Can you Customize your CAD Tool?

Not all CAD tools allow you to customize your design environment. Most tools are developed one way, without any flexibility or personalization options. This forces the user to use the default location of all commands and interfaces within that tool. What if you wanted to make the User Interface your own? Don’t you want to improve your productivity?

Read more at the original source: http://www.cadmicro.com/customize-cad-tools/

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4 Reasons Why The SolidWorks PCB Connector will Revolutionize your ECAD/MCAD Collaboration

With today’s booming IOT (Internet of Things) and consumer electronics industry, multidisciplinary teams of engineers often have to work together to develop products. Speaking purely from a hardware perspective, mechanical designers and electrical designers use MCAD and ECAD software to develop the physical constraints of the project, and they often rely on each other. As an example of this collaboration, mechanical designers will often ask the electrical designers of the board shape they desire, or perhaps the electrical designers will require the hole locations from their mechanical counterparts. In this article we discuss how the SolidWorks PCB Connector can revolutionize the collaboration between ECAD PCB tools (SolidWorks PCB and Altium) and SolidWorks.

Complete CAD Freedom

It’s quite apparent that PCB CAD software are usually programmed primarily with PCB and electrical design freedom in mind. CAD software such as Altium and SolidWorks PCB are excellent in their realm of PCB design, but when it comes to specifying mechanical constraints, using these software’s alone can be a daunting task. This is where the SolidWorks PCB Connector comes into play; it allows Altium or SolidWorks PCB users to collaborate with mechanical designers through SolidWorks, and allows for the passing of CAD data between these two environments.

Specifying board shapes for example, especially complex shapes with multiple curves or hard to measure entities, can take a lot of time and effort in PCB software, but with the collaboration tool, SolidWorks is able to easily achieve this task in no time. Furthermore, in cases where the PCB is housed such as the case with consumer electronics, it can be quite simple for the mechanical designer to specify the board shape based on the model of the enclosure.

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Can you Benefit from Using Classes?

In Altium Designer, we can assign specific class types to our nets or components in our project. Classes are a logical collection of a design object such as nets, components or polygons. This is typically done to allow easy creation of a targeted design rule.

View the original source: http://www.cadmicro.com/can-benefit-using-classes/

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SOLIDWORKS PCB – Shortcuts you NEED to know

Sometimes you come across tools that unfortunately skipped out on an intuitive User Interface or easy to use commands, which could have been easily implemented to exponentially increase productivity. SOLIDWORKS PCB is not one of those tools.

On top of it’s Unified Platform, easy to use UI and automated output generation, SOLIDWORKS PCB also includes a clean shortcut panel that includes great shortcuts available across the platform. While this list is extensive, there are a few you should be leveraging that are not listed.

Place Via while routing:

While routing, press the “+” or “-” key to drop a via. The via is now on your cursor, ready to be placed on the next layer to continue routing. If you do not have a numeric pad, use the “2” key, followed by the “L” key to toggle the next layer.

Continue Reading at Original Source: http://www.cadmicro.com/solidworks-pcb-shortcuts-need-to-know/

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5 Steps to Activate your License of MySolidWorks Professional

Now that you have a serial key for MySolidWorks Professional, you may be asking yourself ‘how do I activate this’? Unlike other SOLIDWORKS serial keys, this doesn’t run on the installation manager and it is a webpage – not software. With that said, follow the five steps below so that you can quickly get access to the additional features that MySolidWorks Professional offers:

• Training
• Prep courses for SOLIDWORKS certification exams
• Reseller uploaded content
• Access to the SPR database

Step By Step Instructions

Visit the SOLIDWORKS Customer Portal and either login, or create an account using your company information (email, etc.). After you create your account and login, look for the ‘Register My Products’ link.

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Simplifying hardware requirements for the SOLIDWORKS suite of products

SolidWorks 3D CAD software

Processors – Processor speed is very important to performance. It is typically best to purchase one or two levels down from the fastest available processor. This is because there is typically a large premium to be paid for the fastest available processor(s). There is better value in choosing a high clock speed i7 processor than a lower clock speed Xeon processor. Multiple cores are used within SolidWorks CAD software only when reading and writing files and when working with multiple drawing views.

Hard Drives – Using an SSD drive as the primary drive will help significantly in reading and writing files, especially with large assemblies and parts. A secondary SATA drive is typically recommended for saving data that has been completed. The O/S, SolidWorks 3D cad software, and work-in-progress files should all be on the primary SSD drive. A 256GB drive will suffice, but as 500GB SSD drives come down in price they can also be considered.

Graphics Cards – The graphics cards speed up zooming, panning and rotating. A good starting point is the NVIDIA Quadro M2000 or the earlier NVIDIA Quadro K2200 (this is all that is available in the workstation configuration available for purchase). For mid-size to large assemblies, the NVIDIA Quadro M4000 or the earlier NVIDIA Quadro K4200 is recommended. For large to very large assemblies, the NVIDIA Quadro M5000 or the earlier NVIDIA Quadro K5200 is recommended.

System Memory – While 8GB will suffice for smaller assemblies, 16GB is recommended for most applications. For large and/or complex assemblies, 32 GB is recommended. Faster memory is better.

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Are you an EAGLE user? We hope you like subscription fees

I’m sure most of you have heard the expression “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it”, right?

Well, what would you do if it was broken?…

Autodesk has announced that EAGLE is now only available for purchase as a subscription. Previous, users purchased EAGLE once and used the software indefinitely. This means that you will be obligated to run the latest version and you’ll be paying Autodesk on a monthly or yearly basis.  Let’s break down the costs. Before Autodesk purchased EAGLE from CadSoft, a Standard license would run you roughly $70, paid once. The next level up was Premium, was priced at roughly $800, paid once. The new pricing tiers from Autodesk are a bit different. 

Standard will $100/year, and gives similar functionality to the old Premium level, but with only 2 signal layers. If you need more layers, you’ll need the new Premium level, at $500/year.  If you could have made do with the old Standard option, you’re now paying $100/year instead of the one-time $70 payment. If you need more space or layers, you’ll likely be up to $500/year.

Curious to know more? View original source: https://cadmicrosolutions.wordpress.com/2017/03/27/are-you-an-eagle-user-we-hope-you-like-subscription-fees/

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Let SOLIDWORKS PCB save you $8900

According to the Aberdeen Group, the cost of 1 prototype averages $8929. Customers need an integrated solution to this main problem.

As a designer, not only do you have deadlines to worry about, but it also doesn’t sit well with your Engineering Manager when you have to tell them you need to do another design re-spin because the board does not fit into the desired enclosure. What if you could ensure proper fitment and proper component placement the first time around?

Easy learning curve

SOLIDWORKS PCB has incorporated the ease to use Ribbon-style user interface that SOLIDWORKS is known for. When collaborating with the Mechanical Designer, or maybe you’re in charge of the ECAD and MCAD design, working between both tools ensures a seamless transition.

If you’re using SOLIDWORKS PCB as a standalone product for your electronic design tool, not only is the ribbon-style interface one of the easiest interfaces to learn, but we can also take advantage of its superior unified platform.

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Configuring PDM to Manage Toolbox

Solidworks Toolbox is a library of standard components that can be inserted in assemblies. If you are using Solidworks PDM, you can reap the benefits of managing Toolbox in your vault. Once PDM is configured to manage Toolbox, it performs several automated functions such as:

• Checking Toolbox parts in and out as needed
• Adding the missing Toolbox parts to the vault
• Creating references between assemblies and Toolbox parts

Steps to configure PDM to manage the SOLIDWORKS toolbox library for complete integration

1. Copy the toolbox folder (Solidworks Data by default) to the vault folder in your local view. Once added, check it in.

2. a) Go to the administration tool, login into your vault (make sure you have ‘Can update Toolbox Settings’ administrative permission), double-click on Toolbox item and a dialog box would pop up.

b) In the dialog box, check the option to ‘Manage Solidworks Toolbox in the vault’. Next, select the user PDM will get permission from when accessing Toolbox components.

c) Finally, specify the Toolbox root folder. Click ‘ok’.

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Do you have the ECAD/MCAD collaboration that you need?

Collaboration between Altium Designer and SolidWorks

As more and more electronic products involve both electrical and mechanical components, and product release cycles get shorter, there’s a real need for stronger collaboration between the ECAD and MCAD domains. But that collaboration isn’t always smooth.

The electrical and mechanical designer often send emails back and forth or have to dabble in each other’s respective design tools. Something that leaves them treading a little water, and far removed from their established comfort zones. The solution is to use a method of collaboration that enables the two to graphically communicate ideas and proposals for change, without leaving their trusty working environments.

DXF/DWG support

Supporting your need to work with design files in other formats and from other tools, install this plugin to import a nominated AutoCAD DXF or DWG file into an open and active PCB document. The import in Altium is performed using the File » Import command. As part of the import, you can control settings such as layer mappings, donut-to-pad conversion, default line width and scale.

STEP and Parasolid export

Altium Designer supports exporting the PCB to the STEP file format. The STEP file can then be imported into an MCAD design environment, for further integration into the mechanical design. Parasolid export will also contain all copper information needed when imported into Solidworks.

View original source: http://www.cadmicro.com/ecad-mcad-collaboration/

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Three Ways to Outsmart your Competition

In today’s global and hyper-competitive landscape, it’s no longer acceptable to design, sell and produce your products with traditional methods. Consumers are expecting better products at cheaper prices. Businesses overseas, which were typically fast followers, are starting to lead the charge with innovation cutting into market share. Businesses across North America are quickly adapting, but many are lagging behind. Here are three ways to get ahead of the curve and outsmart your competition.

Test While Designing

What if your designers and engineers could perform tests on designs before building prototypes? Now you can assign actual materials with material properties to your models. This unlocks the potential for stress testing, flow analysis, injection mold simulation and more. With these types of tools, multiple design and test iterations can be performed quickly and earlier in the design process. This allows for better product performance, less material used, reduced field failures and easier prediction of product behavior in real-life situations. Testing while designing enables your product to perform ahead of your competition.

View Original Source: http://www.cadmicro.com/outsmart-competition/

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Comparing Versions of Part and Drawing Files in PDM…Yes You Can!

How do you compare versions of Part files in PDM?  Perhaps you review each version of the part using the Get Version command and viewing it in the PDM Vault View Preview tab.  That will work, but how do you remember all the changes between one version and the next when you cannot look at them at the same time?

Or perhaps you knew of the Compare tool found in the History window of PDM. Simply click on an older version of the file and then click the Compare button…

Wait a minute…not too useful, is it?

But hold on there…there is another tool to compare versions and it does a much better job. Not too many people know it exists, but I’m here to show you not only where it is, but how to use it. Let’s take a look…

First, let’s open a file in SOLIDWORKS that is stored in the PDM vault and has multiple versions…

View Original Source: http://www.cadmicro.com/compare-part-drawing-files-pdm/

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Are you spending too much on prototyping? Learn how to save money! – Part 2

Moving forward from the last part of this article; we discussed two essential strategies that intend to keep more of your money in your pocket in the long run. To recap, we brought up Digital Prototype Methods and using CAD and simulation software, as well as using Desktop Printers. In this second part, we discuss three more strategies that not only aim to improve your prototype stage, but also the overall workflow.

Simplify your Designs:

If you simply want to test the mechanical fit between two mating objects, why bother prototype the entire assembly and all part details? Your engineering team should be aware that adding holes, curvatures, slanted features, etc. can increase printing/machining time and complexity, which would most likely drive up the price. It can be useful to target specific features in your design for prototyping and testing.

Collaborate with Manufacturing Early On:

Working alongside manufacturing during the design stage can be the most valuable decision you make for your team. It’s essential to separate design from manufacturability. Although this may be straightforward, engineers and designers often construct complex designs that cannot be manufactured. That is why it’s important to rely on manufacturing expertise early in the design stage and ensure manufacturing validation before the design has been completed. Not only will you be able to save on multiple prototype cycles, if manufacturing issues were to arise, but a lot of vital resources can be saved as a result of consulting ahead of time with manufacturing.

Originally Shared at: http://www.cadmicro.com/spending-much-prototyping-learn-save-money-part-2/

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Spending too much on prototyping? Learn how to save money!

Here we go! It’s that exciting time again, it’s time to start a new project. This time however, things must be different. The last project didn’t follow the schedule accordingly; the team wasn’t as efficient as it could be, and you’ve surpassed the intended budget. As a manager or lead engineer you are concerned, and you have every right to be; it’s extremely important to stay on schedule and on budget in a product development environment.

One design stage that is often overlooked by managers and engineers alike is the prototype stage. The reason for this is because the focus in this stage becomes mainly around testing the design at any cost. No one wants to take any risks in testing the product accurately, and they shouldn’t, but there are certainly ways to ensure efficient design and product validation without spending too much time and money in the prototype stage. In this two-part article, we will explore 5 different strategies that could help with such a task.

Follow Digital Prototyping Methods:

Before even thinking of manufacturing a physical prototype, it’s important to know that there are CAD and Simulation Software at the disposal of your engineers to perform what is called, “Digital Prototyping”. These tools should be used throughout the design stage, and before manufacturing, to validate and optimize the performance of the design.

View original source: http://www.cadmicro.com/prototyping-learn-save-money/

Resetting SQL Server Login Credentials for PDM

System administrator account (‘SA’) in SQL server plays a vital role in managing the file vault database and the vault data. In this post, I will show you how to reset credentials for the system administrator account in SQL server and to integrate it with the server components of PDM.

Steps to reset SA credentials:

1) Log in to the SQL server host with windows administrator credentials.
2) Open SQL server management studio and connect to the database with ‘Windows Authentication’

View Original Source: http://www.cadmicro.com/resetting-sql-server-login-credentials-pdm/

What people are saying about Altium Designer?

Functionality, breadth of features and ease of use top what designers like most about their preferred CAD software, while cost is their biggest concern.

Those are the findings of a recent survey, undertaken by PCD&F, looking at which tools designers use – and which they prefer.

Of the 269 designers who responded to the survey, 62% indicated they were senior PCB designers, and nearly 45% of all respondents said they have over 30 years of experience in the industry, while three-quarters have more than 20 years’ experience. More than 68% work for OEMs.

What do designers like most about their preferred CAD software?

By far, functionality and breadth of features topped the list at 56%. Another 23% said their preferred CAD software is easy to use, while 6% said they like its speed best. Some 6% said it’s easy to learn. Cost was best for 5% of designers, and compatibility with other tools and collaboration capability received 2% of responses each.

View Original Source: http://www.cadmicro.com/people-saying-altium-designer/

Top 10 Technology Trend Predictions for 2017

Each fall, Gartner, a provider of independent research and advice to IT companies, releases their Top 10 Strategic Technology Trends for the coming year.

In a series of 3 blog posts, we would like to add our perspective on this list for 2017. Together with our partners at Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks, Altium, and Markforged, we want to let you know that we have solutions that target these trends. Thankfully, we have invested in these trends for a number of years already.  Working together, we can empower your business with the power to innovate and succeed.

Trend #1: AI & Advanced Machine Learning

SolidWorks Xdesign, which is coming later in 2017, has a design optimization tool in which the computer offers design solutions.  From a recent interview with Gian Paolo Bassi, CEO, Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks:

“The idea is to free up the imagination of the engineer. Xdesign will suggest geometry based on stress and strain optimization algorithms to create the best design. We envision the machine telling you that this part is optimized from a statistical point of view, and now you as the engineer have to turn it into an industrial part. An engineer would then verify the part through their manufacturing experience and training.”

View Original Source: http://www.cadmicro.com/top-10-technology-trend-predictions-2017/