Southeast Michigan, you won't want to miss the SolidWorks User Group Network's Technical Summit coming to Troy. 

This one-day training and networking event features technical presentations by SolidWorks Program Managers and local SolidWorks experts. Two technical tracks include sessions on general SolidWorks functionality and specialty sessions on such topics as PhotoView360, PDMWorks, and Simulation.

The cost is only $40.00 and includes sessions and meals.

Featured speakers at this event include:

• Dan Bovinich - Eastern Michigan SolidWorks User Group
• Jason Raak - Rocksolid Perspective Blog
• Michael Beem - FANUC Robotics
• Paul Kellner - Northern Indiana SolidWorks User Group
• Glen Desmier - Inductoheat, Inc.
• Rodney Harper - FISHER/UNITECH
• Darin Grosser - DASI Solutions
• Lars Christensen - CADimensions
• Jeff Cope - Extensible CAD Technologies
• Avelino Rochino - DS SolidWorks
• Elton Smith - DS SolidWorks
• Richard Doyle - DS SolidWorks

The SWUGN Technical Summit - Detroit will be held at the San Marino Club in Troy, MI. Space is limited so REGISTER NOW. For more information and on-line registration, CLICK HERE.

We hope to see you there!

Utilimaster Featured on CNBC

FISHER/UNITECH customer Utilimaster, parent company Spartan Motors, was featured in a video clip on CNBC's "The American Economy" segment which aired in June.

Listen to CEO John E. Sztykiel talk about how by the end of 2011, Utilimaster's employment numbers will exceed pre-recession levels.

Utilimaster, located in Wakarusa, Indiana, uses SolidWorks, Enterprise PDM and 3DVIA Composer in the design, engineering and manufacturing of walk-in vans, parcel delivery vans, truck bodies and specialty upfit vehicles for the parcel delivery, baking and snack food, textile, utilities, emergency response, mobile sales and maintenance industries.

Support Hour Webcast Update

If you have a current SolidWorks maintenance contract with FISHER/UNITECH, you're entitled to attend our monthly Support Hour webcast.  This hugely popular series, which began in 2010, features one hour of content delivered by a team of our technical support engineers on a variety of topics.

Don't miss our upcoming August Support Hour webcast:

SolidWorks Toolbox

August 18th, 2011

3:00 pm ET/2:00 pm CT

Register Now

In addition, all maintenance customers can stream any of our recorded Support Hour webcasts.  To access this subscription service-only benefit, please log into our Customer Center online.  Once logged in, our Support Hour archive appears on the left-hand side of the screen. 

We currently have the following recordings available for viewing:

• SolidWorks Weldments
• Introduction to Surfacing
• Using the SELive Chat Application with SolidWorks
• SolidWorks Activation & File Management
• DriveWorksXpress
• Enterprise PDM:  Tips and Tricks for the Admin
• Tips on Creating SolidWorks Configurations
• SimulationXpress

If you don't have a maintenance contract with us, or you're not sure if you do, request a Support Quote.  Your account manager will contact you with details.

Auto/Con is Hiring a Mechanical Designer

Auto/Con Corporation, located in Clinton Township, Michigan, provides a range of support services to automotive clients by being a provider of total turnkey solutions. The company focuses on system engineering, design, field installation and start-up as well as training and support.  The company's strategy is to work in partnership with customers to improve productivity, competitiveness and profitability.

Auto/Con is hiring a mechanical 3D designer.  Job requirements include:

• Employee must have SolidWorks experience
• Must be able to convert 2D AutoCAD DWG's into SolidWorks
• Must know how to generate 2D views into AutoCAD
• AutoCAD experience a plus

Interested candidates, please send cover letter and resume to:

Mark Matheson

Auto/Con Corporation

Desk: 586-791-7474 ext.155

mmatheson@autoconcorp.com

www.autoconcorp.com

T.A. Systems is Hiring a Mechanical Designer

T.A. Systems, located in Rochester Hills, Michigan, is recognized both locally and nationally as a leader in the automotive interior automation assembly market. With global presence they strive to be the forerunner of technology and assembly techniques. In business for 30+ years, T.A. Systems is known for its reputation as a builder of quality assembly automation. Come join the team!

Qualifications:

• 3 years SolidWorks experience
• 3 years of automation design experience
• Pneumatic and electrical background a plus

Responsibilities:

• Start to finish design of automation from simple work tables to complex robotic work cells
• Design using new and current technology to the manufacturing and assembly field
• Interact with marketing and sales to meet customer demand

Technologies used:

• Sonic welding
• Vibration welding
• Laser cutting
• Robotic assembly

Benefits:

• Medical
• Dental
• 401-k with matching funds
• Paid vacations / holidays
• Flex time

Interested candidates please submit your cover letter and resume to Tom Martin, Engineering Manager, at tmartin@ta-systems.com.

Fortus Webcast: Factory Floor Efficiencies - Manufacturing Tools 101

On Thursday, August 11, Stratasys will be hosting a new webcast, "Factory Floor Efficiencies: Manufacturing Tools 101." Presented by Noah Zehringer, a Stratasys Applications Engineer, this webcast will show you how to use proven additive manufacturing technology to produce lightweight, durable thermoplastic jigs and fixtures.

Date:  Thursday, August 11th, 2011
Time: 1:00 p.m. Central/2:00 p.m. Eastern
Register Today

If you’re in charge of finding new ways to streamline manufacturing, this webcast is for you. You'll learn how to use additive manufacturing’s Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology to create lightweight, inexpensive jigs, fixtures, guides, gauges, patterns and more. Tight deadlines. Changing schedules. Revised production plans. No worries. We’ll show you how to put new manufacturing tools in action in just a day.

What You Will Learn

• How to use thermoplastic fixtures in place of metal fixtures
• How to prevent downtime on your manufacturing floor
• How to decrease assembly worker fatigue
• How to create workholding tools faster and easier than with machining

Who Should Attend?

• Production Engineers
• Manufacturing Engineers
• Operations Managers
• Machine Shop Supervisors
• Machinists
• Assembly Supervisors

Make additive manufacturing your competitive advantage by learning how it can streamline your production facility.

Register Today

New Cross-Over 3D Printer From Stratasys

Announced last Friday, the Fortus 250mc combines the convenience and affordability of a Dimension 3D Printer with the flexibility of a Fortus Production System.  The Fortus 250mc is now available from FISHER/UNITECH.

For under $45,000, users can have an additive manufacturing solution in-house, while still receiving the benefits of 3D printing and prototyping functionality.  The Fortus 250mc is a perfect fit for machine shops both large and small looking to move beyond traditional prototyping into low volume production.

The 250mc can be used to build functioning manufacturing tools like jigs and fixtures, to be used in the production process.  Some users have found the FDM method to be a viable alternative to conventional metal-cutting manufacturing methods like milling, turning and boring. 

For details on build envelope and available materials for the 250mc, please contact our Rapid Technology Group.

Read the Full Press Release

Visit our Website

Contact our team at 800-816-8314

Tom Avery (OH, KY) x.7609
Bryant Goudelock (MI, IN) x.7205
Rodger Reaume (WI, IL) x.7401
Bill Reitter (MO, KS) x.7514

Industrial Designer Position Available in Peculiar, MO

Sioux Chief is in the market for an industrial designer (product design for products in the the plumbing industry) with superb SolidWorks skills. 

This person will be part of a larger development group that works together to design parts/file patents. It would be helpful if this person(s) were a touch mechanical and had some experience with injection molding.

Sioux Chief is looking for somebody that is creative and self driven (able to research on their own, suggest ideas, produce ideas from scratch, etc.) This is a full time position (and possibly two positions.)

The company offers very competitive pay and great benefits.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume via email to:

Dominic Ismert
Sioux Chief
24110 South Peculiar Drive
Peculiar, MO 64078

Phone Numbers:
800-821-3944
816-779-6104

St. Louis SolidWorks User Group Meeting

The next user group meeting will be on August 10, 2011.

Conference Room: Pneumatic Scale (6th Floor)

Barry-Wehmiller Companies, Inc.

8020 Forsyth Blvd.

Clayton, MO 63105

Time:  4:30 pm - 7:15 pm

Agenda

• 4:30 pm - 4:35 pm:  Welcome and Introductions
• 4:35 pm - 5:40 pm:  Master CAM presentation from CNC software - Understanding the Technology and Benefits of using Master CAM along with SolidWorks by Keith Butzgy and Jeff Quinn
• 5:40 pm - 5:45 pm:  Short Break
• 5:45 pm - 6:10 pm:  A short presentation and demonstration from Space Control on 3D mouse and it’s benefits by Marc Weigand
• 6:10 pm - 7:15 pm:  A detailed presentation and demonstration on Drive Works and it’s benefits by Darrel Lampley, FISHER/UNITECH Application Engineer

The presentation on Mastercam will be done by Keith Butzgy from CNC Software, the makers of Mastercam along with Jeff Quinn from QTE Manufacturing Solutions.

About Ken (CNC software) and Jeff (QTE Manufacturing):

Keith Butzgy works in the Corporate Sales department of CNC Software, the makers of Mastercam. Prior to joining CNC Software, he worked for many years as a SolidWorks and Mastercam reseller in the New Jersey/New York area selling, supporting, and training Mastercam and SolidWorks. He will be discussing the benefits of having an integrated CAM system inside of SolidWorks, and will be demonstrating the latest release of Mastercam for SolidWorks. Keith is a SolidWorks CSWP and has a BS in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from Clarkson University.

Jeff Quinn has a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Education and has vast experience in training students. This experience includes several years as a high school instructor, developing curriculum for training other instructors and also for the last 25 years, as president of QTE Manufacturing Solutions, his company has developed curriculum and trained thousands of industrial employees in CAD/CAM Software’s, including both SolidWorks and Mastercam. Jeff is a SolidWorks Certified Professional and has been certified as a SolidWorks Instructor as well.

About Marc (Space Control):

The CAD business and especially 3D mouse have been part of Marc’s whole work life. Marc started as software developer back in 2001 and moved on to the Marketing department in 2009. As CMO and CSO Marc is now responsible for worldwide business development for Space Control based out of Munich, Germany.

The presentation will of course focus on 3D Mouse product and how it will speed up your work in SolidWorks significantly. Marc will start with a PowerPoint presentation explaining the basic use of a 3D mouse and its benefits followed by some examples in SolidWorks itself and details about some of the many things that are possible with 3D mouse product.

About Darrel (FISHER/UNITECH):

Darrel is an application Engineer from FISHER/UNITECH. Darrel will present the benefits of using Drive Works as a automation tool in SolidWorks.

To RSVP, please send an email to:  ragu@bwir.com. 

Parking and Arrival:

Underground parking is available at the basement of the building. The entrance ramp is on Forsyth Blvd. Please take the elevator to the 6th floor. You will receive a parking token when you arrive which you will need to exit the building.

The SolidWorks User Group Summit is Coming to Detroit

The Detroit SWUGN Technical Summit features presentations by SolidWorks Product Managers and local SolidWorks expert users. User registration is $40.00 and includes meals and giveaways. Join fellow SolidWorks users from the Detroit Metro area for a full day of learning and networking, and of course, a little fun.

Tuesday, August 9th, 2011

San Marino Club
1285 East Big Beaver Road

Troy, MI 48083
Register Online Now!

Scheduled to appear:

• Dan Bovinich - Eastern Michigan SolidWorks User Group
• Jason Raak - Rocksolid Perspective Blog
• Michael Beem - FANUC Robotics
• Paul Kellner - Northern Indiana SolidWorks User Group
• Glen Desmier - Inductoheat, Inc.
• Rodney Harper - FISHER/UNITECH
• Darin Grosser - DASI Solutions
• Lars Christensen - CADimensions
• Jeff Cope - Extensible CAD Technologies
• Avelino Rochino - DS SolidWorks
• Elton Smith - DS SolidWorks
• Richard Doyle - DS SolidWorks

Agenda

7:30am - 8:00am	Registration opens/Breakfast
8:00am - 8:45am	Opening session, orientation
8:45am - 10:00am	Session 1A - Using Advanced Mates in Assemblies
	Session 1B - Using Weldments in SolidWorks
10:15am - 11:30am	Session 2A - DUMB Solids: Make Them Your Friend
	Session 2B - Outside the Box - Using SolidWorks for Sales
11:30am - 12:30pm	Lunch
12:30pm - 1:45pm	Session 3A - Drawings - No Training Manual Stuff
	Session 3B - Working with Macros and the API
2:00pm - 3:15pm	Session 4A - Preparing Drawings for Inspection
	Session 4B - 3DVIA Composer - This is Cool Stuff!
3:30pm - 4:45pm	Session 5A - InspectionXpert for SolidWorks
	Session 5B - What's REALLY New in 2011/Tips

Register Online Now!

Central Indiana SolidWorks User Group Meeting

Register today for the August meeting

Meeting Agenda:

Date: Thursday August 18th

Location: GT South Rib House. 4919 S Emerson Avenue Indianapolis, (Beech Grove)

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

• General Meeting
• Followed by Jon Caliguri, Design and Software International, "Integrating SolidWorks CAD to CAM"
• Dinner: (Sponsored by SWUG Corporate)
• Technical Presentation: "DriveWorks 2011" A powerful tool for multiple version of same-as-but products, and it comes free with every seat of SolidWorks.
• Followed by SolidWorks ”Tips and Tricks,” All participants are invited to bring their ideas.
• Door Prizes: 7:30pm 

Hope to see you there!

Milwaukee SolidWorks Night School - Visualization

Please join us for our FREE monthly Night School event on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 from 6 - 8 PM. This month's topic is SolidWorks Visualization.

Night School will take place in our Milwaukee branch office:

1126 S 70th Street
Suite N610A
Milwaukee, WI  53214
Tel:  414-607-7240
Fax: 414-475-2028
milwaukee@funtech.com
Map to Location

Register Online!

We will cover the following:

• Photos and Documents
• Creating Photo-realistic Renderings with SolidWorks
• Applying Appearances
• Creating Photo Studios
• Documentation and Animation in PhotoView 360

Come join us for some Pizza and learn more about what SolidWorks can do for you!

Register Online!

n!Fuze for SolidWorks is Now Available

I am pleased to announce that n!Fuze for SolidWorks is now available online through the 3DStore.

n!Fuze is a web-based design sharing and collaboration solution that helps customers share and collaborate on designs with other n!Fuze users, both inside and outside of their organizations.

Customers can now purchase n!Fuze in either quarterly or annual subscriptions, and for the next 90 days, you can sign up for a free one month trial to evaluate the software. To access the 3DStore, you'll need a DS Passport, which provides login credentials to SwYm, n!Fuze, other V6 Online solutions, and the 3DStore.

You can learn more about n!Fuze on the SolidWorks website at http://www.solidworks.com/sw/products/nfuze-online-collaboration.htm.