Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays to one and all! Enjoy these holiday videos I created which include some of the most bizarre Christmas displays you will ever see! We'll be back with new CAD Systems Help soon.

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Tips and Tricks: Keyboard Shortcuts for 3D VIA Virtools

Here are a few tips, tricks, and keyboard shortcuts to make your life easier if you are a 3D Via user. What is 3D Via used for? You can use 3DVIA Virtools to deliver graphically stunning, interactive real-time experiences for industry or game production. Creation Tools Shortcuts:1 - Create a camera2 - Create a light3 - Create a curve4 - Create a 3D frame5 - Create a grid6 - Create a 2D frame7

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Tips and Tricks: How do you email large Solidworks part files?

Sometimes e-mailing a SolidWorks part or assembly file can be problem because of their large file size. If you use Winzip it will reduce the file size, but not by much. In order to drastically reduce the size of a SolidWorks files before e-mailing try the following technique:Enclose the entire part within a solid box. I usually name the feature something like 'Delete me'.Change the display

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Coaster Model Update

Quick update on the cantilevered roller coaster model. I used my VB catscript to quickly and easily create the cross-ties for the upper and lower rails. I also modeled all of the supports and cement footers. Pictured is one of the "side/head knocker" effects where it looks like you are about to run into a post before the cantilevered car serves out of the way in the nick of time. There is also an

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Model Featured on 3DS Academy Website

Dassault's DS Campus website was recently transformed into the 3DS Academy and guess what model they chose to represent the Project Showroom pages? My cantilevered coaster model is featured in the header of all the project pages. Below is a screen shot I grabbed of the page or you can head to http://academy.3ds.com/projects/showroom/ to check it out for yourself!

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How can you tell which version a Pro/E model was made in?

The easiest way to tell which version of Pro/Engineer a model was made in is to open up the part (.prt) file in a text editor (such as notepad) and look at the first line of text. This will show you the necessary information. As an example. #UGC:2 ASSEMBLY 1068 440 0 1 1 15 2100 2000050 0000b335 \ #- VERS 0 0 \ #- HOST in this listing, the 2100 signifies v21 or 2000i and 2000050 is the build

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CATIA V5 Tips: Keyboard Shortcuts

What are some CATIA V5 KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS tips?
To change standard views of a CatPart or a CatProduct simply click on the standard view icon, then press ARROW UP, DOWN, RIGHT or LEFT as you wish. To rotate your model on the screen, click anywhere on except the toolbar area and press: SHIFT+ARROW UP or DOWN keys for vertical rotation. SHIFT+ARROW RIGHT or LEFT for horizontal rotation. Hold

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Holiday Shopping?

The holiday season is upon us! It's time to start thinking about what's on your shopping list. The easiest way to avoid all the inconveniences of holiday shopping lines and crowds is to order your gifts online. But what does this have to do with this blog? Well, why not help support this site and get your holiday shopping done at the same time? I would really appreciate it if you can help

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CATIA V5 Time Saving Tip

Here is nice little time saving tip for you CATIA V5 users out there. Many times when you are starting a sketch, you will find that it is too small or too big, and as you add constraints and modify them, your sketch becomes misshaped. Therefore, you need to scale all lines, arcs and circles with the constraints already on the sketch. To do this, use the scale without the duplication turned on.

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How do you make your Solid Works part and assembly models light weight?

How do you make your Solid Works part and assembly models light weight? There are a couple of things you can do before your save you Solidworks model in order to reduce the file size and keep it as small and as light weight as possible. First, turn off all of the "items." This includes "View Plane", "View Origins", "View Axes", etc. Do not just hide them. Turn them all off! Next, change the

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Shutterbooth!

This doesn't really have anything to do with CAD Systems Help, I just wanted to post this video I made using the pictures taken at my recent wedding reception. What a fun way to remember our special day. If you are planning a wedding or any other large group event I highly recommend one!

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Automatically Create Cross-ties for a Roller Coaster Using VBA CATScript

Are you looking for a way to pattern an object multiple times in CATIA? How do you write catscripts in CATIA? Are you looking for a CAD model roller coaster? You've come to the write place.

If you been following this blog then you're probably aware of my work on the cantilevered roller coaster concept model. I recently created a new track to simulate the motion capability of the vehicle. I

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How to Shell a Sphere in CATIA V5

This may sound weird, but how do you shell a sphere in CATIA? First, you need a sphere. Model a sphere as a solid using the shaft command (sketch Semicircle D of __mm diameter) or use the shell command in GSD. Or you can make a sphere in CATIA using a CATScript macro. Then, to shell the sphere geometry:

Shell Command. Add a value in Default Inside Thickness eg: 2mm
Select the sphere surface in

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DS Campus Poster

DS Poster of my cantilevered coaster project featured on the DS Campus website.

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What are the benefits of using 3D Technical Publications?

Benefits of 3D Better visualization – "Seeing is Understanding"Leverage existing CAD data from engineeringDynamic, Interactive Content – click through assembly stepsGraphical selections – select on a part to view its metadata, select on a BOM item to highlight the partLess text needed – if "a picture is worth a thousand words", a picture you can move is worth many more.Common Features of 3D

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Solidworks Weldments Tutorial

I found this tutorial to be very helpful: Solidworks Weldments Tutorial

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How do you open a Unigraphics NX part file in Pro/Engineer Wildfire?

I recently installed ProE 5.0 as well as Unigraphics 7.5. When trying to open NX files in ProE you may encounter the error message to "select the Unigraphics (*.prt) filter". Where do you find this Unigraphics part filter in ProE? Simply follow these steps:Go to the tool barTool->option-> type in the find box INTF3D_UG_INSTALL_DIR -> add/change-> select that directory where ProE was installed

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Surfacing in Solid Edge

Welcome to our second edition of the Ally PLM Lunch Bytes. Our topic we cover in this edition is surfacing. These videos show many good examples of how to use the surfacing tools in Solid Edge.

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How do you find and use dynamic mirror in SolidWorks?

The Dynamic Mirror tool is a sketcher tool that allows you to dynamically mirror geometry as you're sketching it. To use dynamic mirror, you first have to find it as it probably won't be on your sketch toolbar to start out with. First, hit the 'S' key then right mouse click on the menu and select customize. Go to the 'Commands' tab and select 'Sketch'. There you'll see the Dynamic Mirror icon. It

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How do you create a title block in ProEngineer?

There are two primary methods to bring a title block into a drawing in ProEngineer. To insert a title block into an existing drawing:

First, open the existing drawing: File/Open/directory/filename. The existing drawing appears. Now, clean a space for the title block by selection of a view (mouse left button click). The goal is to get enough space for the title block in the lower right corner.

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Playstation Move: Gladiator Duel

This has nothing to do with CAD systems or help but I recently picked up the new Playstation Move and I've got to say it is pretty impressive. Check out my new video embedded below.

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How do you render an image in Solid Edge?

Do you need to know how to render a 3D model into a marketable high-quality image? Well, check out the videos below for all you need to know about the rendering options in Solid Edge!

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What does a CAD Technician do?

Are you thinking about getting into computer modeling or design work? CAD technicians are typical entry level positions throughout the industry. The CAD Technician works as a member of a team that is responsible for modeling and detailing activity associated with engineering services. ESSENTIAL DUTIES: The following duties and responsibilities are illustrative of the primary functions of

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How do you create high quality model renderings in CATIA V5?

CATIA V5 users may be wondering how do you create a high resolution image of their CAD model? The quickest way to render an image of a model in CATIA is by going to Start>Infrastructure>Photo Studio--> quick rendering. Although this is drastically better than just taking a screen shot, it isn't really a high quality resolution image that you may want to use for a poster or marketing device. So

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Cantilevered Roller Coaster V2: Exhibit B

Check out my latest kinematics work.

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CATIA Kinematics Tutorial Download

You can now download my CATIA Rolling Simulation in DMU Kinematics Tutorial. Click here!


Kinematics Tutorial.ppt

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How to simulate rolling with CATIA DMU Kinematics?

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A reader recently asked if I could put together a tutorial for the kinematics rolling simulation that I created. This may not

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Steel Roller Coaster Modeled in CATIA V5

As you can see from many of my previous posts, I spend quite a bit of time modeling roller coasters in CATIA. Well, it looks like I'm not the only one. Yunus Alapan, a student at Yildiz Technical University in Istanbul, Turkey, recently submitted a few pictures of a roller coaster he created with CATIA V5. I know from experience how hard and time consuming  it is to model a complete roller

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New 3D XML Model Uploaded to 3D Via

Today, I uploaded a new CAD model to 3D Via in 3D XML format. This is the current state of my next generation version of the cantilevered roller coaster. The main difference has been the change from a cantilevered I beam to a beefier truss configuration.

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CATIA Kinematics Simulation from Manikin's POV

I am modeling a new type of roller coaster in CATIA. In order to test this new coaster concept I need to run the simulation from the viewpoint of the manikin riding in the car. Whether you are modeling a roller coaster or a sports car, here is how it is done:

First, make sure this option under Tools > Options>Ergonomics is set:

For the line of sight, create a camera in View - Named View and 

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Cantilevered Coaster Catia Kinematics Trial #5

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Steam Train Piston Assembly Kinematics Simulation in CATIA

Check out the train simulation I did in CATIA V5 with the DMU Kinematics workbench! Your assembly literally has to be perfect before you can even begin to attempt kinematic simulations. Which is why I often times assemble a few pieces and then simulate a small portion of whatever it is I am building just to make sure it is working, then I add on a little more and repeat. It takes longer but is

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How do you write a CATIA CATScript Macro?

A question I often get asked is "how do you create vba macros in Catia?" One solution is to write a script. No, not a script for a movie, a CATScript file! To create a CATScript macro for CATIA open Notepad and write your code, then save the file with whatever name you want and type extension .CATScript instead of .txt. Here is a simple CATScript you can use as an example. This CATScript will

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How do you write code for Catia’s Expert Check Editor?

I've been trying to use KBE (Knowledge Based Engineering) to try and automate a checking procedure on an NC machining process in CATIA V5. The customer requirement is for all cuts to be in the climb direction, not conventional. Using the expert check editor I can implement a checking system to easily make sure all machining operations are compliant with this requirement. Syntax is the trickiest

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Catia NC Programming using Check Editor Knowledge Based Engineering

I use the check editor in Catia V5 to improve the quality of NC machining process files. All of my chamfer cuts on this particular part need to have a Tanto Fan axis. I use the code below:

`Far Side Chamfer 1\MfgParameter.5\Tool axis strategy` == "MfgTantoFan" AND
`Far Side Chamfer 2\MfgParameter.5\Tool axis strategy` == "MfgTantoFan" AND
`Near Side Chamfer 1\MfgParameter.5\Tool axis strategy`

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Cantilevered Coaster Kinematics Test 3

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Rolling in CATIA DMU Kinematics Workbench

Rolling tests for my roller coaster kinematics models.

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Cantilevered Roller Coaster Kinematics Test

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CAD Roller Coaster Model Car Concept

Working on a new concept model in part and assembly design. This is the lower chasis. modeled in Catia V5 and screenshot in 3D Via. More to come soon including the 3d xml files.

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Best Practices for CATIA V5

There is a great thread for CATIA V5 Users:http://www.coe.org/Collaboration/DiscussionForum/ActiveDiscussions/tabid/210/forumid/6/postid/129677/view/topic/Default.aspx I've compiled the complete list of suggests here:1 Never make a plane from a solid face! Reason being is that if the solid changes, it can affect the plane which can snowball into a huge mess of errors.2. (for managers) Never

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How To: AutoCAD 2008 Tutorial

I found this video to be very helpful. AutoCAD 2008 Tutorial, the Autocad interface, toolbars, pull-down menus, command line, accessing commands.

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Easy Online Money: Kontera Ads

If you've been reading this blog you might have noticed something in each post. The single underlined blue words are hyperlinks, but what are the words with the double blue lines underneath? Those are Kontera ads! Do you have your own blog or website? Why not add Kontera ads and start making money today! Get paid utilizing two different methods: (1) when visitors view the ads on your site and (2)

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Pilgrims Plunge CAD Model Recreation

Pilgrims Plunge is the world's tallest water ride and can be found at Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana. This is my CAD model recreated in CATIA V5.The original ride is manufactured by Intamin. The layout is pretty accurate despite the fact that I haven't seen any real blueprints.For more thrill ride facts check out Amusement Authority.

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Amusement Authority: An in-depth look at wooden coaster trains

Amusement Authority: An in-depth look at wooden coaster trains

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Solid Works Material Application and Catalogs

Have you been asking yourself these two questions:How do you apply material in Solid Works?How do you create a Solid Works Material Catalog?Today, I will be sharing the solution with you. Here is how you apply material to a specific part in Solid Works:Open part to add material.Right Click – Material Select – Edit materialSelect – SolidWorks Material dropdownSelect – Material

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Pro/Engineer CAD Tips and Tricks

I know I've gotten away from this lately, but I think it is time to get this blog back on track and provide you with CAD systems help. Here are a few best practices I've learned from using Pro/Engineer Wildfire in my engineering job experience over the years. If you're stuck or having difficulty with a project hopefully one of these pointers will help you out. I know Pro/Engineer can be a bit

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Engineering Textbooks reviews and deals

If you are currently an engineering student please join my Engineering Textbooks fanpage. Find great deals on textbooks as well as reviews. We believe that engineering is the field of the future! Engineers are needed to design and build everything from the latest energy efficiency electric car, to the next generation iPhone, but it all begins with a good education in the fundamentals of

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Shopping for Mother's Day?

Are you going to be buying your dear, sweetest mother a gift for Mother's Day? Would you like to help support this site so that we can continue to bring you interesting updates and features? Well, why not do both then?! If you are going to be buying a Mother's Day present online I would please ask that you use our Amazon.com search box to find the products that you are looking for. We get a small

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Theo Jansen Mechanism Matlab Code

As promised, here is some of the Matlab code for the Theo Jansen Mechanism we posted a video of a little while back. We begin every Matlab program with the clear all command. Next are the lengths for all of the linkages.

clear all

%Link Lengths

L1=286;

L2=120;

L3=400;

L4=275;

L5=400;

L6=290;

L7=275;

L8=275;

L9=400;

L10=290;

L11=400;

L12=275;

L13=170;


 
%To get the video output:

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SolidWorks Tutorial: How to Draw a Bolt

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Looking for Guest Bloggers

Are you interested in guest blogging? Do you have CAD experience or an interesting project to share? Want to get recognition and build links to your own blog or website? Leave your name and email in the comment field and I will contact you about writing an article for this blog!

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Creativity in 3D Contest

Creativity in 3D Contest

Posted using ShareThis

Do you know which one is mine?

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Writing Posts in Word

This is my first attempt at writing a post from Mircosoft Word.

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New Intamin Catia Model Pics

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CATSettings Pointers for CATIA Users

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Here is one way that you can add threads to a part like a screw in CATIA:


1.First select the tap/thread icon
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