Recently the Javelin crew headed up to North Bay, Ontario to celebrate our partnership with Canadore College and iCAMP.  iCAMP is an acronym for Innovation Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Production.

Javelin is very excited to be providing iCAMP with SolidWorks software, 3D Printers and a state of the art 3D theatre which will prepare students at Canadore for the future and provide important resources for technology companies in the area.

Local business leaders gathered at the conference to find out more about the program Canadore College has put together and how the local community will benefit.  The Javelin Team was on hand to demonstrate solutions including SolidWorks 3D CAD software, Javelin Reality 3D theatres and 3D Printers for prototyping.

The North Bay Nugget was also there and wrote this very nice story about how Javelin Technologies and other vendors have come together to bring high tech solutions to Canadore College and iCAMP.

At Javelin we applaud Canadore College and other learning institutions that are preparing our workers of the future for highly skilled and creative jobs.  Keep up the good work.

If your school is interested in special educational prices and bundles for CAD software, 3D theatre  or 3D printers let us know and we’ll be happy to work with you to develop a solution tailored to your needs.

Let’s face it. Wednesday’s are not the most interesting day of the week, by a long shot. We all know Monday’s will pass in a haze of trying to get over the mental roadblock of realizing there’s another work week ahead (and rushing home to PVR that new Kevin Bacon TV show). Tuesday has American Idol, Pasta Specials at Boston Pizza and cheap night at your local movie theatre. Thursday (a.k.a. Date-Night Thursday, Lazy Thursday, or for our alcoholic beverage inclined friends, Thirsty Thursday) is so close to the weekend you can practically taste it. And Friday? Well, by the time Friday morning rolls around, you’re practically home free.

Here at Javelin, we want to give you something to look forward to on that dreaded ‘Hump Day’ of the week. Starting Wednesday, March 13^th, Javelin is hosting Web Wednesday’s from 9:00 AM EST to 2:00 PM EST.

What is Web Wednesday?

Web Wednesday’s will be Javelin’s little gift to all our engineering friends every Wednesday. Tune in to catch updates & exclusive content on your favourite SolidWorks products like SolidWorks 3D CAD, SolidWorks Simulation & Analysis, SolidWorks Enterprise PDM, SolidWorks Composer AND more! Each webinar starts on the hour, and runs approximately 20 minutes with 10 minutes following for questions and discussions with the presenter.

What’s the Web Wednesday Schedule Look Like?

Here’s the schedule for our Web Wednesday sessions

Why Should I Attend?

Good question. Here’s the Top 3 Reasons you should let Web Wednesday’s be the shining light in the middle of your work week.

1. Get access to exclusive content, tips and tricks in a short but sweet 20 minutes
2. Have the chance to ask questions & discuss ideas in a 10 minute question period with some of Javelin’s brightest Applications Experts
3. How else are you going to get through Wednesday?

So what are you waiting for? Go register for Web Wednesday today! If you’re interested in any of Javelin’s other webinars, click here to look at our upcoming schedule.

With National Engineering Month (and the month of green beer) fast approaching, Javelin’s decided to roll out the red carpet once more to show YOU how SolidWorks 2013 is the definitive release. Application Engineer & SolidWorks Expert Extraordinaire Jake Middleton is back to highlight (in no specific order) the Top 10 Enhancements of SolidWorks 2013. Learn about …

• SolidWorks Electrical
• SolidWorks Plastics
• Previous Release Interoperability
• Conics in Sketcher
• Intersect Feature
• Section View Tool Enhancements
• CAD Administrator Dashboard
• Varying Dimension Pattern Feature
• SolidWorks Costing Enhancements
• Sub-Modeling for Simulation

In true Javelin spirit, we won’t let the month of the Irish pass without paying proper respect. All of our guests are invited to enjoy a beer following the presentation. Beer AND SolidWorks. It may just be because I’m still a University student, but I really don’t think there’s a better combination. If you, a colleague, your mom or the leprechaun at the end of the rainbow are interested in attending, register now for the event nearest you!

Dartmouth Event

WHEN: Thursday, February 21^st
WHERE: 10 Morris Drive, Dartmouth NS
TIME: 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm

REGISTER

Oakville Event

WHEN: Wednesday, March 6^th
WHERE: 3457 Superior Court, Oakville ON
TIME: 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm

REGISTER

The National Research Council’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) has been one of the most prolific Canadian Government Funding Organizations with regards to their support of technological innovations within Canada’s Industries. Due to changes to the 2012 Federal Budget, IRAP has been given approximately $110 Million to be allocated to Canadian SMEs through government funding grants for small business, which is projected to continue in the 2013 fiscal year. These programs can help fund a variety of Javelin’s services to increase cash flow, as well as increase the scope and speed at which your company can carry out the project.

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The last two weeks have been a blur here at Javelin! Between our fundraising for the Oakville Hospital, Halloween and trying to get some work done in between, I really don’t know where the time has gone. Here’s a little update as to everything that’s been going on behind-the-scenes at your favourite SolidWorks VAR …

On Monday October 22^nd, the Javelin Cares committee started our fundraising efforts for Javelin’s contribution to the New Oakville Hospital. Set to open in late 2015, the new hospital will provide the space needed to care for the 180 000 people within the Oakville community and surrounding areas. Javelin is pledging $25 000 to help equip a single-patient mother and baby room. Considering the baby boom Javelin staff are currently experiencing (which reminds me, congratulations to the newest member of the Javelin family, Daniel Vinson, who was born yesterday night!!), the donation seems extremely fitting.

As an intern here at Javelin, I’m constantly learning new things about the company – and the last two weeks were not as much of a learning experience as a growing experience. I witnessed such a heartwarming display of generosity from all the Javelin staff – from pledging a portion of each paycheque to buying 50/50 tickets, Javelin proved once again that we aim high in every project we take on. The huge hearts that make up Javelin staff raised over $10 000 in the matter to two weeks. A huge thanks goes out to the Javelin Volunteer committee & our fearless leaders John and Ted, who agreed to match each Javelin employee dollar with one of their own.

Obviously in the mood to celebrate, Javelin employees went all out for our Halloween festivities last Wednesday. The Oakville office welcomed a collection of characters, from Ted’s Oliver Twist to Christy’s amazing Scarecrow, Alex’s SOA-Grim Reaper (you know, that scary skull thing with the crystal ball and gun? yeah, THAT was wandering around our office) and Sean’s, uhm, interesting take on a Disco Diva costume. Javelin employees got more treats than tricks at our potluck lunch, complete with Amie’s to-die-for pumpkin cake. Check out the picture below of some our best costumes – and stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes looks at what’s up at Javelin!

Back Row: Shelley, Sean, Christy, Amie, Lauren, Barb, Kerri, Luis & Ted
Front Row: Eric, Alex, Scott & Tamer

Javelin’s SolidWorks 2013 Launch Events, of course!

From costing enhancements and conics to nested folders and the oh-so-powerful intersect feature, SolidWorks 2013 prompted Javelin’s own SolidWorks guru Alin Vargatu to deem this “the most impressive SolidWorks release ever“. To celebrate, Javelin decided to take your favourite engineering software on the road and show over 250 attendees exactly what the new release can do:

With Applications Engineers (and, more importantly, Certified SolidWorks Experts) Alex Arevalo and Jake Middleton at the helm of the presentation, SolidWorks users got the chance to dive into all the enhancements that the 2013 release has to offer. Over the course of 5 hours, attendees got to view in-depth software demonstrations, visit Javelin product tables, network with our wonderful sponsors, record a video testimonial, enjoy a delicious lunch and play a little vendor bingo (and, maybe sneak a peek at the ROM’s dinosaur exhibit like I did).

The Cambridge Mill’s Falls Room provided a gorgeous view of the Grand River and the perfect backdrop for an intimate afternoon of demos and networking; while in Ottawa, the Museum of Nature’s Barrick Salon welcomed SolidWorks users to experience the wonders of SWX 2013 on their big screen. Finally, in Toronto, the Royal Ontario Museum’s Bronfman Hall held the excitement of over 130 attendees as they interacted with Javelin staff and sponsors – Torontonians’ competitive spirit was championed as attendees actively pursued filling out their bingo cards for a chance to win an Apple TV! Toronto’s launch was ecstatic to welcome Design Product News – you can watch Alex’s thoughts on SolidWorks 2013 and Ted’s update on what’s new at Javelin!

A huge thank you to our awesome sponsors (OneCAD Solutions, In-House Solutions and Applied Precision) – without your help, these events wouldn’t be possible. Thanks also goes out to the Javelin staff that helped pull everything together, Alex & Jake for running such a great presentation, and of course, our attendees! Because of you, Javelin gets to do what we do best – share our passion for innovation and provide the tools to help engineers bring their ideas to life.

Congratulations are in order for our launch events draw winners …

Jeffrey Jackson (Cambridge), Terry Young (Ottawa) and Richard Laflamme (Toronto) were the winners of the survey draw! These lucky fellows walked home with a Javelin backpack full of swag & a free training voucher.

Gary Strobel (Cambridge) and Phillip Johnson (Ottawa) were the winners of the vendor bingo draw, getting to bring home the coveted Apple TV.

Online Launch Event Coming Soon

If you missed the launch event closest to you, never fear! Javelin will be hosting an online version of the SolidWorks 2013 Launch Events in November! Register here if you’re interested in attending.

Yesterday was an exciting day at Javelin! We had Breakfast Television come by our office for our National Engineering Month event. Our special guests were the OTHS Red Devils Robotics Team, Sheridan Engineering Club / S.I.T Racing and Engineers without Borders. It was a huge success! Everyone had their time to shine and our very own Ted Lee was in the spot light as well!

Breakfast Television Clips on YouTube…

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San Diego February 12th-15th – What do you get when you have almost 6000 people, hundreds of great SolidWorks technical sessions and hundreds of exhibitors in a partner pavilion to satisfy every technical SolidWorks requirement? SolidWorks World 2012! Check out the video below for highlights of Solidworks World 2012 from Javelin’s perspective:

Javelin attended this year and captured all the excitement. Watch the highlights as we step into the partner pavilion exploring the vendors showcasing their SolidWorks related gear and technology! See how CSWP’s were treated to amazing event on the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier. One morning SolidWorks even gave everyone attending a sneak peek at the SolidWorks 2013, it looks awesome! All this and a great block party for more than 4000 people (thanks to HP and SolidWorks).

For one evening a few blocks of the historical Gaslamps district was closed off for great food, beverages and entertainment on every corner. Javelin attended, busy learning more about the great technology we support. Some of the Javelin folks were even showcasing technical information in the breakout sessions. Next year SolidWorks World is off to Orlando, Florida!

Did you attend? How was your experience at SolidWorks World 2012? Will you be attending the 15th SolidWorks World in Orlando at the Swan and Dolphin on January 20th-23rd 2013? Please let us know.

FIRST SWUG-SIMCOE MEETING
Date: Thursday, March 8th
Time: 4:30pm to 7:30pm (Dinner & Door Prizes included!)
Location: Holly Community Centre – 171 Mapleton Ave. Barrie, ON
REGISTER: Contact Group  Leader Michael Fernando

A new SolidWorks User Group for Barrie and surrounding area, named SWUG-Simcoe, has been created. It is
a voluntary group dedicated to building a network of SolidWorks users, while enhancing their skills and knowledge of the software.

The inaugural SWUG-Simcoe meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 8th 2012 from 4.30pm to 7.30pm
and will be held at the Holly Community Centre (TBD). Future meetings will be planned 4, 6 or even 12
times per year (you get to choose at the meeting) to bring very resourceful presentations and demonstrations
by professionals from a variety of industries.

The only requirement to attend these FREE SEMINARS is to have some basic knowledge of SolidWorks (or other CAD software). If you have any questions or issues, please bring them with you and get first hand support in finding a resolution. Many professional trades’ people will be attending and will be able to exchange their knowledge and expertise with yours.

Please note that this is a voluntary technical group meeting and NOT a marketing event; but networking and
sharing knowledge will be encouraged.

There will be a limited number of seats available so please register as soon as possible to avoid
disappointment. Remember registration and attendance is FREE … in fact you could leave with more than you
brought.

We are seeking sponsors to encourage participation by donating door prizes, gift certificates, gas cards etc. Please inform the Group Leaders (listed below) if you or your company are willing to participate as sponsors, or are just attending.

If you have suggestions or ideas to make this event even more interesting and successful, please contact: Michael Fernando or Kelvin Lamport.

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Chris is the only CSWP in the Thunder Bay area

At the age of 15 most teenage boys are thinking about video games, skateboards and being with friends. Chris Rudnicki is an exception to that stereotype. Chris may think about those things as well, but he is also now the only Certified SolidWorks Professional in Thunder Bay and most probably the youngest CSWP in Canada.

Chris’ interest came when he spent the summer of 2010 working in his father, Mike Rudnicki’s, machine shop. Rudnicki Industrial designed and built machinery used in the forestry industry and later changed course and started to build equipment for mining.  Chris stepped in and started converting drawings from Pro Engineer to SolidWorks. This project for his father, although Chris claims it was not difficult, turned into a machine used to unload crates from float planes so that this task would not have to be done manually.

After working with SolidWorks, Chris was encouraged by his father to take the 4 day SolidWorks Essentials course offered by Javelin. Mike recruited not only his son but other potential SolidWorks users in the Thunder Bay area, so our Elite Applications’ Engineer, Alin Vargatu, packed a bag and headed north.

Alin is no stranger to certifications as he is one of a handful of SolidWorks Elite Applications’ Engineers, worldwide. Alin encouraged Chris to write the CSWP exam and sure enough, Chris achieved certification.

As a high school student, one would think that Chris would be shouting his news from the rooftops, but this very calm and mature young man said “I didn’t say anything, because no one would know what I was talking about.”

In terms of his future, Chris would like to get into some sort of Engineering or Design Program, however, his real interest lies in innovation. Whether it be changing existing products and making them better or software development.

We wish Chris all the best for his future endeavours and are very proud of his achievement.

Click here to learn more about getting your CSWP certification.