SolidWorks:Heard! - Episode 382 - SolidWorks Plastics

SolidWorks Plastics:

This podcast covers the newest SolidWorks product, Plastics, addressing mold flow simulation that was announced at the beginning of this week. Topics covered:

- Introduction to Plastics

- User Interface

- Functionality and application

- Profession vs. Premium packages

- Miscellanious info

SolidWorks Plastics is a new offering that brings back simulation to the mold space inside of SolidWorks that was lost to AutoDesk back after SolidWorks 2007.  You may remember when MoldFlowXpress was integrated inside of SolidWorks, which did very simple part filling simulation for free.  There have been partner product like Simpoe or Moldex3D that have been available for SolidWorks users for years providing mold simulation tools.

Although MoldFlow was available for years as a 3rd party product, it's UI and workflow was difficult to use but was a standard in the space for SolidWorks users.  SolidWorks Plastics brings that "easy to use" feel and adds some great high end simulation features to address common issues faced by mold designers.

I have yet to get this product installed to take it for a spin but it appears to be a great addition to the SolidWorks family of products and rounding out the mold design tools that SolidWorks provides on the CAD side.  I am surprised it took this long to respond but working with Simpoe was a smart move and users will be in for a real treat in the mold space. ~Lou

Remember to check out the SolidWorks: Heard! Blog and to follow me on Twitter, Facebook and THE HEaRD! 

SolidWorks:Heard! - Episode 296 - 2011 What's New - Mold, Motion, Parts/Features & Routing

2011 What's New - Mold, Motion, Parts/Features & Routing:

This podcast is an audio version of the What's New PDF included with every major release of SolidWorks. Topics covered:

Mold Design:

- Manual mode for parting surfaces

Motion Studies:

- Function Builder for force/motor functions

- UI changes

- Reflected load inertia/mass

- Reference components for linear couplers

- Motion along a path

Parts & Features:

- Defeature, Global Equations, Equation-based suppression

- Updates to helix, revolve end conditions, design-table drivin scale

- Surface extrudes from 2D or 3D faces

- Surface cap ends option

FeatureWorks:

- Interactive recognition of boss/cut sweeps, cut revolves

- Automatic & interactive recognition of nonplanar bosses and cuts

- Automatic recognition of drafts and combination of like features

This covers chapters 17-20 of the What's New PDF which outlines changes/enhancements to the SolidWorks product line since the previous release.  If you have not done so, please download this PDF and walk through the areas that are most important to you.

The goal of this series is to provide a portable, audio version of the 2011 What's New so users can have a quick way to evaluate the features that have been changed/added/removed in SolidWorks' product line.  We all fall victim to the "ruts" of using SolidWorks and knowing what's to come brings awareness early.

I will be releasing an additional show a week as well as the usual monthly Tech News shows (up to 3 a week) in order to cover the entire What's New PDF in September before FCS (First Customer Ship). Between the podcast, blog and other posts around the web, there will be no shortage of SolidWorks 2011 content to come!

UPDATE: SolidWorks 2011 Pre-Release 1 is available for download from the Customer Portal. ~Lou

Remember to check out the SolidWorks: Heard! Blog and to follow me on Twitter, Facebook and THE HEaRD!