Myth-Busting 3D Prototypes: Does High Resolution Equal High Accuracy?

Listen as Bonnie Meyer, Senior Applications Engineer at Stratasys, discusses 3D printing and some of the myths about parts made using additive manufacturing systems.

Are high resolution parts always accurate?

Not necessarily - attend this webinar you'll find out why. You will also discover how additive manufacturing systems have evolved and put to rest the myths about surface finish, tolerances and repeatability.

Date*:  Wed. Nov. 16, 2011
Time*:  1:00 pm Central, Find my local time

Presented by:  Bonnie Meyer, Sr. Applications Engineer, Stratasys, Inc.
No Cost to Attend

What You Will Learn: 

• Why accuracy is critical to 3D prototypes
• The difference between resolution and accuracy
• The difference between accuracy and repeatability
• What you should consider when evaluating additive manufacturing systems

Register Here

*Note: If you cannot attend the live date, please register and you will be sent information after the live date to view the webinar on-demand.

Whats New with Connectors in Simulation 2012

In Simulation 2012, there have been some great improvements to the Connectors. Enhancements for connectors include improved accuracy for the edge weld connector, support of all connectors (except bolt and elastic support) for linear dynamic studies, and creation of a bolt or pin connector on the same component.

• The calculation of the weld sizes for the edge weld connector is more accurate due to the improvement of the bonding algorithm between shell edges and faces. 
• All connectors, except the bolt connector and the elastic support, are supported in Linear Dynamic studies. 
• You can import a frequency study with connectors to a new linear dynamic study. 
• You can create a pin or a bolt connector by selecting cylindrical faces or edges of the same component.

Final Model Contest Winner - SolidWorks Launch

I wanted to recognize the winner of our Solid Model Challenge at our SolidWorks 2012 Launch Event this week in Prairie Village, KS.



Congratulations to Wayne Tiffany, of Automatic Systems Inc.
He's the proud owner of a brand new Apple iPad 2.
Congratulations Wayne!


Wayne is pictured with FISHER/UNITECH Sales Engineer Luke Luff.

November CSUG Meeting Announced

Denny Bahl and the gang are planning the next CSUG Meeting to take place:

Date:  Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Time:  5pm to 8pm

DES PLAINES Campus
Oakton Community College
ROOM 1608
1600 E. Golf Rd.
Des Plaines, Illinois 60016

AGENDA: 

• 5:00-5:30 pm:  Sign-in and networking
• 5:30 pm:  Pizza & soft drinks served
• 5:30-6:00 pm:  Short business meeting during pizza time
• 6:00-7:30 pm:  Users Helping Users – “Sketching Tips & Tricks,” bring your SolidWorks problems/questions and other users may be able to provide an answer
• 7:30-8:00 pm:  Q&A, Door prize drawing
• 8:00 pm:  Meeting adjourned

 
Presentation: Users Helping Users
Problems and Solutions provided by meeting participants. The focus will be on Sketching Tips & Tricks. If you have a laptop with SolidWorks on it you are encouraged to bring it. This way participants can break into small groups to help more people.

No RSVP is necessary to attend.

Introducing Aras EPLM: New PLM Solution for SolidWorks Users

Wow - it's a big news week here at FISHER/UNITECH, with two pretty substantial announcements right out of the gate!  Today, I'm thrilled to share with the SolidWorks user community the availability of Aras EPLM, out-of-the-box PLM software for SolidWorks users.

Aras, a leading developer of open source, web-based PLM solutions, has packaged its PLM offering with an out-of-the-box integration directly to SolidWorks EPDM.  SolidWorks EPDM provides the WIP CAD file management for the designers while the Aras portion provides those in purchasing, production, quality, sales, etc., with NPDI, EBOM, configuration management, quality compliance and more.

This solution is excellent for SolidWorks users who already have SW EPDM, as those companies can implement global PLM processes without having to remove SW EPDM or discontinue using it.  This is something competitors such as Agile, Teamcenter and PDMlink cannot claim.  SolidWorks users can continue using their system for data management without disruption and leverage that investment as the basis for a full-scale PLM environment.

Learn more and see a live demonstration at the first Aras EPLM webcast on Tuesday, November 15, 2011, at 11:00 am ET. Registration for the webcast is available online at http://www.aras.com/plm/001360.

Aras EPLM is a commercial offering available from FISHER/UNITECH. Additional details, videos, screenshots and more at www.aras-eplm.com.

Director Project Management Position, Michigan City, IN

FISHER/UNITECH customer, Sager Metal Strip, is hiring a Director of Project Management, working in Michigan City, Indiana.

Since 1976, Sager Metal Strip Company has designed and manufactured custom conveying equipment for customers and industries around the world. Sager offers a complete line of mechanical conveyors, air conveyors, vacuum and magnetic conveyors, air track, gravity track, cable conveyor, and oil-mist eliminators. Our commitment to our customers is the reason why some of the best-known companies in the world rely on Sager conveyors and equipment.

If interested in the following position, please send your cover letter and resume to: sager@thepicservices.com or call Josh Drake at 317-979-5340.

Job Title: Director of Project Management
Reports to: General Manager / Partner
Location: Michigan City, Indiana
Employee Type: Full Time, Salaried
Manages Others: Yes
Base Pay: $55K-$75K/Year +/- (based on experience)

Job Description: Sager Metal Strip Company, seeks a Director of Project Management. Sager Metal is looking for a project management professional to increase the level of efficiency, competence, and professionalism of its Project Management Team. The Director of Project Management will develop the standards and procedures for associate project managers. The Director of Project Management will supervise associate project managers.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Direct and manage the processes of project management.
• Effectively develop the procedures and process of project management.
• Develop full scale project plans and associated communications and documents.
• Delegate and track responsibilities of project managers.
• Set and continually manage the expectations of project managers.
• Communicate with company stakeholders and managers on an ongoing basis.
• Determine the frequency and content of status reports from the project management team.
• Develop standards and procedures for project management data organization and communication.
• Identify and resolve issues and conflicts within the project management team.
• Coach, mentor, and supervise the project management team. Influence them to take positive action and accountability for their assigned projects.
• Define training and education requirements for Project Managers.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Direct and manage projects from beginning to end.
• Create budget proposals, and recommend budget changes where necessary.
• Track project milestones and deliverables.
• Proactively manage changes in project scope, identify potential crisis, and devise contingency plans.
• Conduct post mortems and create a recommendations to identify successful and unsuccessful projects.

Requirements:

• A degree or diploma in the field of Engineering or Project Management
• 5 years work experience in a project management capacity.
• Solid working knowledge of current manufacturing technologies (sheet metal, machined stock, wire and tubing, welding, forming, CNC/CAM technology).
• Certifications in one of the following 
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
• Solid working knowledge of Engineering Technologies (SolidWorks, EPDM, AutoCAD)
• Must be able to learn, understand, and apply new technologies.

FISHER/UNITECH Acquires New England Resellers' SolidWorks Business

I'd proud to announce that business owners at FISHER/UNITECH continue to invest in the company and the future, most recently by acquiring the SolidWorks business of R&D Technologies.  R&D Technologies is a SolidWorks reseller with offices in Rhode Island and Connecticut, additionally serving the states of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine and New York.  This acquisition means FISHER/UNITECH will now do business in 16 states spanning from the Midwest to New England, with 14 offices to serve customers across the region. 

Regarding the acquisition, Charlie Hess, president of FISHER/UNITECH commented, "We look forward to serving R&D Technologies customers and exceeding their expectations for support and technical leadership with their SolidWorks investments.  We believe our role is to also serve as their advocate to SolidWorks Corporation to effectively promote software enhancements that provide further gains in productivity.”

R&D Technologies will continue to operate as a provider of 3D printing equipment in New England.  As a result of this acquisition, R&D Technologies SolidWorks customers will benefit from immediate access to new technical support options, training, products and services from FISHER/UNITECH.

Customers will have local sales and support personnel available to them in our new North Kingstown, RI, and Milford, CT, offices 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 8,000 companies in 16 states.  With this most recent acquisition, the company is 90 employees strong.

• R&D Technologies Customer Letter
• Acquisition Q&A Document
• Read the Press Release

SolidWorks Detailer/Drafter Position, Ft. Wayne Area

Technipower has an immediate job opportunity for a SolidWorks Detailer/Drafter. 

Daily responsibilities include initial design, development and maintenance of production prints while communicating with various external and internal customers.

Qualifications

• Proficient in SolidWorks
• CSWA Certification, a strong plus
• Previous design/detailing experience within the automotive or RV industry
• Sheetmetal design experience
• Good written and communication skills

This is approximately a four-month assignment and will become permanent for the right candidate.

Client is located approximately 30 minutes south of Ft. Wayne, IN.

If you are interested in this position, please call:

Kim Grant at 847-296-6020 ext 129 or email kgrant@technipower.com.

Eastern Michigan SolidWorks User Group Meeting Announced

The Next EMSWUG Meeting will be held:

Thursday November 10, 2011

Time:  5:00 pm - 9:15 pm

Fanuc Robotics America

3900 West Hamlin Road

Rochester Hills MI 48309-3253

Agenda

• 5:00 – 5:45 Food served 
• 5:45 – 6:15 “30 Minutes of Keyboard Tips” – Dan Bovinich 
• 6:15 - 7:00 “What’s New SolidWorks 2012-Part 1” 
• 7:00 – 7:15 Break 
• 7:15 – 8:00 “What’s New SolidWorks 2012-Part 2” 
• 8:00 – 8:15 Break 
• 8:15 – 9:00 “What’s New SolidWorks 2012-Part 3”
• 9:00 - 9:15 SW goodies - wrap up 

Visit the EMSWUG group online at http://groups.google.com/group/emswug?hl=en or send an email to Dan dmb@emswug.com to register.

Model Contest Winner - SolidWorks Launch

I wanted to recognize the winner of our Solid Model Challenge at our SolidWorks 2012 Launch Event last week in St. Louis, MO.



Congratulations to Ben West, of Max Air Technology. He's the proud owner of a brand new Apple iPad 2. Congratulations Ben!

Ben is pictured with FISHER/UNITECH Customer Support Engineering Manager Dan Wiggins.

New Service Packs Available

Enterprise PDM 2012 SP0 is available for download - This service pack is now available to Subscription Service customers.

SolidWorks 2011 SP5 is available for download - This service pack is now available including enhancements to cutlists, transparency of sub-assembly component, sheetmetal and many more. 

Model Contest Winner - SolidWorks Launch

I wanted to recognize the winner of our Solid Model Challenge at our SolidWorks 2012 Launch Event last Friday in Fishers, IN.



Congratulations to Robert Haff, of Off-Site Design. He's the proud owner of a brand new Apple iPad 2. Congratulations Robert!

Southern Kentucky User Group Meeting Announcement

Announcing a brand new User Group, SKYSWUG - The Southern Kentucky SolidWorks User Group!

The group's goal is to organize a local community of SolidWorks users who want to make the most out of this incredible piece of software.  SKYSWUG is part of the SolidWorks User Group Network.

If you would like to become a member, please fill out the online SKYSWUG Member Sign-Up Form. Also, feel free to take just a few minutes to complete the SKYSWUG Meeting Topics Questionnaire.

More information can be found on the SWUGN Forum. Even if you are not an official member, you can still join the discussion on the forum. It will be an extremely valuable resource and easy way for the group to share thoughts and ideas. Registration only takes a minute and is 100% free!

The first user group meeting is now scheduled! It should be a great get-together, with plenty of interesting events, some great giveaways, and maybe even a few surprises!

When: Thursday, October 20, 2011
Time: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Where: Engineering and Biological Sciences Bldg., WKU

If you have already signed up as a member of SKYSWUG, please RSVP to confirm if you will be attending this meeting.

October Meeting Giveaway Surprise
There are some great giveaways, including a Grand Prize of an nVidia Quadro 4000 Video Card, valued at nearly $800.

In addition, SolidProfessor has agreed to donate a 6-month access pass to their SolidProfessor Premium online license. The cash value of this is $400. Please take a look at their SolidProfessor Newsletter (link will take you to a Google Doc, not a website) for more information.

SKYSWUG is now on Facebook!

See Us at the AMTS Show Next Week

Don't miss FISHER/UNITECH at the Advanced Manufacturing & Technology Show coming up next week in Dayton, OH.

Date:  October 19-20, 2011

Show Hours: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm both days

Dayton Airport Expo Center
3900 McCauley Drive, Vandalia, OH

Join us in Booth #524, 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 Dimension uPrint Personal 3D Printer from Stratasys. uPrint is compact enough to fit on a desktop, simple enough for no-hassle setup and operation and best of all, affordable for most users, regardless of profession or office size. uPrint models are printed using production-grade ABS plastic and are tough enough for functional testing. Models can be drilled, machined, sanded, painted and even chrome-plated. They are ideal for proof of concept, functional testing, product mock-ups, and even making jigs, fixtures and vacuum forming molds.

AMTS is the region’s premier manufacturing and technology show, encompassing 30,000 square feet of exhibit space. The 2010 show featured over 100 exhibitors and drew over 2,300 attendees. Admission is free and pre-registration is available at https://www.dpmregistration.com/amts/amts_menu.asp. Registration is also available onsite at the show.

SolidWorks Designer & Detailer Positions Open in Grand Rapids, MI

Pyper Tool & Engineering, Inc. is in need of a qualified Machine Designer and/or Detailer that is proficient with SolidWorks.

For the Machine Designer position a minimum of two years experience in custom machine design is preferred.

For the Detailer position, a minimum of 1000 hours of SolidWorks experience is preferred.

SolidWorks certification is a plus for both positions.

If interested, please send cover letter and resume to: mtafelski@pypertool.com.

Model Contest Winner - SolidWorks Launch

I wanted to recognize the winner of our Solid Model Challenge at our SolidWorks 2012 Launch Event today in Grand Rapids, MI.



Congratulations to Jeremy Laarman of Sound Off Signal, Inc. He's the proud owner of a brand new Apple iPad 2. Congratulations Jeremy!

Jeremy is pictured with FISHER/UNITECH Sales Engineer Greg Dawes.

Model Contest Winner - SolidWorks Launch

I wanted to recognize the winner of our Solid Model Challenge at our SolidWorks 2012 Launch Event last Wednesday in Schaumburg, IL.



Congratulations to Tim Velander, of Custom Plastics. He's the proud owner of a brand new Apple iPad 2. Congratulations Tim!

Tim is pictured with FISHER/UNITECH Engineering Manager Steve Fick, Dan Wiggins appears in the background.

New Thermoplastics White Paper

FDM thermoplastics from Stratasys share many characteristics that make them well-suited for 3D printing as well as low-volume manufacturing. Yet, each has unique properties that distinguish them from one another. If you have questions about which material to use and when, check out this whitepaper.

Download the Whitepaper

Central Indiana SolidWorks User Group Meeting

Bring a colleague and register now!

Click Here to Register

Date: Thursday October 20th, 2011
Time:  4:30 pm

Impact Forge
2805 Norcross Dr.
Columbus, IN 47202

Meeting Agenda:

• Registration and networking
• General Meeting Followed 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 ish. Followed by a plant tour of Impact Forge 

Premium Door Prize Sponsored by SolidProfessor.
A six-month log-in to the SolidWorks online training course. Value $400.

Model Contest Winner - SolidWorks Launch

I wanted to recognize the winner of our Solid Model Challenge at our SolidWorks 2012 Launch Event this past Wednesday in Rochester, MI.

Congratulations to Toby Powell, of Laureate Machine and Automation. He's the proud owner of a brand new Apple iPad 2. Congratulations Toby!

Toby is pictured with FISHER/UNITECH Business Development Manager Josh Bachmeier.

Consumables Recycling Fun Fact

Fun Fact #1: Recycling just one FDM cartridge can save enough energy to power a 100-watt light bulb for 4 days.

Win an iPad by Participating in the Recycling Program

To increase participation in the new Stratasys recycling program, every quarter we’re giving you a chance to win an iPad. Every time you turn in your used cartridges your name will be entered for a chance to win. No forms are necessary to participate, all customer information will be gathered using data from your postage-paid labels.

One winner will be chosen each quarter.  Learn more at www.stratasys.com/recycle.

3D Printing: Manufacturing with a Mouse Click

Check out the article from Capacity on how 3D printing is reshaping manufacturing.

The article focuses on how the Robert C. Byrd Institute uses a Fortus 900mc for everything from prototyping to short-run production.

Read the entire story

Model Contest Winner - SolidWorks Launch

I wanted to recognize the winner of our Solid Model Challenge at our SolidWorks 2012 Launch Event this past Monday in Solon, OH.



Congratulations to Kevin Jakubowski, of Presrite Corporation. He's the proud owner of a brand new Apple iPad 2. Congratulations Kevin!

Webcast: Justifying the Cost of a Rapid Prototyping System

MAKING THE CASE:
How to Justify the Cost of a Rapid Prototyping System

You know you can save your company money by purchasing a rapid prototyping system. But do you know the best way to justify this capital expense purchase? To convince finance people and upper management, you need to understand what they look for.

Attend this webinar and learn the strategies to make a solid business case for a prototyping machine.

Date*:  Thurs. Oct. 20, 2011
Time*:  1:00 pm Central, Find my local time
Duration:  45 minutes

Register Here

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

• Plant managers and directors
• Engineering managers and directors
• Product designers
• Engineers

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

• How to justify the cost of an additive manufacturing system
• Components that comprise a solid business case for purchase
• How to write a proposal that gets read and gets approved
• The difference between how you and finance people view benefits
• How to justify your proposal based on sound numbers first, then from secondary and tertiary benefits to strengthen your case

Presented by:  Todd Grimm, T. A. Grimm & Associates

Todd Grimm is an Additive Manufacturing industry analyst and consultant with 20 years experience in the world of design and manufacturing.

*Note: If you cannot attend the live date, please register and you will be sent information after the live date to view the webinar on-demand.

See Us at the Wichita Industrial Tradeshow

Don't miss FISHER/UNITECH at the upcoming Wichita Industrial Tradeshow in Wichita, Kansas later this month.

Date:  October 18-20, 2011

Show Hours: 
Tuesday, October 18th, 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Wednesday, October 19th, 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

Thursday, October 20th, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Century II Building (Expo Hall)
225 W. Douglas, Wichita, KS

Join us in Booth #9222, 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.
 
Join Darrel Lampley, applications engineer at FISHER/UNITECH, for a What’s New in SolidWorks 2012 and SolidCAM presentation. Seminars will be held on Tuesday, October 18th from 1:30-2:30 pm in Room 101A, and again on Wednesday, October 19th, from 10:30-11:30 am in Room 101B.

Since 1974, the Wichita Industrial Tradeshow (WITS) has been a significant marketplace for buyers in the Midwest. The WITS is run as a non-profit fund-raiser to support association and community projects. Specifically, moneys from the show are used for scholarships at colleges and universities, various educational materials and sponsoring professional seminars. The show, held every other year, had 430 booths and 4,500 people in attendance in 2009.

Admission to the exhibits and seminars is free. Registration is available online at http://www.witshow.org/guest-information/.

Take Advantage of IRS Section 179 Tax Deduction

It's that time of year again!

Section 179 allows your business to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment, rather than writing off a little at a time through depreciation.

IRS Section 179 Deduction Benefits:

• Increase your 2011 profits by taking a lump sum deduction
  
• Deduction limits are at an all-time high of $500,000 (thanks to the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010)
  
• Your company can take the deduction on purchased or leased equipment
  
• The time is now. Businesses must purchase and install their Fortus or Dimension equipment before December 31, 2011 to affect their 2011 profits. 

Want to learn more?  Email our rapid technology team at rtsgroup@funtech.com.

SolidWorks 2012 Launch Underway in Solon, OH

We've got a great turnout today at the Signature of Solon Golf Club in Solon, Ohio for our SolidWorks 2012 Launch Event.  The rain hasn't dampened our spirits here and we've moved our putting games indoors, right next to our solid modeling contest.

Our team is having a blast working the putting games and administering the modeling contest, where participants are tasked with completing a solid model in 15 minutes and achieving the correct mass. 

Richard Doyle, President of the SolidWorks User Group Network, is speaking now on "What ELSE is New in SolidWorks 2012." 

We'll announce the winner of the solid modeling contest later in the day.  Stay tuned for a photo announcement of the winner with his/her brand new iPad2!