Friday, September 30, 2011

FISHER/UNITECH is Hiring!

 
FISHER/UNITECH is in the process of identifying, locating and evaluating some of the strongest candidates in the area to augment and support our unprecedented projected growth and expansion.

Available Positions Include:

FISHER/UNITECH offers a very competitive and comprehensive salary and benefits package.

Please visit the Careers section of our website for more information on our available openings.  If interested in a position, please forward an up-to-date copy of your resume with a cover letter including salary requirements.

Please send your cover letter and resume to:

Human Resources Manager
FISHER/UNITECH
248-577-8524 fax

MOKA SolidWorks User Group Meeting Announcement

Jesse Metcalfe, the new group organizer, has put together a very attractive, informative newsletter for the MOKA Users Group.  If you are not on Jesse's mailing list, and are a SolidWorks user located in Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas or Arkansas, reach out to him to connect at:

jesse.metcalfe@leggett.com
https://forum.solidworks.com/groups/moka-solidworks-user-group

The next MOKA SolidWorks User Group Meeting will be held:

Date:  November 8th, 2011
Time 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Leggett & Platt, IDEA Center
1914 S Baker Ave.
Carthage, MO  64836

Because the IDEA Center is an active Research & Development facility, it is required that all guests sign a Visitor Confidentiality Agreement upon arrival which is available through Jesse's newsletter.  Please visit the SolidWorks Forum link above for a copy.

Meeting Agenda
  • 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm:  Registration and networking
  • 5:30 pm - 5:45 pm:  Welcome and introduction
  • 5:45 pm - 6:00 pm:  Company Highlight:  Leggett & Platt
  • 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm:  Presentation:  What's New in SolidWorks 2012 (part 1)
  • 6:30 pm - 6:45 pm:  Break and networking
  • 6:45 pm - 7:15 pm:  Presentation:  What's New in SolidWorks 2012 (part 2)
  • 7:15 pm - 7:30 pm:  Questions, Open Discussion and Drawing

To RSVP for the meeting, please send Jesse an email via the links above.






Tuesday, September 27, 2011

CSUG is SolidWorks User Group of the Year

 
 
(Rick Jelesky, left, Denny Bahl, right)

We're proud to announce that the Chicago SolidWorks User Group, led by Denny Bahl, has been named the 2010 SolidWorks User Group of the Year. 

At the group's meeting earlier this month, our very own Rick Jelesky, Regional Manager for Illinois and Wisconsin, was presented with a plaque from Denny, in recognition of our ongoing support for the local user group.

Thank you to Denny for your commitment to running the group, and the SolidWorks users who regularly attend the meetings.  The groups wouldn't exist without the interest and support of the SolidWorks user community.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Miami Valley SolidWorks User Group Meeting

The next Miami Valley SolidWorks User Group Meeting has been announced and will take place:

Date:  October 25, 2011
Time:  5:00 - 8:30 pm

Gander Mountain
8001 Old Troy Pike
Huber Heights, OH 45424

Agenda
  • 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Registration, food, networking & archery contest
  • 6:00 pm – 6:05 pm Opening Remarks
  • 6:05 pm – 7:35 pm What's New in SolidWorks 2012 
  • 7:35 pm – 7:50 pm Break
  • 7:50 pm – 8:15 pm Q & A as needed
  • 8:15 pm – 8:30 pm Discussion about next meeting & wrap-up, prize giveaways
 
RSVP for the October 25 meeting

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Tech Tip - eDrawing Viewer on x64

One of the great benefits of eDrawings Viewer is you do not need SolidWorks installed to view your part, assembly and drawing files.  This is very useful for those who need to view files but do not need to modify them.  Marketing for example.

So where's the Tech Tip come in?  Well, as with all software we must install it.  Lets assume your are on a new x64 bit PC.  What should I install?  If you go to the website to download it, the default is to install the x32 version.  Right before downloading, it does give you an "x64 bit" version available to download. 

Here is the Tip:  You can install both the x32 and x64 versions on an x64 PC.  I do recommend installing the x32 version.  On x64 systems, you occasionally get an issue with the x64 version where it doesn't recognize the SolidWorks Document Manager.  When you try to open a drawing file, you then get the message: "The SolidWorks Document Manager is not installed on your system...." and gives you the option to download and install.  Even if you install it, it still may not recognize it.  If you have the x32 bit version installed, you should be able to open the file using it without issue (assuming you did download and install the document manager).

Why do I need the Document Manager?
There are several benefits.  Per SolidWorks Knowledge Base article
S-053648, it is:

"SolidWorks Document Manager is an additional tool that allows non-SolidWorks applications, like eDrawings, to look at the data in a SolidWorks file.  For drawings, the Document Manager will allow eDrawings to review custom properties and automatically update annotations.  This is helpful in the following case.
  1. A drawing has notes that are linked to custom properties in the drawing file.
  2. The custom properties of the drawing are edited (typically by a PDM system) without actually opening and re-saving the drawing file.
  3. eDrawings without the Document Manager will see the notes as they were last saved.
  4. eDrawings with the Document Manager can see the updated customer properties shown in the notes.  Installing the Document Manager is encouraged to correct this situation."

Happy Viewing!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Depth of Field in 3DVIA Composer 2012

One of my favorite new tools in 3DVIA Composer 2012 is the Depth of Field rendering ability.
The Depth of Field in the image above allows the closest part of the carving knife to look clean and crisp, while components farther back look "fuzzy".

This new functionality can be found on the Render tab in 3DVIA Composer. Here's how it works:
  1. Turn on the command on the Render tab
  2. Click "Set Focal Point" button









  3. Click on the component where you want the focus to be. If you place the focus point on a component, you'll get a small red indicator on that component (image on the left). This feedback lets you know that the focal point you've created is associative. Meaning, if you translate the component, the focal point will move with it. If this associative nature is not desired, simply hold down the 'Alt' key when you place the focal point and a white indicator will be placed, indicating a non-associative focal point (image on the right).










  4. The effect does not happen in real time. In order to get an idea of how much Depth of Field you have, you'll want to click the High Quality button found at the end of the Render tab.








  5. You can adjust how much effect is applied in the property pane on the left
























  6. Once your satisfied with the image, you'll just need to save it out in the High Resolution Workshop.
There are many other great rendering enhancements to 3DVIA Composer 2012. Be sure to check them all out!

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Central Indiana SolidWorks User Group Meeting


Bring a colleague and register now!

The next CISUG meeting has been planned and will take place:

Date: Thursday October 20th

Time: 4:30pm Registration and networking, meeting starts at 5:00pm


Impact Forge
2805 Norcross Dr.
Columbus, IN 47202

Map to Location


Agenda
  • General Meeting followed by a presentation by Rick Miller, Impact Forge: “SolidWorks Application at Impact Forge” 
  • Dinner: (Sponsored by SWUG Corporate)
  • Technical Presentation: “What’s New in SW 2012,” followed by SolidWorks ”Tips & Tricks.” All participants are invited to bring their ideas.
  • Door Prizes: 7:30pm. Followed by a plant tour of Impact Forge 
Premium Door Prize Sponsored by SolidProfessor.
A 6 month log-in to the SolidWorks online training course.

Monday, September 19, 2011

FISHER/UNITECH To Exhibit in WI Manufacturing & Technology Show

Don't miss FISHER/UNITECH at the upcoming Wisconsin Manufacturing & Technology Show in West Allis, WI in October.

Date:  October 4-6, 2011
Show Hours:  9am-5pm on the 4th and 5th, 9am-3 pm on the 6th


WISCONSIN EXPOSITION CENTER
Halls A & B
c/o Wisconsin State Fair Park
8200 W. Greenfield Avenue
West Allis, Wisconsin 53214

Join us in Booth #402, to learn more about 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.

Also on display will be the new Fortus 250mc from Stratasys, Inc. The Fortus 250mc is the company’s first cross-over system, combining the ease-of-use and affordability of a Dimension 3D Printer with the control of Insight Software. Insight Software drives the Fortus line of 3D Production Systems, and empowers users with added control of build speed, part accuracy and feature detail. Like all Stratasys systems, the Fortus 250mc utilizes the additive manufacturing technique and is based on the fused deposition modeling (FDM) process.


The Wisconsin Manufacturing & Technology Show is the Midwest’s premier metalworking and manufacturing tool show. From tooling inserts and multi-tasking CNC machines, to automation and technologies that cut, mill, drill – all offering opportunities specific to your industry to give you a specific advantage. For more information, please visit the show website at: http://expoproductionsinc.com/tool_home.htm.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Mechanical Design Position, Covington, OH


Worker Automation is looking to hire a Mechanical Designer, with a minimum of 3-5 years of special machine, welding, and/or automation design experience. Laser experience a plus.

Candidate must possess the following skills:
  • Machine shop exposure and understanding of  machining/manufacturing processes. 
  • Proficiency with SolidWorks, AutoCAD and MS Office.
  • Computer literacy.

Duties: 
  • Required to design and detail custom equipment 
  • Maintain standard component library 
  • Maintain past job files 
  • Deal with design related customer issues 
  • Concept systems for quotes 
  • Assist shop floor with design related build issues 
  • Maintain computer network and help with general computer issues 
  • Some travel required

Worker Automation, Inc. designs and manufactures robotic systems for welding, machine loading/unloading, palletizing, material handling and assembly for markets ranging from aerospace, automotive and construction to appliance, food processing and electronics.

Interested candidates please send resume and cover letter to:  Keith Alspaugh at keitha@arcworker.com.

Worker Automation, Inc.
600 E. Broadway
Covington OH 45318

Central Michigan SolidWorks User Group Meeting Announcement

The local Central Michigan SolidWorks User Group will be holding their quarterly meeting on September 20th, 2011. There will be plenty of food, lots of networking opportunities, presentations on SolidWorks, and SolidWorks giveaways.

The main topic for this meeting is Simulation, for see details below!

Date: Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Spartan Chassis, Inc.
Plant 1 (Large Training Room/Spartan Room)
1000 Reynolds Road
Charlotte, MI 48813

Time: 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Agenda 
  • Food / Networking (5:30 - 6:00)
  • Opening Announcements (6:00 - 6:15)
  • Simulation Express - David Roccaforte (Fisher/Unitech) (6:15 - 7:00)
  • Break / Networking (7:00 - 7:15)
  • Full Blown Simulation - David Roccaforte (Fisher/Unitech) (7:15 - 8:15)
  • Closing Remarks / Giveaways / Networking (8:15 - 8:30)
 
* Times for each subject can change. Meeting will conclude at 9:00 PM at the latest

PLEASE RSVP to Gary Bryant (gary.bryant@spartanmotors.com)
You MUST have an RSVP to attend.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

CAD Operator Position Available in Washington, MO


Stork Fabricators, Inc. has an immediate opening for a CAD Operator.

Position requires knowledge of mechanical drafting and 2-5 years experience is preferred. SolidWorks experience would also be a plus but not necessary.

Stork Fabricators offers a competitive salary along with a very attractive benefit package.

Please submit resume to:

Stork Fabricators, Inc.
P.O. Box 185
Washington, MO 63090
 
or send an email to:  Mike@storkfab.com

Greater Cincinnati SolidWorks User Group Meeting

The next GCSWUG meeting has been announced.  Please see details below.

Date: Tuesday, October 11th, 2011
Time: 5:30pm – 8:30pm


Holiday Inn I-275 North
3855 Hauck Rd.
Sharonville, Ohio 45241

Map of 3855 Hauck Rd Cincinnati, Ohio 45241

Agenda
  • 5:30-6:05:  Food, drinks & networking 
  • 6:05-6:10:  Opening remarks 
  • 6:15-7:10:  Steve Fick, FISHER/UNITECH Application Engineering Manager, will be presenting on ePDM
  • 7:15-8:10:  Josh Spencer, 3DVision Technologies, will be presenting on surfacing 
  • 8:15-8:30:  Q&A, Give-a-ways, Closing Remarks, Next meeting date and location? 
 
RSVP for the Tuesday October 11th GCSWUG meeting

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Cleveland Company Seeks Enterprise PDM Help

A company in the Cleveland, OH, area is looking for a SolidWorks Enterprise PDM resource to work onsite 40 hours a week for the next 3-6 months (with a probable extension.)  Start date is immediate.

An additional per diem is available for those coming from more than 50 miles away. If you are an EPDM expert and are interested in this opportunity, please call or email Jason Jackowiak directly for more information.

Jason Jackowiak
Technical Recruiter
Software/Hardware Consulting Services
Oxford & Associates
a division of Oxford Global Resources
23250 Chagrin Blvd.
Suite 375
Beachwood, OH 44122

216.378.9940 x29 Office
216.378.9941 FAX
jason_jackowiak@oxfordcorp.com

Monday, September 12, 2011

SolidWorks 2012 Last Release to Support Windows XP

SolidWorks 2012 software (including CAD, Simulation, Sustainability, and Enterprise PDM) will be the last release that supports Windows XP. This action is being taken as a follow up to Microsoft’s retirement of the Windows® XP operating system in April of 2009.

SolidWorks 2013 will not install on Windows XP. For additional information please refer to the System Requirements page on the SolidWorks corporate website.

AFC Holcroft, Wixom, MI, Hiring a Mechanical Engineer

AFC-Holcroft – a worldwide leader of industrial furnace design and manufacturing located in Wixom, Michigan, is seeking the right candidate to add to its Mechanical Engineering staff.

This candidate must have a BS-ME from an accredited institution and four years of experience in mechanical design using SolidWorks.

Knowledge in industrial design of transfers, steel weldments, mechanics, and materials selection are required for this position.

Experience should also include the use of CFD and Simulation Add-on software in a practical problem solving environment, and the candidate should be capable of VB, VB.net, or C++ programming with integration to SolidWorks.

This position will include typical benefits and a comparable salary.
All candidates can submit resumes to hr@afc-holcrof.com.

See Stratasys @ Design & Mfg. Midwest

Don't Miss Stratasys at Design & Mfg. Midwest

Visit Stratasys booth 2208 at Design and Manufacturing Midwest to see additive manufacturing and 3D printing in action and find out how it can make your job easier.

And, don't miss live demos of the Dimension 1200es and the uPrint Personal 3D Printer.

Register

**Enter code BZ for free expo hall admission**

D&M Midwest Show Details

Location:
McCormick Place North
Hall B Upper Level
2301 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60616

Dates/Hours:

Tues. Sept. 20, 10 am - 4 pm
Wed. Sept. 21, 10 am - 4 pm
Thurs. Sept. 22, 10 am - 4 pm

Booth:
2208

Register Here
and enter code BZ for free expo hall admission.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

The SolidWorks 2012 Launch Site is Live!


Visit the SolidWorks 2012 Launch Site Now

The benefit is simple—SolidWorks® 2012 will help you design faster and do your job better. With SolidWorks 2012, you can work more efficiently and have the data you need to make better design decisions throughout your product development process.

Your SolidWorks 2012 Checklist:
Check out all the new features
Watch the videos
Download product data sheets for details
Find a local live seminar

Greater Evansville SolidWorks User Group Meeting

Don't miss out on the 3rd Qtr "Greater Evansville Area Solidworks User Group Meeting."

Date:  Sept 22nd
Time:  5:30pm, doors open at 5:00pm


University of Evansville
1800 Lincoln Avenue Rm #100
Evansville, IN  47714

Special guest will be Matthew Lorono, Product Definition Specialist for SolidWorks.  To RSVP for the event, please send an email to:  scottbaugh@berryplastics.com.

If you RSVP for the event, food will be available when you arrive. 

Agenda
  • 5:00- Doors open - Food and Networking 
  • 5:30 - 5:45 - Opening remarks 
  • 5:45 - 6:15 - Presentation - by Marcus Christel of Evana Automation on "Library Features" 
  • 6:15 - 6:20 - Q&A 
  • 6:20 - 6:30 - Break 
  • 6:30 - 7:30 - Presentation - by Scott Baugh of Berry Plastics on "Users Rights and Rules to Follow"
  • 7:30 - 8:00 - Giveaways, Closing Remarks 
Everyone is free to stay around after the closing remarks and network until 8:00-8:30pm.

Whether you're coming from the east or the west side of town, take the Weinbach Exit off the Lloyd Expressway and turn south. Travel almost to the corner of Lincoln and Weinbach. The parking lot will be on the west side of the street. Once you have made it into the parking lot, the building is right beside it to the west.


If you are bringing a guest along with you, please let me know so I can account for them. If for some reason you cannot make it and you RSVPed please let me know ahead of time so I can cancel your meal if I need to. Thanks for your patience.

Henke Mfg. Hiring CAD Designer, Leavenworth, KS


Henke Manufacturing, a growing manufacturer of heavy snowplows, is seeking to fill a position in its engineering department. Henke is located in Leavenworth, Kansas, within easy commuting distance of most of the Kansas City metropolitan area. Henke designs and manufactures snow removal equipment for use on heavy trucks and construction equipment, supplying products to customers throughout the U.S. and internationally, and has been in business for over 90 years.

Henke offers excellent benefits, including health and dental insurance and a generous 401k savings plan.
Pay commensurate with qualifications and experience.

CAD Technician / Designer
The successful candidate will be a self-motivated individual trained in the operation of CAD systems. 
  • Graduate of a trade school or technical college preferred. 
  • Experience with SolidWorks very helpful. 
  • Strong knowledge of engineering drawing standards, strong mechanical aptitude, and good organizational skills required. 
  • Knowledge of Word and Excel and good computer skills required. 

Job duties may include: 
  • Update CAD part models, assembly models, and drawings. 
  • Design custom plow configurations to meet customer requirements. 
  • Create modifications and improvements to existing products. 
  • Design welding and fabrication fixtures and oversee their construction. 
  • Enter and modify data in JD Edwards manufacturing computer system. 
Interested candidates please email your resume to:  rwolf@henkemfg.com.
Visit the company website at www.henkemfg.com

Randy Wolf
Henke Manufacturing
3070 Wilson Avenue
Leavenworth, KS 66048

Mechanical Engineer Needed in Lenexa, KS

CORE is looking for a mechanical engineer with SolidWorks knowledge who would be interested in a short term assignment. If interested, please contact:

Paul Scheelk, IT Manager
CORE
14803 W. 95TH St.
Lenexa, KS 66215
Phone: 913-529-8200 ext.224
Cell: 913-980-1208
Fax: 913-529-8210
paul.scheelk@corecashless.com

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

KCSWUG Meeting Coming Up September 22nd

KC Area SolidWorks groupies don't miss it!

Date: Thursday, 9/22/11
Time: 6:30 - 9:30pm

Automatic Systems, Inc.
9230 E. 47th St
Kansas City, MO 64133
816-356-0660

Main Topic: DraftSight – All You Ever Wanted to Know
Guest Speaker: Mark Lyons, SolidWorks Corp.

Mark will present DraftSight with a demo of some of its features.  He will explain what DraftSight is, and why Dassault Systemes has offered it for free. Wayne Tiffany, user group president, will highlight the Premium Package and the Prosumer Service (the service offer to individuals for paid customer support.) Wayne will also present an overview of why DraftSight is a valuable tool for a SolidWorks user, and demonstrate how to bring a DraftSight drawing into a SolidWorks Sketch plane.

Everyone that uses SolidWorks touches 2D.  If your 2D usage includes opening DWG files for reference, then you most likely have AutoCAD loaded in some fashion.  Here's an opportunity to kick AutoCAD to the curb!  Come see what this new product is all about, what it can do for you, how you use it and how to make the most of it. 

To RSVP for the group meeting, please send an email to: wayne.tiffany@asi.com.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

DraftSight Premium Services ROI Calculator

By now, most of you have heard of DraftSight, am I right?  I sure hope so!  If not, here's a brief introduction.

DraftSight is a free, easy-to-use 2D CAD product from Dassault Systemes that lets you create, edit and view DWG files.  DraftSight supports Microsoft® Windows XP®, Windows Vista®, Windows® 7 (General Release), Mac® and Linux®** (Mac and Linux currently in Beta). More than ONE MILLION people have downloaded DraftSight!

If you haven't downloaded DraftSight yet, try it now.

Do you want to know how you can save money with DraftSight and its premium services?  In just minutes, you can calculate the savings you can generate by using DraftSight and DraftSight Premium Services over another (or your current) 2D CAD solution. 

Access the new Premium Services ROI Calculator today

The more money you save, the more budget you'll have for additional technology investments.

SolidWorks Veterans on SolidWorks 2012


Did you know that SolidWorks 2012 marks the 20th release of SolidWorks? To help celebrate that milestone, SolidWorks asked some long-time employees to talk about their time at the company, from the early days to the present. Take a look at the following video interviews. 

Paul Chastell - VP of Engineering,
who started at SolidWorks in 1998.


John Sweeney - Director of End User Engineering,
who started at SolidWorks in 1996.


Eric Leafquist - Product Manager,
who started at SolidWorks in 2000.


Joy Garon - Senior Training Specialist,
who started at SolidWorks in 2001.


Keep an eye out for the new SolidWorks 2012 website, launching today at 2 pm ET!

SolidWorks Contract Position, Flint, MI

Global Energy Innovations, a three-year old fuel cell start-up company in Flint, Michigan, is looking to hire an experienced SolidWorks professional for development of extensive and detailed 3D solids, assembly models and machine drawings.

Work location is Kettering University, duration is 6-9 months. Candidate must be professional, have a strong work ethic, a commitment to excellence, and available for overtime if necessary. Position is available immediately. Excellent opportunity to grow with a start-up with stock option potential.

Please email resumes to jberry@geifuelcells.com.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Chicago SolidWorks User Group Announcement


Received an email today from Eric Sickler, of CSUG with upcoming meeting details.

Date:  Thursday, September 22nd
Time:  6:00 pm-8:30 pm


Waubonsee Community College, Aurora Campus
Room 212,
18 South River Street
Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 801-7900
Directions

The cost is free to everyone and anyone with an interest in SolidWorks is invited to join, no RSVP is needed.  Invite your friends and co-workers!

Agenda: 
  • 6:00-6:30pm:  Sign-in and networking
  • 6:30pm:  Food Served, pizza and soda
  • 6:30-7:00pm:  Short business meeting during pizza
  • 7:00-8:00pm:  Presentation - 3D printing and 3D production. Presented by Rodger Reaume from FISHER/UNITECH
  • 8:00pm:  Q&A, Door prize drawing 
  • 8:30pm:  Meeting adjourned

Stratasys Customers: Recycle & Win an iPad

Don't miss out on your chance to win an iPad from Stratasys! 

To participate, simply turn in your used cartridges and your name will be entered for a chance to win. No forms are necessary to participate because customer information will be gathered using data from your postage-paid labels. One winner will be chosen each quarter.


Please recycle your used cartridges!