That’s right, a Dell Precision M4300 laptop valued at $1500. And it couldn’t be easier for SolidWorks Users. Adobe Acrobat Users Community is running a contest for users to submit example of 3D PDFs that show the capabilities of Acrobat 3D and 3D PDFs. Other prizes include Apple iPhones, Apple Video iPods, 3Dconnexion navigation devices,…

If you’ve always wanted to participate in the SolidWorks community without leaving your desk, nows your chance. SolidMentor.com, a central location for everything related to SolidWorks has just gone out of beta…un-beta. I would strongly suggest going over and signing up for two reasons. 1) It’s a great source of information and community and 2)…

In case you may not be aware, Transformers the movie went on dvd sale Tuesday. If you want to see some sweet special effects and the Transformer named BoneCrusher created with SolidWorks rent or pick it up today.

Fresh squeezed tips

I cam across an issue today where a composite fiberglass part had been modeled with no draft (angled faces). Production stopped because they couldn’t make it by the print and get it off the mold. A hostage situation ensued, the problem was corrected and production cheered the results. All was well, except for the unapologetic engineer that was immediately flogged.

This brings up some modeling methods to consider when creating composite parts that follow a certain manufacturing process. The following is a quick and really simple approach to how to get the best results.

The innovation in prosthetics going on right now is phenomenal. With the Festo AG life-like arm an actual functional appendage for those without seems to be getting closer and closer. Dean Kamen and DARPA have revealed a little more in this peek inside the test lab at DARPA with Scott Kirsner of the Boston Globe.…