Workstation computing
HP Canada has announced four Intel-based workstations.
The desk-side HP xw6400 and xw8400 feature dual-core
Intel Xeon processors along with expandability, while the
HP Compaq nw8440 and nw9440 mobile units offer the
power of a workstation with the convenience of a notebook.
The xw6400 desk-side workstation features Intelís
dual-processor/dual-core technology with the Intel 5000X
chipset. The xw8400 Workstation incorporates up to two
dual-core Xeon processors. The nw9440 incorporates a NVIDIA Quadro FX 1500M
graphics controller and 17-in. display. The nw9440 is packaged in a form factor starting
at 7.5 lb and 1.3 in. thin. The nw8440 has a starting weight of 6.0 lb. It features Intel
Core Duo processors, ATI Mobility FireGL V5200 graphics and a 15.4-in. display.
hp.com
3D modeling with True Type fonts support
VX Corp. has introduced 3D modeling
support for True Type fonts. Any True
Type Font found on a userís computer is
transparently converted by VX into a
vector format for 3D modeling. Users
select the font desired and then type text
straight into the VX Sketcher. A variety
of tools then produce solid or surface
geometry from the text. The sketch can
also be wrapped around any surface.
vx.com
Rapid flow modeling
Fluent Inc. has released Flo Wizard V2.1
computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software.
CAD connections for Pro/ENGINEER,
SolidWorks, and UGS NX allow
users to send their models to Flo Wizard
with the click of a button. The connections
include model preparation and model
checking tools that assist users in efficiently
transforming their CAD models into
CFD results. The software also includes a
new rotating machinery model to predict
the flow and pressure field in pumps, fans,
turbines, and impellers.
flowizard.com
3D software embraces large assemblies
Autodesk, Inc. has announced the release of Autodesk Inventor 11, 3D mechanical
design software. Features and enhancements include: Dynamic Simulation to help
designers predict dynamic performance and peak stress
without physical prototypes; Large Assembly
Management to provide greater control in configuring
how much model data is loaded into memory;
Assembly Configurations for designing and documenting
families of related products in a single
assembly file; and, Advanced Shape Description for
creating cast and molded parts.
autodesk.com/inventor
Composite product development
Vistagy, Inc. has released of FiberSIM
5.1, the latest version of its design environment
for composite products.
FiberSIM 5.1 provides specialized tools
that enable engineers working in commercial
CAD systems to design and validate
laminates, zones, layer and ply
sequences. The Automated Deposition
Design option automates the creation
of composite product geometry that is
specific to manufacturing processes
such as tape-laying or fibre placement.
vistagy.com
Engineering data protection
Pinion Software has announced Pinion
Desktop Packager v3.0, a product that
sets standards for safeguarding proprietary
engineering data that is being
delivered via email, business portals, or
document management systems. Users
of Pinion Desktop Packager can implement
time-based access to files, impose
an automatic shred date to self destruct
files, and prevent recipients from using
Cut, Copy, Paste, and Print functions,
as well as screen grabber tools.
pinionsoftware.com
