Javelin / TriMech Author
Rod Mackay
The differences between 3D Printing and CNC Machining
By Rod Mackay on June 13, 2018
In the product development phase there are many process options for creating models, prototypes, patterns or molds. Selecting the best approach requires an appreciation for the project requirements, an understanding of the process considerations, and an evaluation of the resulting time, cost and quality. Without…
How to quickly create a SOLIDWORKS Sketch Normal to Curve
By Rod Mackay on June 12, 2018
Here is a quick method to create SOLIDWORKS Sketch Normal to Curve without having to create a plane first, and then sketch on that plane. First, select the curve or edge, as shown in the sheet metal example below, then click Sketch from either the Insert menu…
Download the “How-To Adopt Model Based Definition Guide” to learn best practices that will help you shorten the learning curve for adopting MBD and achieve the fastest possible ROI. Companies initially adopt Model Based Definition to improve communication with manufacturing and suppliers, but its benefits…
SOLIDWORKS Composer is a fantastic tool for generating design documentation, be this through imagery, animations, or interactive web content. Did you know that it also works very well as a design sharing tool? Consider the following, I’ve created a SOLIDWORKS assembly for a Miter Saw…
You can now test upcoming SOLIDWORKS Service Packs in your browser
By Rod Mackay on April 20, 2018
In an earlier post we discussed how to gain early access to a SOLIDWORKS Service Pack for testing purposes through the Early Visibility (EV) program included with SOLIDWORKS Subscription Service. An EV release is usually available a couple of weeks before a full release and…
50% of product failure is due to Mechanical Fatigue! How can you predict & avoid it?
By Rod Mackay on April 4, 2018
Market data indicates that more than 50% of product failure is due to fatigue, which occurs in many different mechanical components such as turbines and other rotating equipment operating under intense, repeated cyclical loads. The primary tool for both understanding and being able to predict…
Leveraging the combined powers of 3D solid modeling and design analysis software, engineers can now test a design on the computer instead of using prototype-test iterations for design. CAD models have become virtual prototypes, and design analysis has supplanted physical testing, enabling faster, less costly, and…
Top Features only available in SOLIDWORKS Visualize Professional
By Rod Mackay on April 2, 2018
SOLIDWORKS Visualize is a suite of standalone software tools that combine industry-leading rendering capabilities with design-oriented features and workflows that enable easy and fast creation of visual content for designers, engineers, marketing, and other content creators. The software is provided in two different versions: SOLIDWORKS…
SOLIDWORKS Inspection now has SOLIDWORKS PDM Integration
By Rod Mackay on March 27, 2018
As of SOLIDWORKS 2018 SP2, SOLIDWORKS PDM integration has been added to the Standalone version of SOLIDWORKS Inspection! Implementing the new functionality is easy, first toggle the option ‘on’ in your SOLIDWORKS Inspection options as shown below: Once you have this option toggled, a new…
Stratasys GrabCAD Voxel Print software takes center stage at Film Studio LAIKA
By Rod Mackay on March 23, 2018
Stratasys recently launched GrabCAD Voxel Print, an innovative and groundbreaking way to digitally design and fabricate more complex composite materials on the Stratasys J750 polyjet printer. They had help in creating this feature rich software enhancement from the rapid prototyping group at LAIKA, the production house that brought…
SOLIDWORKS Design Analysis is NOT just for Experts anymore
By Rod Mackay on March 22, 2018
SOLIDWORKS design analysis provides the greatest benefits when implemented very early in the design cycle because that’s when it is easiest and most cost-effective to make design changes. When analysis is performed in conjunction with solid modeling, design engineers can leverage analysis results to fix, improve,…
Streamlining product development with SOLIDWORKS PDM Automated Workflow
By Rod Mackay on March 21, 2018
Every manufacturer has its own distinct business processes for developing products, which an effective PDM system can help to automate. Specific protocols for handling design reviews, issuing release-for-production approvals, and processing engineering change orders (ECOs) are examples of the important business processes that constitute a product development organization’s “workflow.”…
Most product developers know that implementing modern computer-aided design (CAD) tools not only improves productivity, but also helps achieve their goals of accelerating time-to-market, shortening design cycles, reducing development costs, and improving product quality. From the earliest application of 2D design tools to the growing…
3D Printing is Helping to Standardize Surgical Training
By Rod Mackay on February 14, 2018
Traditionally surgical training has depended on the orderly exposure of the surgeons to graduated clinical experience in the operating room under the close supervision of senior surgeons. Such preceptor-apprenticeship on an operation table is the major bottleneck in training of congenital heart surgery because of…
Tackling Complexity in 2018: PLM Predictions for Manufacturers
By Rod Mackay on January 29, 2018
Product complexity was the elephant in the room in 2017 as companies across Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, and Industrial Manufacturing looked to differentiate their offerings and create disruptive business models. These challenges exposed significant gaps in their existing processes. As a result, product lifecycle management…