Archive for January, 2008

How to Bring SolidWorks Models Into Adobe Flash

Published
by
Josh
on January 31, 2008
in SolidWorks Tips
. 7 Comments

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solidworks-to-flash.jpgIf you mix an interest in web design with an interest in SolidWorks you get a hideous amalgamation of 3D graphics, silly phrases and coffee stains. Couple that with a frustrating inadequacy of font types and its basically pure madness.

The Problem
Adobe Flash, formerly Macromedia Flash, opened up a lot of possibilities for web development, but it was painful developing 3D vector graphics. Electric Rain came along with Swift3D, but if you’re use to working in programs like SolidWorks, it was still, but slightly less painful to create 3D geometry.

So, how do you go from SolidWorks to Flash? A few downloads and 4 steps later you’ll have just what you need.
Continue reading ‘How to Bring SolidWorks Models Into Adobe Flash’

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MoI Releases Version 1.0 Plus a Little Review

Published
by
Josh
on January 31, 2008
in Product Reviews
. 1 Comment

moi_howto.pngWhen you look out over the wall surrounding the meat and cheese paradise that is sketch-driven, history-based solid modeling, you’ll notice the rolling hills of free-form 3D modeling.

It’s a wonderfully surreal place to escape to every once in a while, especially if you need to work in some unusual 3d formats or create something a little more abstract.

Crispy and Clean
MoI (Moment of Inspiration) came on the scene around August 2007. I’ve been fiddling with the beta release here and there and noticed last week that Deelip crashed the MoI launch party for version 1.0.

What’s it like?
It’s really intuitive. For me, it’s like shaping Styrofoam, without the mess. That might sound weird, but it provides just enough precision with the ability to shape what you want. If you wanted a comparison, it’s right in between SketchUp and Rhino. It actually uses the Rhino openNURBS file format (.3dm) so obviously, it’s interoperable between the two, plus you can open that format directly in SolidWorks.

In ease of use, it stands on its own
Developer, Michael Gibson, actually created Rhino, so you’ll see similarities, but MoI is a lot easier to get started with. I’d try this if you’ve ever been interested in trying a free-form modeler but apprehensive. He developed it from the standpoint of ease of use for pen tablet users. However, it’s easy even with a mouse. You can use the keyboard to enter values if you like, but every command can be done with the left mouse button.

What’s extra special is how good it looks and how fast it runs on the foulest graphically-challenged of computers, like my 2001 Compaq Presario laptop. Additionally, the beta is still free to download, but the price for Version 1.0 is a mere $195. You can’t buy conversion software for that cheap.

If you want to see how it works, there are some very nice video tutorials that give a quick overview. I created the below model in just over 5 minutes. Fun stuff.

moi-solidsmack1.jpg

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Last Day to Enter Adobe Acrobat 3D Contest

Published
by
Josh
on January 31, 2008
in Contests
. 0 Comments

acrobat-users-group-logo.jpgJanuary 31st is the last day to enter the Acrobat 3D contest and if you’re a SOlidWorks users there’s really no reason why you shouldn’t enter because it’s super dang easy to create a 3D PDF. Hey, you don’t even need Adobe Acrobat installed.

2 step process for SolidWorks Users

  1. Open your favorite model and Save As… PDF (select 3D PDF option)
  2. Enter Here

Prizes include a Dell Precision M4300 laptop valued at $1500, Apple iPhones, Apple Video iPods, 3Dconnexion navigation devices, Acrobat 3D, PhotoShop CS 3 E, and the Technical Communication Suite. Today is the last day in case you didn’t read the headline.

Acrobat 3D PDFs not only provide a easy way to document 3D data. They also allow you to communicate with a format that is already used in nearly every industry. If you want to learn more and play with a trial version visit the Adobe Acrobat 3D site or read my review series (1, 2, 3).

See more on the contest details and enter here.

acrobat-contest.jpg

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Free-Floating 3D Graffiti Looks Jazzy

Published
by
Josh
on January 30, 2008
in Rockin' Cool
. 0 Comments

taggin.jpgI know all you engineers out there are hardcore graffiti artist, but feel conflicted over vandalizing your place of employment. That’s why you need to see this.

Graffiti artist DAIM is part of the “Tagged in Motion” project to create virtual free-floating 3D graffiti. That’s right kiddo’s, railroad cars and abandoned buildings are no longer needed.

In a large hall, three cameras using Motion Capturing record DAIM’s position and the movements he executes with a virtual spray can. The assimilated data is shown to him in real time in a pair of video glasses.

Personally, I opt for the real thing, but still, imagine the assimilated data being translated to a modeler with additional real-time manipulation. A bit artsy in the application, but still I keep thinking, why does being an engineer or designer mean we have to sit at a desk all day?

watch the hi-res video.

Via FreshCreation

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SolidWorks 2008 SP2.1: Cause Every 2 Needs a Big Fat .1

Published
by
Josh
on January 30, 2008
in SolidWorks News
. 2 Comments

solidworks 2008 logoIf you remember the problem I had with SP2.0 that caused (from all indications on my side) me to have my computer wiped and rebuilt, you’ll know I’m glad to see this Service Pack come out so soon.

I’m preparing to load it, this time with WindowsXP System Restore activated. I was stupid and had it off on my last system.

You can, as always, get this new SP from the shiny and still somewhat new Customer Portal.

Update: I’ve decided to hold off till SP3.0. My computer became unusable and is being rebuilt. It’s possible the problem is the video card and may be related or unrelated to the Service Pack. Check the forums and definitely TEST.

Don’t ask me for crackz or free copies. I don’t know how to do that stuff and plus it’s naughty.

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SolidWorks Product Design Contest 2007

Published
by
Josh
on January 29, 2008
in Product Design
. 1 Comment

one-touch-can-opener.jpgEach year SolidWorks host a modeling contest and announces the winners on the last day of SolidWorks World. Some people have asked me who won the contest but, in the sheer excitement, I failed to write them down. Fortunately Nancy Buchino from SolidWorks, who ran the Chase Corporate Challenge in 29 minutes 48 seconds, was kind enough to post a Press Release revealing all the winners. Thanks.

There were something like 60 entries and a lot of them are just really, really good, like my favorite, the Burton Elementz Kitcar that was also entered in the Burton Car Design Competition.

naber-burton-elementz_500.jpg

Here’s all the winners.
Continue reading ‘SolidWorks Product Design Contest 2007′

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The Art of Creating Creatures

Published
by
Josh
on January 29, 2008
in Inspiration
. 1 Comment

It’s hard to put truly inspirational art into words. At best you’ll end with someone wondering what in blazes you’re talking about, and if you’ve ever created a piece of art in your own mind… you’ll still end up with someone wondering what the blazes you’re talking about.

It’s best to experience the creation and you either get it or you don’t; you get something out of it or move on to picking popcorn off your shirt.

If you ask anyone that has heard of Theo Jansen, you’ll probably hear something like, “That is the freakin’ weirdest stuff I’ve seen in… like ever.” Nonetheless, it’s amazing and you have to see it. Here’s what he does, but the video shows it all.


Theo Jansen is a Dutch artist who builds walking kinetic sculptures that he calls a new form of life. His “Strandbeests” walk the coastline of Holland, feeding on wind and fleeing from water.

The Art of Creating Creatures

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Lego Bricks Inspiring Kids For 50 years

Published
by
Josh
on January 28, 2008
in Inspiration
. 3 Comments

lego-logo.jpgThe most amazing thing happened right this second. (Jan 28th 1:58 PM) The Lego brick turned 50 years old.

Can you imagine just trying to build things with sticks a rocks. That is just inhumane. Kids need multi-colored easily connected blocks of joy to grab their imagination and turn them into creative adults with something to live for.

My favorite was the Galaxy Explorer sets rockin’ the early 80’s. Point toward Denmark and shout Happy Birthday.

The freaks over at Gizmodo have thrown a great celebration with facts, timelines and best Lego sets in history.
lego-timeline.jpg

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Where is SolidWorks World 2009? Guest Speaker?

Published
by
Josh
on January 28, 2008
in SolidWorks News
. 0 Comments

solidworks-ipod-apple.jpg

If you’re really peeved that 4700 SolidWorks users have an iPod Nano and you don’t, take it out on your nearest cubicle mate and prepare for next year. SolidWorks World is heading for Orlando. The one in Florida. Where that scary mouse and his minions live.

SolidWorks
World 2009
February 8-11th, 2009
The Walt Disney World
Swan and Dolphin
Orlando, FL

swan-dolphin.jpg

Possible Guest Speaker
There’s already been some speculation from Matt and Rob about one of the guest speakers being Michael Graves who designed the hotel and and is mostly know for his product designs at Target. Very astute observation Matt.

So, who know’s what is being cooked up for next year. I sure don’t want to miss it though.

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SolidWorks 2009: Decimate the Weak

Published
by
Josh
on January 28, 2008
in SolidSmack News
. 10 Comments

solidworks2009.jpg

I dunno? A bit too strong, ya think?

At SolidWorks World the most anticipated moments are sleeping and the presentation of features on the next release. SolidWorks 2009 is set to launch the third quarter of 2008 and the development crew has some very pretty functionality they’re cooking up.

Do you want SolidWorks to perform better?
Well, ‘scalability’ just happened to be the flaming corporate whip lashed repeatedly every time 2009 was brought up. (Seriously, it was like a whipping, but one you don’t mind so much. ‘Thankyou sir, may I have another’ type of stuff.)

You can’t have too much talk about performance as long as it’s true. And as Mike Puckett mentioned, the SolidWorks team declared the same mantra of performance increases and concern for the user whether they were loopy or not.

So, performance increases are a sure bet. Really? Sure looks like it. Take a read.
Continue reading ‘SolidWorks 2009: Decimate the Weak’

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