mCADForums.com - Only News Items

Inventor: iCopy

Tue, 19 May 2009 06:57:53 GMT

Author: iDS!
Subject: Inventor: iCopy

Topic Replies: 10

Autodesk Labs has just released a new tool to try...this one looks to be promising with regards to copying assemblies incrementally (dynamic patterning) whist re-sizing each occurrence relative to a path(s), which is a major headache to do currently...

I think Squeezer has been looking for this functionality recently.

http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/inventor_icopy/

One draw back for some folks is the fact you will need to create a robust skeletal or adaptive assembly to make this work...

..another draw back, its only available for 2010
_________________
Steve Robbins
Inventor Design Solutions & !nnovations
www.inventordesignsolutions.com

"Improvise, Adapt, Overcome"

MCAD: The Fake Autodesk Blog?

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 19:59:55 GMT

Author: SeanDotson
Subject: MCAD: The Fake Autodesk Blog?

Topic Replies: 34

So I get an email today about a new blog from Autodesk...I see it's a blog by an Autodesk Inventor user and his experiences with Inventor. Neat, it's always good to have more blogs out there.

http://www.lonelyengineer.com/

The I saw the very bottom of the page.

Not an actual consumer endorsement. Sponsorship paid for by Autodesk�.

The funniest part is the links ot the right. One of them goes to Matt Lombard's blog. As most of you know Matt is a huge proponent and user of Solidworks.
_________________
Sean Dotson, PE, AICE
RND Automation & Engineering

Download a Free Trial of iPropWiz 2009

Add-in: on_save (Updates timestamp when drawing is saved)

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 06:22:33 GMT

Author: fredake
Subject: Add-in: on_save (Updates timestamp when drawing is saved)

Topic Replies: 0

This add-in updates the custom iproperties SaveDate and SaveTime in a drawing when performing save.
I used the same custom ipropery name as the more comprehensive iProperty collection since I used that earlier. This add-in only runs when drawings are saved, all other documents are just saved as usual.

I used Converting VBA Auto Macros to an Add-In as template.

Copy the .dll file and .bat files to a directory and run the install script to register the add-in. Hopefully it works.

Attaching the code if you like to compile on your own.

Code:

Private Sub m_appEvents_OnSaveDocument(ByVal DocumentObject As Inventor._Document, ByVal BeforeOrAfter As Inventor.EventTimingEnum, ByVal Context As Inventor.NameValueMap, ByRef HandlingCode As Inventor.HandlingCodeEnum) Handles m_appEvents.OnSaveDocument
' on_save
' updates SaveDate and SaveTime for drawings

' Only run before save
If (BeforeOrAfter = Inventor.EventTimingEnum.kBefore) Then

' Only run if drawing
If m_inventorApplication.ActiveDocumentType = DocumentTypeEnum.kDrawingDocumentObject Then
m_inventorApplication.StatusBarText = "Updates SaveDate and SaveTime..."

Dim oPropSet = m_inventorApplication.ActiveDocument.PropertySets("{D5CDD505-2E9C-101B-9397-08002B2CF9AE}")
'Update custom property "SaveDate" with system date
'Create SaveDate if it does not exist
Try
oPropSet.Item("SaveDate").Value = Date.Now
Catch ex As Exception
Call oPropSet.Add(Date.Now, "SaveDate")
End Try

'Update custom property "SaveTime" with system time
'Create SaveTime if it does not exist
Try
oPropSet.Item("SaveTime").Value = Format(Now, "t")
Catch ex As Exception
Call oPropSet.Add(Format(Now, "t"), "SaveTime")
End Try

End If

End If

End Sub
End Class

End Namespace

INVENTOR: Inventor 2010 Demo Videos

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:27:10 GMT

Author: SeanDotson
Subject: INVENTOR: Inventor 2010 Demo Videos

Topic Replies: 0

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=FB61F87E7D0D2DB4
_________________
Sean Dotson, PE, AICE
RND Automation & Engineering

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INVENTOR: Inventor 2010 User Interface

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 10:36:14 GMT

Author: SeanDotson
Subject: INVENTOR: Inventor 2010 User Interface

Topic Replies: 9

I think most of you know that I think the ribbon bar is a complete failure. The first reaction is usually "Oh Sean you old timer, get with the 2000s. Adopt the new interface." That's a BS cop-out excuse.

The interface changed. This means people will have to spend time (and for us that = $) to learn the new interface to become AS productive as they used to be on the old interface.

So in theory with any upgrade (or new piece of equipment) there is an ROI (return on investment). The theory is that you spend time (i.e. $) when getting the new feature/equipment but after that initial outlay you become MORE productive and recoup this investment. After a period of time you actually begin to make more $ because you are more productive.

The problem is this UI is NOT going to be more productive unless it undergoes some major changes. It has been illustrated (where is Troy's click chart?) that the new UI takes MORE clicks to produce the same results as the classic UI. Add to that the inability to 100% customize the UI and this further detracts from the productivity levels.

I have asked the questions numerous times: Why did you switch to this UI. No one has ever been able to answer that. I believe that it's a case of following MS's lead. (On a side note I have been using Office 2007 for almost 2 years now and I STILL have to look in help to find some commands).

I would like to see some hard data (not holding my breath) that quantifies the "productivity" enhancements of this new UI.

I'm not saying the old one was perfect however this one is a step in the wrong direction. I think the correct approach would be to take a step back and look at what will offer the BEST solution for future releases. The ribbon bar *might* be the answer but it needs more work.

I'm glad (after much complaining) that Autodesk left in the classic UI as an option. The day they choose to offer the ribbon bar ONLY will be the day we stop upgrading.
_________________
Sean Dotson, PE, AICE
RND Automation & Engineering

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INVENTOR: iPropWiz 2009 Update 4.04

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 04:41:39 GMT

Author: Neil
Subject: INVENTOR: iPropWiz 2009 Update 4.04

Topic Replies: 3

New update available.

Russian language support.
Minor bug fixes.

See www.ipropwiz.com/updates.html for updates to current installations.

TECH: UPDATED NVIDIA DRIVERS Feb 2009

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:08:11 GMT

Author: iDS!
Subject: TECH: UPDATED NVIDIA DRIVERS Feb 2009

Topic Replies: 1

NVIDIA has recently updated their drivers! ...I have found the new NVIDIA driver selection interface to be very interesting with regards to the labeling of driver types such as "performance"???

http://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx?lang=en-us

Here is a link to the QuadroFX series (released Feb 26th 2009)
http://www.nvidia.com/object/winxp_182.08.html
_________________
Steve Robbins
Inventor Design Solutions & !nnovations
www.inventordesignsolutions.com

"Improvise, Adapt, Overcome"

TECH: Dell Outlet now Offering Free Shipping

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 08:43:36 GMT

Author: SeanDotson
Subject: TECH: Dell Outlet now Offering Free Shipping

Topic Replies: 7

So go pick up that refurb Mini or M6400...
_________________
Sean Dotson, PE, AICE
RND Automation & Engineering

Download a Free Trial of iPropWiz 2009

INVENTOR: AutoCAD Inventor

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 10:28:02 GMT

Author: SeanDotson
Subject: INVENTOR: AutoCAD Inventor

Topic Replies: 22

So there goes 10+ years of marketing down the drain. In it's infinite wisdom the marketing department at Autodesk has decided to rebrand Autodesk Inventor as AutoCAD Inventor

http://rand.com/imaginit/1/technology/software/autodesk_inventor.htm

So after years and years of both the users and Autodesk themselves trying to make people understand that Inventor is not AutoCAD they pull a 180 and give it the same name.

Even Lynn Allen had an Inventor Mantra

Inventor is not AutoCAD
Inventor is not based on AutoCAD
Inventor does not look like AutoCAD (not so sure about this one anymore)
Inventor does not function like AutoCAD
Inventor will be offended if you compare it to AutoCAD

http://www.inventor-online.de/userfiles/TheInventorMantra.pdf

So it sure looks like Autodesk has offended both Inventor and the user base with this name change.

I understand the logic. Autodesk has this huge AutoCAD base and wants to capitalize on the popularity of the software. However I don't think they realize how much work on their and the user base's behalf they are undoing with this move.

Over the years I have seen the products moving more and more towards one another. I'm torn on whether this is a good things or not. While AutoCAD does have lots more sketching tools the attraction of Inventor was it's simplicity. If you were to ever merge the two it would make both of them less desirable. My prediction? In the next 5 years you'll see them combined in some fashion.

So now when you hire a person and they say they know INVENTOR you had better make sure they know INVENTOR and not AUTOCAD Inventor. Because you know your HR department is not going to have a clue...

So what do you all think? Good idea or stupid move?
_________________
Sean Dotson, PE, AICE
RND Automation & Engineering

Download a Free Trial of iPropWiz 2009

TECH: NVIDIA's new ION PC Platform

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 14:47:23 GMT

Author: iDS!
Subject: TECH: NVIDIA's new ION PC Platform

Topic Replies: 3

...read about these recently (what's hot from CES 2009) in my quest for an ultra portable...except I could not determine the price nor the availability ...however I'd still keep an eye on this for future interest!

http://hothardware.com/Articles/NVIDIAs-Ion-Small-FormFactor-PC-Platform-/

http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/12/nvidia-ion-platform-gets-demonstrated-at-ces/
_________________
Steve Robbins
Inventor Design Solutions & !nnovations
www.inventordesignsolutions.com

"Improvise, Adapt, Overcome"

INVENTOR: Inventor Fusion Press Release

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 10:23:08 GMT

Author: SeanDotson
Subject: INVENTOR: Inventor Fusion Press Release

Topic Replies: 23

I'm still not sure what to think about Fusion yet. I'm not in love with it yet.

Quote:

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Feb. 4, 2009�Autodesk (NASDAQ: ADSK) unveiled its plans for Autodesk Inventor Fusion Technology, new Digital Prototyping technology that unites the power and control of parametric, history-based modeling with the ease of use and productivity advantages of direct, history-free modeling.

�Just as manufacturers need both 3D and 2D design tools, we believe manufacturers need the full power of both parametric, history-based modeling and direct modeling,� said Andrew Anagnost, vice president of CAD/CAE for Autodesk Manufacturing Solutions. �Customers shouldn�t have to make a choice. Inventor Fusion Technology is a unique approach that enables the coexistence of both these modeling approaches within a single digital model.�

Only Inventor Fusion Technology delivers bidirectional parametric and direct workflows. This technology provides a powerful solution for companies that need to make rapid changes to a design through direct manipulation, but also have many years worth of feature- and history-based data and design intent that they need to access, use and maintain. This advancement enables users to adopt the modeling approach that is most appropriate to the task at hand.

Using Inventor Fusion Technology, designers and engineers can explore what-if scenarios and make rapid design changes without the limitations of feature order, dependencies or the original 3D CAD system used to create the design.

By removing unnecessary steps for users to capture and express their design ideas, Inventor Fusion Technology redefines ease of use. Context-sensitive, point-of-access tools present only what is needed right at the cursor, thus moving the user�s attention from toolbars and dialog boxes and refocusing it on directly manipulating their digital prototypes.

�Many companies are seeking to take advantage of direct modeling in certain situations,� said Anagnost. �Meanwhile, parametric, history-based modeling continues to be relevant and important. Inventor Fusion Technology is an exciting new step in realizing the promise of Digital Prototyping, bringing a new level of ease of use and productivity gain to an even broader group of manufacturers.�

Autodesk intends to offer a free* download of Inventor Fusion Technology Preview on Autodesk Labs later this year. For more information, please visit www.inventorfusion.com

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc., is a world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art Digital Prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.

_________________
Sean Dotson, PE, AICE
RND Automation & Engineering

Download a Free Trial of iPropWiz 2009

TECH: Airless Car Tires?

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 10:07:05 GMT

Author: iDS!
Subject: TECH: Airless Car Tires?

Topic Replies: 6

Got this email from my father today...heard of this before but never saw any concepts work like this before?

These tires are made in South Carolina , USA .
��
SEE THROUGH TIRES�
Radical new tire design by Michelin.
The next generation of tires.�
They had a pair at the Philadelphia car show.

Yes, those are 'spoke' like connections to the inner part of the tire from the outside tread 'wrap!'�The next picture shows how odd it looks in motion.... Makes you wonder how the ride feels doesn't it?�

These tires are airless and are scheduled to be out on the market very soon.
The bad news for law enforcement is that spike strips will not work on these.
Just think of the impact on existing technology:�
A. no more air valves...
B. no more air compressors at gas stations...
C. no more repair kits...�
D. no more flats...�
These are actual pictures taken in the South �Carolina plant of Michelin.
_________________
Steve Robbins
Inventor Design Solutions & !nnovations
www.inventordesignsolutions.com

"Improvise, Adapt, Overcome"

INVENTOR: iPropWiz Update V4.02

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 17:29:46 GMT

Author: SeanDotson
Subject: INVENTOR: iPropWiz Update V4.02

Topic Replies: 0

A new version of iPropWiz is uploaded to the www.ipropwiz.com site.

http://www.ipropwiz.com/updates.html
_________________
Sean Dotson, PE, AICE
RND Automation & Engineering

Download a Free Trial of iPropWiz 2009

INVENTOR: iPropWiz 2009 Ready for Download

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:09:56 GMT

Author: SeanDotson
Subject: INVENTOR: iPropWiz 2009 Ready for Download

Topic Replies: 0

C-Cubed & sDotson.com are pleased to announce that iPropWiz 2009 is ready for download. You can get your 15 day trial at http://www.ipropwiz.com.

The site also has screenshots and video tutorials (not all of them are ready yet, we will be adding more shortly)

This version will run on both 32 and 64 bit systems. It will only work with Inventor 2009.

iPropWiz 2009 is an Autodesk Inventor addin that allows users to better control and manage the iProperties that define each model. iPropWiz replaces the built in Inventor iProperties dialog allowing you to only access the iProperties that you want to see. Some of the reasons to use iPropWiz include:

See only the iProps you want to see. No more searching through the standard Inventor tabbed iProperties dialogue.
Rename iProperties to more useful names. Instead of Web Link you can now have an iProperty named Location or BarCode Number, etc...
Provide users with predefined lists of values for iProperties.
Enforce the use of these lists for iProperties.
Make some iProperties required.
Quickly copy properties from one part to another.
Have multiple configurations of properties for different projects or customers.

Some of the new features include...

More Properties: Unlimited number of properties (no longer limited to 20)
Configurations: You now have the ability to have multiple sets of property configurations. This is useful when you have different customers who might require different sets of properties. You can quickly change between configurations in the property editor. Just as in previous versions you can define a property set for Assembly, Parts, and Drawing files. 2009 adds Presentation, Weldments, Sheetmetal as separate file types and adds support for Inventor created DWG files.
Capitalization Exceptions: You can choose to have certain words or patterns NOT capitalized.
Global & Local Lists: There are now two sets of property lists, global and local. Local lists function only with the current configuration. Global lists will appear in every configuration.
List Only Flag: You can force users to only use a predetermined list selection for a property's value.
Edit iPart Child Properties: The ability to edit the properties of iPart children is now available.
List Manager: The List Manager allows users to create lists and
designate them as global or local. List types can be Text or Numeric
List Approval: An administrator can approve or reject list additions.
Configurations: Ability to change configurations from the property editor.
Quick Select: In an assembly, quickly make common document selections such as all first level parts in the assembly.
Browser Tree: Lists a single entry for each referenced file. Allows the user to select multiple files for editing at the same time. If there are "non-matching" entries for a particular property the program returns *VARIES*. If you enter a value into a property every selected file will then received this value. At the same time, all properties left as *VARIES* remain unchanged. A useful way of updating the properties of numerous files at one time.
Thumbnail: If it exists, a thumbnail of the selected components is displayed
Mass & Volume: Mass and volume can now be overridden from the property editor. If overridden the icon will change to shown the overridden status.
Required Properties: Better feedback in the form of an (i) icon will indicate that a property is required.
Spacesaving Mode: The user has the ability to collapse the browser tree and thumbnail pane to make the dialogue smaller.

_________________
Sean Dotson, PE, AICE
RND Automation & Engineering

Download a Free Trial of iPropWiz 2009

TECH: Fantastic Contraption

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 08:04:41 GMT

Author: SeanDotson
Subject: TECH: Fantastic Contraption

Topic Replies: 45

http://fantasticcontraption.com/

Don't even think about clicking on the link unless you want to waste at least an hour.
_________________
Sean Dotson, PE, AICE
RND Automation & Engineering

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TECH: SATA HD with a potiential of 6.4GB/s transfer rates!

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 10:10:06 GMT

Author: iDS!
Subject: TECH: SATA HD with a potiential of 6.4GB/s transfer rates!

Topic Replies: 5

interface restrictions limits the maximum Read/Write time = 400MB/s! ...and up to 64GB capacity!

http://techreport.com/articles.x/16255

...certainly something to keep your eye on Qube-it
_________________
Steve Robbins
Inventor Design Solutions & !nnovations
www.inventordesignsolutions.com

"Improvise, Adapt, Overcome"

MISC: New Battery for Dell M2400 or M4400 Laptop

Sat, 17 Jan 2009 10:09:20 GMT

Author: SeanDotson
Subject: MISC: New Battery for Dell M2400 or M4400 Laptop

Topic Replies: 0

There was some confusion in the purchasing dept and we got in the wrong battery for our Dell laptops. Unfortunately the company won't take it back. So if you have Dell M2400 or M4400 laptop have I got a deal for you. It's brand new in box. Genuine Dell part # 0MP494

We paid $80 + shipping. Asking $75 with free shipping...
_________________
Sean Dotson, PE, AICE
RND Automation & Engineering

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TECH: Carol Bartz new Yahoo CEO

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:41:44 GMT

Author: SeanDotson
Subject: TECH: Carol Bartz new Yahoo CEO

Topic Replies: 2

Carol Bartz, ex-CEO of Autodesk has replaced Jerry Yang as CEO of Yahoo. She can now go on to earn enough money for a 15th lifetime
_________________
Sean Dotson, PE, AICE
RND Automation & Engineering

Download a Free Trial of iPropWiz 2009

INVENTOR: iPropWiz 2009 Sneak Peek

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 11:55:08 GMT

Author: SeanDotson
Subject: INVENTOR: iPropWiz 2009 Sneak Peek

Topic Replies: 2

Here is a link to a few help files for iPropWiz 2009. This is just a quick example of how the new interface will look and feel.

http://www.ipropwiz.com/video/setting_up_lists.swf

http://www.ipropwiz.com/video/list_columns_explained.swf

I'll add more in the next few days...

Excuse the "ums" I'm not voice talent..
_________________
Sean Dotson, PE, AICE
RND Automation & Engineering

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MISC: University of Florida Gators are the National Champs!

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 13:26:05 GMT

Author: SeanDotson
Subject: MISC: University of Florida Gators are the National Champs!

Topic Replies: 2

You may now go about your normal business
_________________
Sean Dotson, PE, AICE
RND Automation & Engineering

Download a Free Trial of iPropWiz 2009