INTERCAD has just launched the latest version of its 3D CAD/CAM software, SolidWorks 2010, at a series of customer events in New Zealand.
The events gave SolidWorks users the opportunity to see the software first-hand, and to meet the team of specialist training and support experts at Intercad to discuss the benefits of the software for their business.
SolidWorks 2010 includes more than 200 new and improved features, mostly those requested by the large global user community. Headline improvements include intelligent automation and significant speed improvements, an improved user experience, reliability and functionality enhancements, and, for the first-time, a built-in lifecycle assessment module that takes the guesswork out of designing greener products.
“Working smarter and faster was the theme of the events, not only because that’s what SolidWorks 2010 has been designed for, but also because we’ve further improved our professional services to help our customers grow their business with expert training, support and consulting resources,” says Max Piper, Intercad’s CEO.
Usability enhancements include a mouse gesture-aware user interface that allows users to assign popular shortcuts to mouse ‘gestures’ making repetitive tasks much quicker to complete. These enhancements are backed up by an optimised simulation engine, and file operations can now be completed significantly faster than before.
The new Rapid Dimension tool automatically spaces dimensions evenly, saving time and effort, and a new MirrorComponent, which maintains the position of mirrored components relative to seed components, simplifies workflow and management.
SolidWorks 2010 users can also create motion simulations based on events and actions, in addition to time, with new event-based motion simulation features, improving design flexibility especially in the early stages.
“For several years we’ve been helping our customers not only improve their designs, but do so more sustainably,” adds Piper. “Environmental awareness is multi-faceted; not only is it mandated by most governments, but smart organisations have also taken advantage of the huge cost reductions available to them through environmentally-attuned designs.
“SolidWorks 2010 takes this idea one step further with the built-in SolidWorks SustainabilityXpress module, which considers how and where materials are produced, parts are manufactured, and products are used and discarded, without affecting the integrity or stability of the design. For example, designers can see in real-time where raw materials can be sourced for a specific part, and not only reduce the carbon emissions involved in purchasing and transporting the part to the local manufacturing plant, but also reduce the cost of the design by sourcing similar materials closer to home.”

Contact: Andrea.farrell@intercad.com.au