PLM, what PLM? Autodesk proclaims why it thinks digital prototyping is the way to go

PARIS – CAD software developer Autodesk hosted a two-day World Press Conference earlier this month in the ''City of Light'' to outline its digital prototyping strategy.

In contrast to other CAD-based software vendors such as PTC, Siemens UGS and SolidWorks Dassault, Autodesk (autodesk.com) has avoided claims of a PLM (product lifecycle management) solution. Instead, its approach has been to gradually lighten the load on designers by offering software pieces that address problems as they arise throughout the product development process.

''Our strategy is to drive all the engineering processes, from 3D solid modeling and stress analysis to visualization for sales and marketing," said Robert ''Buzz'' Kross, senior VP, Autodesk Manufacturing Solutions group. ''With digital prototyping a naval crane manufacturer can turn around and design an entire shipyard.''

Andrew Anagnost, Autodesk Manufacturing Solutions VP of CAD/CAE Products, talked about how ''best in class'' practices, such as embracing the digital prototyping from end-to-end in product development is the hallmark of today's successful manufacturing enterprises. ''A move from 2D to 3D just gets someone to average,'' said Anagnost.

He added that Autodesk is in the process of fixing the ''broken digital pipeline'' that separates the ''digital islands'' populated by industrial designers, design engineers, manufacturing engineers and machinists.

Mike Edwards, Editor, DPN Magazine medwards@clbmedia.ca
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USEFUL SITES

Modular framing systems. 80/20 Inc. has introduced an interactive catalog for its line of modular framing systems (8020.net).

Handles, clamps, fasteners. Jergens, Inc. has introduced a webpage that provides side-by-side comparisons of its products with it competitors (jergensinc.com/difference).

Workholding fixtures. Advanced Machine & Engineering Co. has introduced 3D CAD models of its workholding fixtures, machine components and safety products at its website (ame.com).

Motor systems. Imperial Electric has announced a redesigned website (imperialelectric.com) to provide access to its line of motors, gear motors and battery chargers designed for floor care, elevator/escalator and hose reel markets.

       
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       DPNCANADA.COM EXCLUSIVES

Zener diode barrier. Pepperl+Fuchs has introduced the Z789 Zener Diode Barrier. The dual channel barriers provide 300 ohm/28 V, diode return, positive polarity operation.

Embeddable presence sensor. Banner Engineering Corp. has introduced the M-GAGE Wireless Sensor Node for vehicle sensing using Banner's SureCross Wireless Network. The wireless sensor is encapsulated in an IP67 SureCross Node enclosure.

PWM controlled motor. Bodine Electric Company has introduced a digital pulse width modulation (PWM) controlled version of its INTEGRAmotor line of standard products.

Automatic door openers. A & A Manufacturing has announced the NT automatic door opening system. NT Automatic Door Openers help maintain productivity by automatically opening and closing machine tool doors.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

October 22-23, 2007. Montreal. CYCLE 2007: Towards a Life Cycle Economy is the third annual Canadian Forum on the Life Cycle Management of Products and Services (cycle2007.org).

October 31-November 1, 2007. Toronto + Montreal. Nanotechnology Symposium presented by Electromate will cover linear and rotary systems topics, as well as servo vs. stepper technologies (electromate.com).

November 5, 6 + 7, 2007. Mississauga, Windsor + Guelph, ON. One-day Risk Assessment & Prestart Health & Safety Review seminars presented by Vickers-Warnick (vickers-warnick.com).
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Coming soon in September/October:

• Automation in energy management
• Math software combats cataracts
• Hydraulics with "Lynch Inside"
• Bill Vance on vehicle Gear Wars

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Lynch manifold flexible manufacturing system