An Easy DIY Project... PVC Birdhouse for Wrens

If having even a casual appreciation of birds, you will likely find a great deal of enjoyment having nesting Wrens nearby. Their unique song brings a special vibrance to any yard or garden, throughout the spring and summer.

So in the spirit of community, enjoying nature, and promoting the satisfaction of an easy do-it-yourself (DIY) project, we are freely sharing the drawings and details, developed by CAD Graphics using Onshape, for how to build a simple PVC Birdhouse for Wrens. The items needed can be found in most hardware stores and only require a few basic tools to create and assemble. 

You will likely find that this DIY birdhouse is easy to build, requires little-to-no maintenance, and is easy to clean and store for the following year!

The migration of the common House Wren of North America extends from the far south in winter, to the north in summer. Therefore, having a comfortable and secure nesting site prepared and hanging by spring, at a height of @ 7 or 8 feet off the ground, will help in drawing Wrens to stay throughout the warmer months. So enjoy this easy DIY project, and any Wrens that happen to choose your birdhouse as their home, as they or their offspring return year after year!   

New Free Fusion 360 Subscription Types

Autodesk recently announced their Fusion 360 Hobbyist/Startup subscription has been replaced with Fusion 360 for personal use and Fusion 360 for startups . While both new subscriptions remain free, the details for eligibility and qualification have been clarified and should be encouraging to any who might be looking to tap into a this well-established yet burgeoning product.

Of course, eligibility for Fusion 360 for personal use includes any individuals doing home-based non-commercial manufacturing and fabrication, but eligibility might be especially interesting to those who engage in a “Hobby Business”. The qualification details state if you are generating less than $1,000 USD in annual revenue, then you are exempt from the non-commercial requirement. In other words, if you are making less than $1,000 USD a year in your hobby business, then you are eligible to use Fusion 360 for personal use. And if your public-facing web content generates more than $1,000 USD in annual revenue, then Autodesk would love to explore partnership opportunities with you.

Eligibility for Fusion 360 for startups is a bit more predictable, but again with greater clarity of definition. Businesses with 10 or fewer employees, and generating (including parent entities) less than $100,000 UDS in total annual revenue are the basics for eligibility. However it also requires your business to have venture-backed, angel-backed, or bootstrap startup status.

In the six years since its release in November 2012, these interesting adjustments to the Fusion 360 business model foster genuine opportunities for many more to use the product. Both the Fusion 360 for personal use and Fusion 360 for startups are available for a 1-year term, and approval is required for renewal. Also, with the Fusion 360 commercial subscription at $495 / year still being a very reasonable option, the other major CAD platforms should be taking notice.

A Parachute Option... for Cloud-Data?

When aviation was in its infancy, it was enthralling, and aviation still is for many who are captivated by the thought of flying in the clouds. However in those early years of flight, when things didn't go as planned, mortality was high because parachutes were an afterthought. Today, ICON Aircraft, Inc. has developed a parachute system directly into their A5 model. In business, CEO's and others in the upper echelons of commerce often seal their hiring with a parachute clause. In these situations, the intent of the expression 'parachute' is that when things don't work out as planned, you can come out of the situation relatively unscathed.

ICON Parachute System (IPS); courtesy of ICON Aircraft, Inc.

In a similar sense, cloud-based platforms are fine when things are going business-as-usual, even exciting when everyone is in wow-mode. But what happens when all of that ends? What happens when the visionaries who created the business model decide to leave? What happens when a cloud-based provider no longer wants to be in business, or the company strategy becomes to sell-off to another owner? Is there a data parachute option for users who voluntarily want out, or those who are forced out?

Some might recall that Solidworks was sold to Dassault Systemes in 1997, only two years after its first release in 1995. Could something similar happen to Onshape as it continues its trajectory of success? Also, there have been closings of cloud-based programs before. Remember TeamPlatform for cloud-based design collaboration? It was a noble venture that after being purchased by 3D Systems was thereafter closed. With that in mind, the end of Microsoft eBooks has provided a fresh view of what a very prominent cloud-based platform closing looks like. A fresh reminder that it doesn't matter how many backup servers are dedicated, if it's in the cloud, you really don't own it. Granted there are distinct differences between eBooks and cloud-based CAD programs currently on the market, and even how data rights management (DRM) are handled. However, there are similar principles that demonstrate the real vulnerabilities and risks involved when relying on a program owned / controlled by others.

It's understandable how enticing a cloud-based platform can be for owners and developers. It provides them with 100% total control and real-time analytics on how the program is being used, by whom, when, etc. What company wouldn't want that depth of consumer insight on the use of their products? For example, Onshape is a reputable and well-received platform for CAD and they are no doubt benefiting from this insight as they continue to  develop and mature. Conglomerate Dassault Systemes is trying vigorously to stay relevant with their burgeoning 3DExperience cloud-based platform, evident by how frequently the marketing names for their new products are being revised that their domain admins are struggling to keep up.

It's also understandable that many startups and small lean-mean-business-machines have embraced cloud-based platforms. Why shouldn't they when every day and everybody you work with has a go-for-it, throw caution to the wind and take it on, kind'a day? For startups and small businesses, it's all about risk and seeing what happens!

Onshape is touted as being like a Google Docs for CAD. That analogy seems a very appropriate way to help understand how it works, how data is edited, managed and made accessible to others for collaboration. The striking exception in this analogy however, is there is no off-line mode with Onshape. There is no way to work with Onshape data untethered from the provider. And that seems to be at least one of the aspects of the trepidation felt by so many others regarding cloud-based CAD platforms. Fusion 360 by Autodesk has addressed this need with a hybrid approach, but not everyone wants a full program download nor maintain the hardware needed to operate the program. Add the fact made evident with Microsoft recently closing shop on their eBooks, that local files you thought you owned can and will vanish if a provider implements DRM tactics. Hence the reluctance by many to embrace cloud-based CAD. Users simply don't have control over their cloud-data in a tangible way that feels akin to ownership.

In our complex and dynamic world, it's no surprise that technology, companies, and programs are ever changing, being improved, or phased out. The surprise is when it affects us personally. So it's easy to understand that dependency on a cloud-based CAD platform or provider should warrant a user to question how to recover should the service abruptly end or fail to meet expectations.

Some might argue that there is dependency in every aspect of computing and that is true when talking about computer or server operating systems, programs, devices and the like. The difference is there is still a measure of autonomy with such systems. When product support ends, the user still has general control of their data, of when they want to phase out and trade up or convert. When a cloud platform ends, there is little to no control for the user. In such cases, any action plan and timing is inextricably defined by the owner of the platform.

To borrow the cliche, "it's not if but when" your CAD provider changes their business-as-usual approach. It could be tomorrow, it could be next year, or in five years. Honorable intentions aside, when change comes from your CAD platform, and it will, what data parachute options will you have? While it remains to be seen, based upon current technologies, the better cloud-based CAD provider will include the self-sufficiency of off-line mode for assurance and access to data, AND they will be prudent enough to include a data parachute. In other words, providing users upfront with the means to access their data using a simple export engine, and / or the means to translate data into another format if you want, when you want, independent of the platforms own existence. Perhaps through a consortium approach that can rightfully address the current risks to cloud-data. [Update: At present, Onshape is setting a leading example in addressing the concern of cloud-data accessibility. As noted in their privacy overview, they provide export of design data into any of several industry standard or proprietary formats. Notably, they also provide a full, free API that let's you access all of your data programmatically. Thus enabling you to get your data into, and out of, Onshape at any time. Adding, their philosophy is that by making it possible for you to leave at any time, they're forever motivated to improve their service so that you'll want to stay.] 

As beautiful as the clouds may be on a bright sunny day, how confident would you really be to fly with a provider that sells itself as reputable and reliable, yet purposefully neglects to provide you with a pre-flight safety plan in the event you encounter the unexpected? So, with a cloud-based platform entrusted with your data, wouldn't you expect to have a parachute option?

3D CAD models... from NASA

Having a resource for accurate ready-built CAD models certainly saves time. From hardware fasteners to specific product designs, more and more suppliers are providing 3D models of their products either directly from their sites, or through community contribution sites that host supplier-certified models.

Space Exploration Vehicle (SEV) concept
courtesy of NASA

So it should be no surprise that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is doing the same by providing 3D CAD models of the many technological marvels that have traveled the sky and beyond.

Currently the NASA 3D Resources site is hosting over 300 models that range from A (AcrimSAT) to Z (Z2 Spacesuit), and include the full array of manned, unmanned and satellite programs. Files are primarily available in obj format, and they are in the process of converting models to stl format for 3D printing.

Therefore, whether your interest is driven by design, curiosity or nostalgia, NASA 3D models are certainly an intriguing resource to living history.

Google Sites... "an effortless way to create beautiful sites"

For any startup CAD entrepreneur / contractor / freelancer looking to quickly and easily create a web presence without the overhead of a paid domain, using Google Sites has been a great zero cost solution. Since being redesigned in 2016, the new Google Sites provides a clean, crisp updated look supported with simple, easy to use tools. In addition, having a web site that works and looks great across mobile and desktop devices is essential today, and Google Sites does it perfectly!

As anticipated, the option to migrate classic sites to the new sites became available this year. After migrating, you have the choice to keep the same URL, or to create a new address.  Also, as forewarned in the migrate process, not everything from old sites migrates perfectly to the new. So after migrating and some playing around, you might just find it more convenient to simply recreate your pages, and thus give everything a fresh new look.

Granted, there are some inherent limitations to the ready-made editing tools, but it's a fair trade-off considering everything provided is free. Also included is the option to add embedded code which certainly helps give more latitude to how you develop and design your site.

As you edit and work with the choices / options for a header, theme, and page layouts, you will likely agree with the marketing plug at the bottom of a new sites page… “Made with the new Google Sites, an effortless way to create beautiful sites.”

Solidworks PDM Professional is... well, it's complicated

As an ardent proponent of Solidworks Workgroup PDM, it was disappointing to come to terms with its end of life. Originally developed by Design Source Technologies, Inc with president and co-founder Jim Foster, the PDM tool was entitled PDMWorks. It was out-of-the-box basic and simple all around, much to the delight of administrators and users alike. Solidworks recognized its value and acquired it, renaming it as Workgroup PDM where it continued to be appreciated as a reliable file management tool. Based on a flat windows folder database structure, it has understandably been showing its age and being included with Solidworks Premium and Professional licenses was not a revenue generator in and of itself. Now with its demise, the alternatives parlayed by Dassault Systemes are Solidworks PDM Standard and Solidworks PDM Professional. The later formerly known as EPDM or Enterprise PDM, was acquired from Conisio @ 2006. Based on Microsoft SQL database structure, Dassault Systemes has put forth great effort to promote it as a "data management solution for organizations large and small", with scripted information that makes for a good first impression.

Like most marketing and sales related impressions though, it's what is not being said or shown that needs to be asked. For PDM administrators, the dilemma is that you simply might not have a good working knowledge of a product until you've... well, worked with it. As such, it isn't always apparent what questions to ask until you turn a corner in your understanding and suddenly realize you don't know anything about what's next, or how one aspect relates to or controls another.

For Solidworks PDM Professional, from the online presentations to the VAR sponsored demos, there is a clean polished display of what it can do, and it looks and sounds great. It's from the point of commitment however that things become... well, it's complicated. From the perspective of transitioning from Solidworks Workgroup PDM to Solidworks PDM Professional, here are some things that if not already apparent, certainly need to be discussed with a VAR when you hear them. This is especially so if you are anticipating a contracted statement of work (SOW) prior to implementation.  

• "easily migrate CAD data"  This expression sounds like everything will be taken care of for migrating your data. If agreed upon, only the most recent CAD files will be migrated to the new vault in the same folder structure arrangement. However, they will be in a "legacy state" that will most likely require you to manually transition each file to a working workflow if you want them in a working state. Also, none of the PDF copies of drawings contained in the Workgroup PDM vault will be brought over unless you specifically request such, because after all, they're not CAD data. Yes, if only you knew what to ask.

• "have it all set up"  This expression sounds like everything will be taken care of and you will simply need to show up and turn the key. From the initial consultation of current workflow processes, to the Administrating Solidworks PDM Professional Training you will begin to grow in your awareness that most everything required to make your PDM system operational will need to be learned, setup and tailored to fit your needs. Some points of application might be easier to understand, others will be totally new concepts that will take time to understand, implement, and test. Once understood, additional questions will inevitably arise. The VAR training includes examples on many points in the manual, but there really isn't enough time to cover every aspect in detail, nor the subsequent questions that naturally arise. The VAR will initially take the lead in developing each of the needed elements for your PDM system, and provide assistance along the way, but the operative word here is "assistance". Likely, you will receive assistance as you request it during the subsequent weeks that follow deployment. However the Admin is more or less left to discover what works and what doesn't, followed by head scratching, on-line research, requesting assistance or direction from your VAR, development and testing. Yes, if only you knew what to ask.

• "have any questions"  This expression too sounds like everything will be taken care of if you should ever have a question. As already discussed, you WILL have questions that arise only after you have made advances in your working knowledge of the software. Depending on how you arrange your workflow and transitions, some aspects of PDM Professional can be automated within PDM, others will require knowledge of API or dispatch programming. This will apply if you want to simply update a drawing when changing states such as from preproduction to production, or to simply update a drawing Revision Table with revision information. For example, would you know to ask if the Solidworks Revision Table works for Solidworks PDM? It's not a stupid question. It really doesn't work. So you will need to use a General Table edited specifically to function as a revision table. (Update: with the 2018 release, PDM now integrates with the Solidworks Revision table.) As these types of boggling issues surface, the VAR may or may not provide the hand-holding assistance you would like to have to address your questions as you navigate to the next corner and emerging question. In fact, you most likely won't be aware of initial shortcomings in your preset workflow and transitions until you realize you don't have the functionality you expected. All of this leaves the Admin in the unenviable position of having to make these edits to tailored PDM functions as projects of themselves, while communicating to the engineering team why Workgroup PDM used to perform all of these functions but 'we can't right now with PDM Professional until we do more programming'. Programming, which in all likelihood will again require some form of research, requesting assistance or direction from your VAR, development and testing. Yes, if only you knew what to ask.

Those who have successfully navigated the implementation of Solidworks PDM Professional are to be commended. They have garnered a worthy skill set using a product that possesses a puzzling array of potential. To put it judiciously... it's complicated. It's certainly not what everyone wants but seems to be the only choice Dassault Systemes wants to offer. With years of use behind it, isn't it strange that Solidworks PDM Professional would be so unduly complicated, yet in many ways does less out-of-the-box than Solidworks Workgroup PDM?

In summary, Solidworks PDM Professional is anything but turn-key. It's an auto mechanic dropping in a new engine for you, tightening it to the frame, showing you how a hose or a cable connect, and saying "you can deploy in as little as ten days... to capitalize on new opportunities faster"! Sure, out of necessity you will figure it out... eventually,... but it's complicated. You asked for an expensive new engine and naively thought you could just show up and turn the key, because you didn't ask the right questions.

Solidworks Xdesign and Xdrive... full cloud-based CAD and collaboration

With the recent announcement of SOLIDWORKS Xdesign, the world of browser-based and mobile mechanical design CAD has a new and exciting entrant. As is common among the trappings of annual user events, Xdesign premiered as a working demo, while anticipating a private beta in May, followed by a public beta yet in 2016. The Xdesign site reflects similar depth by presently only providing sign up for updates and beta consideration, and an informational YouTube video that while polished and well produced, clearly is intended to be more inspirational than informational.

As part of the larger Solidworks Innovation Platform (think 'all things Solidworks') and following recent releases of cloud-based Conceptual Designer and Industrial Designer, Xdesign is touted as a cloud-based, fully fledged CAD system, capable of 3D parametric modeling. As its own entity, Xdesign will run a different modeling kernel than Solidworks Desktop, and will store its data entirely in a cloud database. With this foray, attention within Solidworks will be divided to support both Desktop and Xdesign, and their corresponding development.

Perhaps of equal interest from this recent announcement at Solidworks World 2016 is the data storage functionality that will be known as Xdrive. Likened to a Dropbox for Solidworks, the Xdrive app will serve as the data bridge between Solidworks Xdesign and Solidworks Desktop, and is slated to be included in the Standard subscription release of SOLIDWORKS 2017.

As another aspect to the burgeoning Dassault Systemes 3D EXPERIENCE platform, the impetus given to Solidworks Xdesign will no doubt correlate with their concerns of current and future market share. With a well recognized and loyal customer base eager for staying technologically relevant, establishing Solidworks Xdesign as a credible CAD system is imperative for industry giant Dassault Systemes. This is especially so given Solidworks latent posture among established browser-based and mobile mechanical design CAD pioneers Autodesk Fusion 360 and Onshape.

YouTube, CAD, the Hashtag #... and more

There is more information available today than ever before. Aside from sponsored content, how can any one person sift the entire internet to discern what is valuable from what is trivial? The answer simply is you can't,... but an algorithm can.

YouTube's auto-generated channels are created by algorithms to collect trending and popular videos by topic.  Auto-generated channels act like user channels in that you can subscribe to them and stay updated on new videos. YouTube's auto-generated channels begin with a # symbol (i.e: #SolidWorks, #CATIA, #Autodesk, #ProE, etc.) and contain a notice in the About section that they are auto-generated. 

The clear advantage of auto-generated channels for video information is the enlarged content, filtered for usability. Yes, of course all of the big players have their own channel, but the information in a sponsored channel is selective and controlled by the sponsor. In other words, it is limited by what they want you to see. However, an auto-generated channel will include all video content relevant to the topic. Thus, auto-generated channels provide you with the best of everything related to the topic, regardless of who created the video.

For CAD users, scripted instructions of Help sections, and company-sponsored sites all have their place in the scheme of things. Video instruction though is such a powerful tool as it provides clear, visual step-by-step instruction. So it's nice to know a collective / sorted resource of video information is available with seemingly little effort. So if you're interested in viewing features of a CAD program, training, tips, or whatever is relevant to the topic, then the auto-generated hashtag # channel is an excellent resource to view the most relevant information quickly.

As an additional benefit, the side bar of any channel includes Featured Channels that might be of a related interest to the viewer as well. Thereby easily expanding your pool of available resources, as needed. And you don't have to limit yourself to CAD, as YouTube is auto-generating an ever increasing number of channels in any topic, including music / musicians with selected entire album content of which you can subscribe. Yes, what more could you ask for from an algorithm!

Onshape... opens its doors with a CAD pre-production offering

Onshape Incorporated  has just opened its doors, albeit slightly with a fresh and updated website providing a glimpse into this new company and the excitement they are bringing to the CAD community. With a welcoming and transparent view of the team and credentials, the company includes a robust mix of industry veterans in the fields of engineering, marketing, sales & support, user experience & product definition, along with a variety of interns getting in on the ground floor of something substantial.

Among the early surprises is the offering to be considered for an early access pre-production version of Onshape. The criteria to be considered includes a willingness to share details of your real design project, keep all information about Onshape confidential, and that you don't work directly or indirectly for a CAD vendor or reseller. If interested, you may want to hurry since the offering will be limited to a select number of design teams.

For what you might be giving up in this pre-production arrangement, you gain by receiving free early product access, technical support, the opportunity to steer the development of Onshape, and recognition / credits towards the production release.

No doubt the CAD community at large is eager to see and hear more about this new product, as the original pioneers of SolidWorks develop Onshape further, for as they say... "the world has changed."

[The post "Onshape... opens its doors with a CAD pre-production offering" appeared first on CAD Graphics BlogWorks]

A single monitor is no problem... with SolidWorks Design Library

Many have experienced the frustrating constraint with having to design using a single monitor, whether with a desktop or laptop computer.  If having to do so, then you are sure to benefit from the Design Library of the Task Manager. Being both simple to setup and simple to modify as needed, the Design Library allows easy access to the Windows folders of your choice, without ever having to leave SolidWorks. Additionally, the workflow to using the Design Library eliminates the repetitive menu clicks of browsing for and inserting existing models, blocks, or annotations.

For example, suppose you have a folder of CAD models specific to a project, and another folder of common hardware CAD models.  By adding these two folders to your Design Library, the folders are now readily available to select.  When a Design Library folder is selected, the lower file view window provides icon imagery where the size can be adjusted to personal preference with a simple right-click menu selection. Although the Design Library only provides visibility / access to parts, assemblies, blocks and annotations, it does conveniently allow for drag and drop capability, saving time and effort in the design process.

Learning a new method or workflow always takes a measure of confidence that the initial effort in setup will bring real benefit. Utilizing the Design Library is just another example of that. Easily overlooked, it is especially helpful if you only have a single monitor to use with designing. By simply taking less than a minute to arrange, the Design Library can yield tremendous gains in finding the models you need quickly and efficiently, without ever having to leave the SolidWorks environment. 

The only question you might have after setting up and experiencing the advantage of using the Design Library to access folders is...  what will do you do with your added free time?!

Parasolid and D-Cubed... still the popular choices for 3D CAD software development

Owned by Siemens PLM Software, the 3D geometric modeling kernel known as Parasolid® and the CAD, CAM, CAE and PLM librariries of D-Cubed™ have been a popular choice among CAD software developers. These components are widely recognized as world leading and while used in Siemens products, are also licensed to many of the leading independent software vendors (ISV's), including SolidWorks. Their legacy of use continues with a new generation of cloud-based applications currently being developed by the likes of GrabCAD and the startup OnShape Inc.

Earlier this month, the announcement that GrabCAD had licensed Parasolid created a bit of a stir in the CAD community. So much so that they were impelled to issue a blog post explaining they were not developing a CAD system, but rather were simply pursuing development improvements of cloud-based PDM within the framework of Workbench. As it has already proven to be an effective collaboration tool, the viewer capability of Workbench will no doubt be enhanced by utilizing the Parasolid geometry engine. 

Within the past couple of years, OnShape Inc. too has been in the news in terms and intervals indicative of genuine growth. Numerous reports have well explained that the company's foundation includes the original pioneers and leaders of SolidWorks. Not surprisingly then, with a pattern reminiscent of early SolidWorks, this new enterprise began with a vision and determined entrepreneurial spirit. Here is an interesting timeline of key dates in its development thus far:

• November 2012: Belmont Technology incorporated @ Delaware USA
• founders include Jon Hirschtick (Chairman), John McEleney (CEO), Heung-Wing "Tommy" Li (Technical Lead), Dave Corcoran (VP Development), Scott Harris (VP Product Definition and UX), and Axel Bichara (Board Member)
• posted hiring for those skilled in distributed cloud-based architecture, rich web application development, and server infrastructure
• December 2012: secured $9 million in venture capital funding.
• April 2013: leased 4,930 sq ft of high-visibility first floor space at the One Alewife Center, Suite 130 @ Cambridge, Massachusetts USA
• April 2013: with 13 employees, added $25 million in funding earmarked to ramp hiring and to continue the development process
• January 2014: renamed OnShape Inc.
• homepage lists the team as including top engineers from the CAD, data center, mobile and streaming media industries
• posted hiring for marketing interns as a unique opportunity for anyone interested in the software industry, inbound marketing, as well as getting involved with an organization at the ground level
• February 2014: licensed the Parasolid and D-Cubed technologies

It's exciting to consider that OnShape may bring something refreshingly relevant to the CAD community, albeit perhaps anchored to Parasolid and D-Cubed. As SolidWorks users know well, having a great CAD software package is an important impetus to design.  So what will these original founders of SolidWorks and their team develop in this day and age with the current trends in technology, their collective knowledge and experience, an awareness of opportunity, and a clean slate?  We will simply have to wait and see.

HomeByMe... imagine, design, and share 3D housing projects

As a CAD service provider, it's always exciting to learn of new products that can extend one's repertoire of 3D services.  Especially when the new products announced are part of the ever expanding 3D Experience platform of Dassault Systemes. Among the new DS product offerings announced during Monday's General Session at SolidWorks World 2014 in San Diego, California USA, HomeByMe merits attention and is now available to users in a beta release.

HomeByMe is an online 3D space planning service to imagine, design, and share housing projects. With HomeByMe, you can create an entire home in 3D and experiment with thousands of products and textures before sharing your project.

Powered by 3DVIA, it's easy to sketch a home. With a simple yet effective interface, external and internal walls can be placed and arranged, along with doors, windows, additional floors, and stairs. Essentially, everything you might need to transform a vision into a 3D reality.

As SolidWorks users know well, we are accustomed to the many facets of mechanical design projects. But to keep things fresh, it can be rewarding to take on the occasional 3D modeling project of a home, deck, or other entity, be it personal or for business. Yes, HomeByMe is certainly a convenient means to develop a 3D home design, furnish it, decorate it, and render it. All in the comfort of the 3D Experience platform!

Increase SolidWorks productivity... in four key areas

Rather than charging into the next CAD assignment, take a moment to reflect how your time and effort is being used when managing multiple clients. Have you encountered recent modeling or drawing experiences where you thought to yourself "I know there's an easier / faster way to do this, but I'll set that up later"? Instead of improving the situation however, many just continue with the same tried-n-true mouse clicks they're accustomed to. If that has been your experience, then setting aside a small amount of time to address these four key areas should yield noticeable benefits toward increasing your efficiency and effectiveness with SolidWorks, and especially when managing multiple clients. 

Templates

• Develop Part, Assembly, and Drawing templates specific to a client as soon as you begin a project
• For these client-based templates, be sure to arrange:
• the preferred 'Unit System', including number of decimals or whether to use fractions
• the 'Hide/Show Items' to your preference
• the Drawing 'Title Blocks' to feature the clients name and/or logo
• Leave the Custom Properties of Part, Assembly, and Drawing templates blank
• If not mapped already, ensure the System Options are arranged to include any needed templates in the Default Templates and File Locations > Document Templates settings

Custom Properties

• Utilize 'Property Tab Builder' to create 'Custom Property' templates for Part, Assembly, and Drawing files
• separate part templates can be developed for both designed components and for common hardware
• use the 'Task Manager' pane to easily assign and edit the Custom Properties for each file type

User Interface and Customization

• Add commonly used 'Command' icons to the 'Main Toolbar' or the 'View (Heads-Up) Toolbar'
• locate these in positions that minimize mouse travel (i.e.: place a 'close file' icon next to the 'save icon')
• Utilize 'Context Toolbar'
• Utilize 'Mouse Gestures'

SmartMates

• When building assemblies, simply press and hold [Alt] + select entity, then drag to mate model geometry
• Press [Tab] to flip alignment, if needed

Of course, these are just four of the many aspects of SolidWorks that can aid in improving productivity. Easy to implement into a routine if you haven't done so already, these four areas should yield noticeable improvements toward managing multiple clients efficiently and effectively.

Infinite Skills... video training for SolidWorks

Brushing up or enhancing ones skills in SolidWorks has an inherent value that makes the effort worthwhile.  The difficulty in doing so however, is oftentimes more about having the right time and circumstances than it is about desire.

(c) Infinite Skills, Inc.

Not to be overlooked then is Infinite Skills and their Video Based Training for SolidWorks. Their free YouTube shorts may be just what many are looking for to clarify or build greater understanding on a variety of SolidWorks design and modeling techniques. 

Understandably, these free SolidWorks video tutorials only address the basics associated with each theme, but should be enough to provide a measure of understanding toward a modeling technique that you may not have used before, or bring back to memory what you may have simply forgotten.

Based in Oakville, Ontario Canada, Infinite Skills also carries priced training materials for an impressive and wide array of computer software and IT training needs, including several specific to SolidWorks.  Clearly, Infinite Skills is serious about providing effective visual training, and their SolidWorks YouTube shorts are a fine way to experience this first hand.

Sketch quickly and accurately in SolidWorks... with Grid / Snap

Understandably, SolidWorks users generally prefer defined sketches to ensure the stability of their CAD model.  However, when it comes to initially sketching splines for example, oftentimes an early or preliminary sketch may be comprised of both defined and undefined points.  This mixed approach lends itself well to developing a working sketch while still retaining some flexibility to manipulate the sketch as desired.

Another and perhaps more flexible approach toward developing a preliminary sketch however, could be to set SolidWorks System Options and Document Properties to enable Grid and Snap.  An often overlooked carryover from 2D CAD systems, the Snap-to-Grid method provides a convenient means for quickly drawing a sketch with relative accuracy, while also leaving the entire sketch free to manipulate.

The preliminary spline sketch shown here is an example of a sketch type that lends itself well to the Grid / Snap approach.

Spline sketch utilizing SolidWorks Grid / Snap option setting

By setting the Document Properties - Grid/Snap - Major and Minor grid spacing options to a preferred measure of detail, the ability to easily snap sketch points with accuracy and proportion quickly becomes evident.  

So the benefit of using the Grid and Snap options is really during the initial development of a sketch.  Rather than early on, going back and forth editing dimensions simply to tweak coordinates, the Grid and Snap options allow a user to save time and effort before committing to defined dimensions.  

Later, when it becomes readily apparent and prudent, the sketch can be defined with dimensions.  With the sketch then defined, the Grid and Snap options can easily be disabled.

Epigrid... on the forefront of Cloud-Hosted EPDM

Recognition as to the benefits of a product data management (PDM) system is growing among many SolidWorks CAD users.  Higher-end PDM systems such as SolidWorks Enterprise PDM however, are often out of reach for most small businesses or independent CAD users.  In effect adding insult to injury, not only is the high cost of EPDM software an obstacle, just supporting such a system requires a real working knowledge of information technology.   So what solutions are available to bridge the "wants versus needs" gap inherent with current CAD PDM packages?

One company that has addressed this niche is Epigrid.   As to why he started the company, Chief Technical Officer Chad Garrish states "I saw a hole in the market between what engineering wanted, and what IT could really give them."  Founded in 2012, and based in Suwanee, Georgia USA, Epigrid provides affordable cloud-hosted EPDM.  Combining their experience in engineering data management along with server, network and  cloud management, Epigrid has made their services, vault configuration, and support flexible and scale-able to any sized group or budget. 

Notably, Epicure's approach to security reinforces they have a real grasp on what CAD users need in a hosted PDM service.  The importance of security is evident by their arrangement of privately hosted architecture, multiple layers of advanced security methods, constant data protection, HIPAA-compliant data centers, and disaster recovery center.

Epigrid also demonstrates an openness and transparency that is refreshing among young startups.  Chief Information Officer Lewis Halski warmly invites those interested to view their FAQ videos, and to call or email with questions.  With short to-the-point videos that reflect IT sensibility, and all the EPDM cloud-hosting tools one could ask for, Epigrid is on the forefront in providing a unique service that addresses a real need among many CAD users.

The 2012 financials for SolidWorks...

Dassault Systemes North American Headquarters

The 2012 financials for SolidWorks indicate continued growth and momentum

Many SolidWorks users are keenly interested in the goings on of the company and where the software may be going both in the way of further development and new direction.  To gain a sense of the current business health of SolidWorks, it might be helpful to look at the company as it has grown over the years and what the current Dassault Systemes 2012 financials reveal*.  In summary, most will find that SolidWorks is, well... very solid.

History and milestones

A brief review of the history of SolidWorks shows continued growth both from within and from acquisition.

• 2013  +2M licenses sold @ 26% commercial / 74% educational; Announced upcoming release of SolidWorks Mechanical Conceptual
• 2012  Added SolidWorks Plastics and SolidWorks Electrical to portfolio
• 2011  Bertrand Sicot as CEO; Added SolidWorks Costing to portfolio; Dassault Systems creates the American Campus in Waltham, MA  USA; Updated logo
• 2010
• 2009 +1M licenses sold @ 34% commercial / 66% educational; Added Sustainability to portfolio, Updated product names
• 2008  Acquired Priware, incorporated CircuitWorks, Significant IU enhancements
• 2007  Jeff Ray as CEO; Acquired Seemage; Added 3DVIA Composer to portfolio
• 2006  Acquired Conisio, Added PDMWorks Enterprise to portfolio
• 2005
• 2004
• 2003
• 2002  Added PDMWorks Workgroup to portfolio from Design Resource Technology, Inc
• 2001  John McEleney as CEO; +118k licenses sold, Acquired Structural Research and Analysis Corporation; Added Simulation to portfolio, Updated logo
• 2000
• 1999
• 1998
• 1997  Acquired by Dassault Systems @ $310M
• 1996
• 1995  Shipped first seat of SolidWorks; Headquarters in Concord, MA USA
• 1994
• 1993  John Hirschtick as CEO; Founded in Waltham, MA USA dba Winchester Design Systems

SolidWorks Licenses

As regards SolidWorks licenses, a notable statistic that stands out is the ever growing percentage of education license sales over commercial, currently at a 2.8:1 ratio.

Another is the software reaching the milestone of 2 million licenses sold. However, this statistic should not be construed as the actual number of current users as SolidWorks infers. It's simply the total number of licenses sold since 1995.  A much better barometer of the health of SolidWorks is the number of licenses or seats sold each year, as this graph indicates.

SolidWorks Revenue

The 2012 key figures delivered by Dassault Systemes indicate that within their total revenue of € 2,083.3M, SolidWorks software provided € 403.2M, or 19.3%.  Generally speaking, SolidWorks has routinely contributed at around 20% over the years since being acquired by Dassault Systemes in 1997.  So not much has changed there.

What has changed is the profitability.  Whereas SolidWorks sales generally mirror the overall economic trends, the revenue generated by SolidWorks is showing a steady increase.

SolidWorks Headcount

An clearer indication of momentum within SolidWorks is the employee headcount.  While it has shown moderate increase over the years, in 2012 it jumped significantly from 848 to 1,015.  One can only speculate as to what all that extra effort is going toward, but SolidWorks Mechanical Conceptual would seem to be at least one reasonable choice.

In conclusion, the statistics indicate that SolidWorks continues to provide a viable tool that CAD consumers appreciate.  Certainly, as technology and leadership shape SolidWorks from within, it seems well positioned within the framework of Dassault Systemes 3DEXPERIENCE Platform to continue pressing diligently toward their goal.  A goal of gaining an ever increasing share as the CAD software of choice among the worldwide design community. 

* data and information derived the Dassault Systemes Annual Report 2012 and SolidWorks Company Fact Sheets

netvibes... CAD web as you want it, and everything else too!

Keeping aware of business trends and managing time effectively are two very important aspects to any CAD entrepreneur, and netvibes addresses both.  Founded in 2005 and acquired by Dassault Systemes in early 2012, netvibes provides a personalized web dashboard that can be tailored to any variety of digital interests and subjects.

Herein lies the tremendous value of netvibes for people and business.  Rather than taking time to routinely peruse the variety of websites and blogs you typically might navigate to stay informed, simply use netvibes as a single, convenient means to view all the latest digital information that is relevant to you.  For example, say you want to keep up to date on topics and blog commentary specific to Solidworks.  Then create a Solidworks dashboard and add RSS feeds from the published web sources of your choice.  It's that simple, and netvibes will do the work for you.

Beyond having a single dashboard, you can also create additional dashboards for other interests too.  Whether for personal or for your CAD business, the apps and widget selections allow you to keep informed of news and even email, all under one netvibe account.

Of the three tiers available, the basic is free and has enough customization to certainly be of value.  Although it was reported that netvibes had its own pains inherit to any growing business, it appears that at least for the present it is here to stay.  Gigaom reported last year that Dassault Systemes purchased netvibes for roughly $26M (US).  Highlighting their commitment to make this a reputable part of the 3DExperience, Bernard Charles (President and CEO of Dassault Systemes) and Freddy Mini (CEO of netvibes) have provided encouragement to look into netvibes, as seen on the Dassault Systemes / netvibes product page and video.  As it is being touted, the dashboard intelligence of netvibes should be a tremendous asset to any CAD entrepreneur looking to be most efficient with their time and efforts at keeping informed.

Certified in Solidworks... to be or not to be?

From its inception, the Certification program for Solidworks has served as "a benchmark to measure your knowledge and competency with Solidworks software".  There have been significant refinements to the program over the years and at present there are a variety of levels and areas of interest as outlined on the Solidworks Certification site.  Each year at Solidworks World, candidates are allowed to take either Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA), Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWPCORE) or any of the Certified SolidWorks Professional Advanced Specialist exams.  The current program then certainly encourages consideration for anyone looking to assess or promote their skill with Solidworks.  Along with the sample exams provided by Solidworks and information found in The Solidworks Blog, searching online can also reveal a number of articles that address general exam content and collectively this information may serve well in preparing for a successful exam.

(c) DS Solidworks

One benefit of Certification in Solidworks is that it demonstrates proficiency due in part to the time constraint imposed by an exam.  While there is certainly nothing new to be found in an exam, a users competency in the software is revealed in the ability to model and navigate through the test criteria decisively.  In this regard, most users could certainly attain the desired results with a good working knowledge of the exam set and given enough time.  A Certification then clearly validates a users ability to attain the desired results effectively and accurately.

Solidworks has a very respectable arrangement to the Certification program, being both accessible and a fair representation of the software.  Whether Certification affords a secular advantage is mixed, as it may for some and may not for others.  Regardless of this, simply by recalling or contemplating your first impression of Solidworks and how it may have affected your secular goals, perhaps the most notable benefit to gaining Certification in Solidworks is the milestone and significance of genuine personal achievement. 

Here are a few recommendations for taking a Solidworks Certification exam:

• ensure you have a stable internet connection
• if available, use a dual monitor arrangement to view both the Solidworks program and the VirtualTester Client simultaneously
• have a folder location already prepared and easily accessible in which to save the models you create, and those you may need to download for an exam
• ensure you have an adequate window of time and an environment free of distraction
• endeavor to read questions and view images carefully and thoughtfully

Staples... Easy 3D printing !

Great news for 3D CAD users... very soon Staples will be providing full color and low cost 3D printing!  Yes... that's Easy 3D printing, along with their regular array of quality office products and printing services.

(c) Staples

As announced this week by Mcor Technologies, Ltd. at the Euromold 2012 conference in Frankfurt, Germany, Staples Easy 3D online service will enable anyone familiar with 3D design to create "low cost, brilliantly colored, photo-realistic 3D printed products from Staples stores" utilizing the Mcor IRIS commercial-class 3D printer.  Similar to ordering business cards, users would simply upload electronic files, and then visit their local Staples store for the pickup or have the item shipped to an address.

"Customized parts, prototypes, art objects, architectural models, medical models and 3D maps are items customers need today, in a more affordable and more accessible manner" Wouter Van Dijk, president of the Staples Printing Systems Division in Europe, said in the release.

According to Oscar Pakasi, director business development of Staples Printing Systems and responsible for developing the concept and the design of the Staples Easy 3D platform, the service will initially be available in the Netherlands and Belgium in early 2013, and will be rolled out quickly to other countries.  So while you're anxiously waiting, you can catch a glimpse of the action with this video provided by Staples Nederland.

To learn more about new Mcor printers, Design Engineering's Anthony Lockwood and Rapid Ready Technology's John Newman have published informative reviews on Mcor Technologies 300+ printer and the method of Variable Volume Deposition (VVD).  So the reviews are very relevant to the latest IRIS model.  In summary, this method of paper with a water-based adhesive yields eco-friendly models that are "remarkably resilient" with the look and feel of plastic.

So certainly some fresh, exciting and convenient technology to enhance product development!