CAD Systems Help Top Posts of 2011

It's that time of year where everybody takes a moment to reflect on the the past year and relive all of the highlights and memorable moments. We're going to do this by looking back at our top ten most popular posts from the past year:

How do you write a CATIA CATScript Macro?
How to simulate rolling with CATIA DMU Kinematics? 
Theo Jansen Mechanism Matlab Code 
CATIA V5 Tips: Keyboard Shortcuts

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Evolution of Computer Skills of a Mechanical Engineer

Trust me, I'm an Engineer! This is sad but true. Excel is a great and powerful tool. I think you could group PowerPoint into that category too. I also enjoy the engineering flow chart!

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Learn How to Write CATIA VB Script Macros: Lesson 3

What is a CATIA macro? If you perform a task repeatedly,
you can take advantage of a macro to automate the task. A macro (or makro
to some people) is a series of functions, written in a scripting language,
that you group in a single command to perform the requested task automatically.
You can record a macro but it is highly recommended that you learn VBA
(or VBScript, a subset of VBA) in order

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Autodesk University 2011 Gallery Video Tour

See Jason Medal-Katz, gallery curator for Autodesk, give a guided tour
of some of the exhibits from the Autodesk University 2011 Gallery
exhibit. Featured in this video are exhibits by Bespoke Innovations:
custom artificial limbs; 3D sculpting challenge featuring a character
created by Jesse Sandifer for the Mudbox Competition; Life sciences
exhibit (simulation, visualization, and

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New DraftSight Learning Resources Flipbook Available

We invite you to check out the
DraftSight Master Series – an online flipbook designed to help you maximize
your design skills. The book includes a collection of tips, tricks, videos,
webinars and more from DraftSight’s training guru, Mark Lyons.
We hope you’ll find this to be a useful tool,
and invite you to share it with your friends and colleagues. 
Thanks for using DraftSight!
- The

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Solid Edge - Simulation Express Tutorial Video

Welcome to another edition of Ally PLM's Lunch Bytes series. This time their topic in this edition is simulation express. Watch the video tutorial below:

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Gift Ideas for CAD and 3D Modelers

Are you shopping for a CAD user, 3D modeler, or an engineer? Well, I have a couple of holiday gift suggestions for you.



A full-color guide to the #1 architectural drafting program—AutoCAD 2012 for Dummies. AutoCAD is the leading software used to create 2D and 3D technical
drawings. Used by engineers, architects, and drafting professionals, it
can be complex and is a perfect subject for the

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Learn how to write CATIA VB Script Macros: Lesson 2

I have created a series of powerpoint
presentations covering a variety of topics, starting from fundamentals
of programming in VB script to exporting images to powerpoint and Excel
files and more. This first lesson available for download was Lesson 1:Fundamentals where you'll learn some basic programming concepts.
Lesson 2 has now been posted. We'll keep learning some fundamentals of
programming

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from CAD Systems Help blog! 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

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CAD Viewers: Delcam Exchange

What type of files can Delcam Exchange open?
•DWG, DXF
•SOLID EDGE PAR (PART)
•CREO (PRT.#, AND
ASM.#
•CATIA
•PARASOLID, STEP, IGS
•STL
•NX (PRT)

Delcam Exchange Features and Limitations:


NO MEASUREMENT CAPABILITIES

ROTATE AND SIZE MODELS

SETTINGS MAY BE ADJUSTED FOR FILE IMPORT

SOME PROBLEMS WHEN IMPORTING CREO (PRO-E) ASSEMBLIES (MISSING
PARTS)

HOWEVER, THE SOFTWARE SHOWS ERROR REPORT

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How does VB.net code interact with CATIA?

In order to understand how VB.net
code talks to CATIA we need to answer two other questions:


First, what does dll stand for?
In the world of computer software DLL stands for Dynamic Linked
Libraries. These are compiled files that contain all of the functions
that make CATIA V5 (or other software) perform an action. For example,
when you select the “point” function in CATIA, the program calls a

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CAD Viewers: Creo Product View

What type of files can Creo Product View read?

Creo Product View can open:


Creo Part File Prt.#,

CREO Assembly File ASM.#,

CREO drawing file DRW.#

AutoCAD drawing files dwg, dxf


Creo Product View Features:


Allow measurement

Rotation of models

Viewing of components in assemblies



*CREO ProductView (PRT.#,ASM.#,DRW.#

http://www.ptc.com/appserver/wcms/forms/index.jsp?im_dbkey=93561&

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Learn how to write CATIA VB Script Macros

Are you interested in learning how to
write CATScript macros for CATIA for free? Do you find yourself often thinking
"There's a better way to do this, I just don't know how to do it"?
If so, then writing a macro may be the solution. There are numerous reasons
why you should learn how to write macros in CATIA, including saving time
and reducing the possibility of human error by automating

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CAD Viewers: Solid Edge Viewer (SE)

Viewer for Solid Edge CAD Files

What type of files can Solid Edge Viewer read?


part, (.par)

Sheet metal (.psm)

assembly models (.asm)

Weldment assemblies (pwd)

Draft or drawing files (.dft)

Drawing files (.dwg, .dft)

3D viewing and file sharing CAD models (JT)

Packaged collaboration files (pcf) for NX and SE

Metafile documents (Microsoft) CGM

JT files



Solid Edge Viewer Controls

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Free 3D CAD Viewer downloadable software compariso

A
useful tool in today's world of engineering is to have software which can
view 3D CAD models but without having all of the tools of a CAD software
system thus making the viewer extremely cheap (ideally it would be free).
Here is a table comparing a few different CAD Viewer software programs and in the
coming weeks I will be offering a more descriptive breakdown of each one
including their

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How to add amacro icon to a toolbar in CATIA V5?

There are multiple ways to initiate a CATScript macro in CATIA V5. Did
you know that it is possible to invoke your macro through a tool bar
icon? How do you create an icon for your macro? Go to tools
>customize >commands > macros > show properties. Next,
simply define a logo for your macro by picking one from the 180 plus
icons to choose from (or browse to your own custom made icon) and

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Let's Go Design Episode #5: Chassis Design and Assemblies

In
the last episode, we discussed weldment features and sketch techniques.
This time, we move closer to the final overall CAD design of our Hot
Rod Baby Buggy. We watch as Jeremy hot-wires the golf cart motors to
show how the aluminum tracks perform flawlessly.



In this episode, Jeremy takes us through:



The Overall Design: Jeremy shares 80% of the CAD
design,

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How to write a vb script to take screen shots within CATIA?

I've finished my image capture macro
and have made it available to download. This CATscript takes a screenshot
and allows you to name the picture file whatever you would like. Here are
all the steps included in the macro, which can easily be modified if need:


1. Reframe on part

2. Zoom in

3. Turn off specification tree

4. Toggle compass

5. Change background color to white

6. Clear

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Win a trip to AU 2011 and a 3D mouse, compliments of 3Dconnexion!

Introduce yourself to new
products, people, and techniques at the premier conference and
exhibition for Autodesk product users, and take home a new SpacePilot
PRO  – the ultimate 3D mouse!


Register now to enter to win:

One full-conference pass to Autodesk University 2011 in Las Vegas, NV Nov 29 through Dec 1, 2011
Airfare and hotel accommodations for 3 nights
A SpacePilot PRO - The

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How to automatically take a picture using a catscript

Catscripts can be a powerful tool when
needing to automate processes in CATIA V5. One common process which is
helpful to automate is when you want to take a screenshot of a .catpart
or .catproduct with a white background (to put into a powerpoint or Excelfile). This sounds like a daunting task if you are new to VB programming.
I find the best thing to do is to break down this large, challenging

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Quick Tips: How do you measure an angle in SolidWorks?

The measure tool will give you the angle -
but there is a quicker way.  If you click on two planar surfaces,
the status bar at the bottom of your screen should provide an angle.  This
also works
with two linear lines or edges.

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Quick CATIA Tips: Avoid zoom on the specification tree

One annoying aspect of using CATIA is when you attempt
to click one of the little plus signs in your specification tree but you
miss and accidentally click a branch instead. Your models goes a shade
darker and when you try and zoom in on your model it instead makes the
tree get enormous or extremely tiny. To turn this option off simply go
to Tools>Options>General>Display>Tree Manipulation.

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What is hot stamping manufacturing?

Hot stamping (also called press hardening or hot forming)
is a process of forming metal parts from sheet metal stock that involves
heating a portion of the sheet metal material to a high temperature for
a period of time and then forming the heated material using a die.
Ovens are often used to heat the pieces to the high temperatures
needed. In a manufacturing facility, pieces may be

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Quick CATIA Tips: How to export the specification tree

I've personally never had to use this before but I can
think of many applications where it would be extremely useful, especially
in case where your customer or client may not have access or licenses for
CATIA. To Export the Specification Tree go to Save As and select text file.
You will get a text file that contains only your specification tree.

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Let's Go Design Episode #4 published

Weldment and Metal Fabrication
 With
every episode, we are getting closer to the final prototype of our Hot
Rod Baby Buggy. Last time, we talked about propulsion technology. In
this episode, Jeremy starts designing the chassis using weldment
features and sketch techniques. He also visits a metal fabrication shop
to learn about some of the methods that'll further help in building our

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Quick CATIA Tips: Increase the number of Undos

Did you know that you can control the number of times
CATIA will let you hit the undo button? This is a good tip if you are dealing
with a large or complicated part model. The default number of undo levels
is ten. In some cases it can be very useful to have a few more, but do
remember that this will hog system memory so show restraint when altering
this setting. Here's where the option is

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CATIA Quick Tips: How to create an axis system within a geometrical set

Another common CATIA question is how can you make a new
axis system under a geometrical set and not the default axis system node?
Well, to create an axis system in a geometrical set, when you create a
new axis, in the dialog box, simply unclick the check box next to the "under
the axis system node" option. This will place your new axis under
which ever object you have defined as the current in

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CATIA Quick Tips: How to rearrange the part tree order

A common question of CATIA users is how do you rearrange
the order of a part tree? It's actually pretty simple. To rearrange the
order of a part tree right click on the part and click reorder children.
That's it! That's all there is to it.

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What does CATIA stand for?

New users to CATIA are taught that CATIA
officially stands for "Computer Aided Three-dimensional Interactive
Application" (an alternative being Computer-Aided Three-Dimensional
Interactive Analysis). If you're a veteran and have been using CATIA
for more than a few months or years you might have heard a few alternate
versions for what CATIA stands for, or maybe even come up with a few on
your

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Latest Let's Go Design Episode Online

Episode 4 of SolidWorks 3D Design Software’s
Let’s Go Design project is now available! In this “Hot Rod Baby Buggy”
episode, Jeremy starts designing the chassis using weldment features in
SolidWorks. Then, he visits a metal shop to create precision pieces for
the baby buggy tank treads. Check it out - http://www.solidworks.com/pages/programs/letsgodesign/.

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Quick Tips: What is the difference between Scaling and Affinity in CATIA GSD Workbench?

There are two commands within CATIA's Generative Shape
Design workbench which are often confused: scaling and affinity. Scaling
is used when you want to generate an element scaled equally along the
X, Y and Z axis with respect to a reference.On the other hand, affinitylets
you scale your model with different ratios in the X, Y and Z axis. Utilizing
this method gives you more control than using

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CATIA 2011 Visualation Contest

This year's CATIA visualization contest has finally gone live. If you are passionate about 3D creations and your imagination knows no
bounds, whether you are an amateur or
professional designer, Dassault Systems want to reveal your talent. Enter the contest to exhibit your best realistic rendering image based on your
favorite 3D creation. The Contest will evaluate realistic rendering
images

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Quick Tips: How do you reset the compass to the default position?

If
you're using CATIA V5 and you notice your position compass in the upper
right hand corner may sometimes display a weird or unique angle. How do you reset
the compass to the default position?










Try any of these methods:

1) Select the View Pulldown then select Reset Compass

OR
1) Place your cursor over the red dot on the compass, the cursor graphic
will change to arrows for up &

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Theo Jansen Machanism Matlab Code Download Updated

The matlab code for the Theo Jansen mechanism has been updated and is now available for download. Also, in
exchange for using my code I would appreciate your help by
subscribing to and promoting the site and sharing it with your family, friends and
coworkers. Please subscribe to my YouTube page and consider following me on Twitter. Thanks!

<p>&amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;gt;&amp

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How to simulate rolling kinematics tutorial

How do you simulate wheels rolling down a hill or track in CATIA? A reader recently asked if I could put together a tutorial for the kinematics rolling simulation that I created. This may not be extremely detailed but should give you a pretty good idea of the steps to take when trying to simulate rolling in CATIA. This was one of the preliminary tests I ran before attempting to simulate my

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AutoCAD 2008 Video Tutorial

Here is a pretty good video tutorial for using AutoCAD 2008 which includes the Autocad interface, toolbars, pull-down menus, command line, accessing commands.

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What are typical scales used in drafting?

•2:1 – double scale – 1” on the drawing = ½” in actual life•1:1 – full scale – 1” on the drawing = 1” in actual life•1:2 – half scale – 1” on the drawing = 2” in actual life•1:4 – quarter scale – 1” on the drawing = 4” in actual life•1:10 – 1 tenth scale – Etc..•1:20 – 1 twentieth scale – Etc..

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How do you deal with a large assembly in CATIA?

Here are a few notes on the best practices for dealing with a large assembly in CATIA V5 (although this information can also be applied to other CAD systems as well).
•Hide/Show •Temporarily hide model •Hide a partial model•Visualization mode •DMU Analysis•Creating Drawings•Node Deactivation•Update BOM•Update Assembly constraints•Unload•Design in context•Deactivate Component•Using knowledgeware

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Robocoaster Model

I constructed a recreation of a Kuka robocoaster in CATIA. I used the car from my cantilevered roller coaster simulations to save time. The track is created using three sketches with laws (one overhead, one side profile, and one for banking). I made this in about a day so please excuse the lack of detail. The purpose was more to show proof of concept that this was possible to create with CATIA.

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What does a CAD Designer do?

What does a typical CAD designer do? The responsibilities of a CAD Designer are the following:Design 3D models and assemblies in various CAD packages including CATIA V5, UG‐NX, SolidWorks, Pro/E orInventor from conceptual designs, reverse engineering layouts, or legacy data. Activities and duties:The following duties and responsibilities are illustrative of the primary functions of this position

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Managing Large Assemblies in CATIA: Visualization Mode

Using visualization mode in CATIA versus design mode improves performance by not loading the mathematical data of the part into memory, only a visual of the geometry is loaded into memory.The first time a part is loaded into CATIA using visualization mode:CATIA creates a "lighter" version of the model and saves it to the hard drive.Because it creates this light version the first time, it takes

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How do you clear history in CATIA?

If you are a regular user of CATIA V5 like I am then you may have run across this error: "operation cannot be completed because part is already in session. Please close the session to complete the operation." This error may occur because of a scenario like this:

I open a Product that contains Part A, Part B, and Part C. I open Part D, modify it, and close it. According to the Desk, Link, and

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Theo Jansen Mechanism Matlab Code

I shared my m-code for the Theo Jansen mechanism awhile ago (LINK) but one of our readers recently created his own version of the program and offered to share it with us. Truong Duc Binh says:


"I programed for two legs and now I am making a computer interface with it, user can input parameters for Jansen walking machine. I divide this window form to two modes, you can simulate with constant

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VUE: VERICUT Users’ Exchange Meetings 2011

If you are using VERICUT at your company, please make every effort to attend.  There is no charge to you and lunch will be served. You will have the opportunity to get a first-hand look at the new features in VERICUT 7.1. You will also discover how others are using VERICUT, and learn what new features are planned for the future. Click here to view the complete agenda.


You can register at

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Keyboard Shortcuts for 3D Via Composer

Here are a couple of nice Windows keyboard shortcuts for Dassault's 3D Via Composer.Short Cut | ResultTab: creates temporary ghost image of the element underneath the pointerShift+Tab: reverses tab key actionK: Permenently hides the elements that are displayed as ghost images by the tab keyT: hides or shows collaborative elementsCrtl+T: show all elementsCrtl+I: Inverts the current selection Crtl+

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Common G-Codes for CNC Programming

G00 Rapid positioning On 2- or 3-axis moves, G00 (unlike G01) traditionally does not necessarily move in a single straight line between start point and end point. It moves each axis at its max speed until its vector is achieved. Shorter vector usually finishes first (given similar axis speeds). This matters because it may yield a dog-leg or hockey-stick motion, which the programmer needs to

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How to create a moving car using Sketchyphysics 2 (Google Sketchup)

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How do you change the spindle speed in the middle of a tool path?

I was recently wondering if there was a way to change the machining speed in the middle of a tool path in CATIA's advanced machining workbench. I have a part that we want to enter slowly, proceed along a surface, and then change to the regular machining speed. Breaking the tool path into two operations is NOT possible in this situation. One solution, though not ideal, is to use the Toolpath

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Theo Jansen Mechanism Matlab Code M-file

 A few readers have requested the full m file for the Theo Jansen mechanism. I've uploaded it here. If the download won't work for you lease me your email address and I will gladly send it to you. Please don't just copy the file. This is meant for reference only. In other words, figure it out on your own!





http://cadsystemshelp.blogspot.com/2010/04/theo-jansen-mechanism-matlab-code.html

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How can I obtain my CATIA target ID?

What is a target ID? A target ID is a code calculated on your computer which identifies your computer which is then used to generate the license key for your software. This target ID is something Dassault Systems products use to license the software to your machine or to the specific server that will be running the purchased licenses from. 

How do you obtain the target ID number? There are two

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CATIA NC Machining Reverse Motion Fix

I am machining some parts in CATIA V5 R18 and if I zoom in on the vectors in wire-frame mode I am noticing areas where the tool is reversing a fraction of a millimeter, which has become an issue. I need to eliminate all of these reverse motions. My two major concerns are:

1. What is the easiest way to detect these reverse motions? Currently, I have to zoom in really close on the vectors, the

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How do you measure the length of a spline in Catia?

You may be wondering if it is possible to measure the length of a spline in sketcher or a 3D spline in Generative shape design. In other words, what is the length of the spline if it were straightened out. For example I have a part made utilizing the rib command and it is not made in Sheet metal design so I can't make use of the unfolded view in drafting and measure the length of that part. What

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CAD Systems Help Android App Suggestions

I'm currently learning how to write apps for Android phones. However, I need a goal to work towards. I was wondering if any readers had any ideas or suggestions for a CAD Systems Help phone app (or any other related apps). I'm trying to think of something somewhat simple to start off with but could be added onto later or inspire new ideas. I think the ideal model is the have a basic version which

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What is a Mylar drawing?

Mylar is a trade name for bopet (biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate) polyester film. Also known as Melinex or Hostaphan, this transparent, durable material is used in food storage, insulation and sailing, but it is perhaps best known for its applications in the graphic arts, most notably for CAD drawings. A few customary drawing techniques enhance its positive attributes.


Architects

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Which version of CATIA program.zip free download

If you are a user of multiple versions or CATIA (R18,R19, etc) it can get quite frustrating attempting to open a R19 part in R18. Wouldn't it be great to be open to tell which version of CATIA a part was created in without having to open the part in CATIA? Well, now there is a such a program which you can download here. This software is the easiest way to know which version of CATIA a part has

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CAD Model Banked Coaster Track Update

I finally got the rib function to work to create a banked coaster track, sort of. Check out the video below. You can see my attempt at the bank towards the end. The track actually looks pretty horrible by the car moves just like I would expect. Still looking for the easiest way to create track.

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My 3D Model in PRISM Magazine

I received a copy of the November issue of PRISM Magazine the other day. Flip to page three and what do I see? My model of the cantilevered roller coaster sponsored by Dassault Systems! PRISM magazine is ASEE's monthly publication (the American Society for Engineering Educators).

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How do you create a composite part in CATIA Composites Design workbench?

First of all, before we begin getting into creating parts I want to review some information and notes about composites.

What is a composite? Composites = Matrix (resin) + Reinforcing Material (Fiber)

Types of resin include: Polyester, Vinylester, and Epoxy.

Type of fibers include glass, carbon, Kevlar, and aluminum.

Why use composites? Benefits include: reduced weight, high strength and

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S&S Spaceshot CAD Model Recreation

I started a 3d computer model recreation of a 3x3 size Spaceshot launched thrill ride attraction engineered by S&S Worldwide. I embedded a video of Power Tower at Cedar Point below (note the seating configuration is slightly different).

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Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) Symbols

Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) is a language used on mechanical engineering drawings composed of symbols that are used to efficiently and accurately communicate geometry requirements for associated features on components and assemblies. Many industries use GD&T including automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. Listed below are some of the most common GD&T symbols used

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