Autodesk Manufacturing & Digital Prototyping Solutions

Autodesk® Feature Update Pack for Factory Design Suite 2015 Available

As per this time of year, on Monday Autodesk released an feature update pack OR what used to be know as a subscription advantage pack for Factory Design Suite 2015.

The pack includes a number of additional functions making the possibilities when relying on AutoCAD layouts much more flexible. Users have the ability to publish assets from AutoCAD including the option to incorportate 3D models from various formats such as Inventor, Soldiworks, etc.

This feature update also adds the ability to Sync directly to Navisworks from AutoCAD. In other words if a 3D asset is included within the AutoCAD asset, Navisworks will append the 3D representation enabling downstream benefits such as clash detection (Navisworks Manage) and timelining and all the other wonderful aspects that Navisworks offers direct from the AutoCAD '2D' layout.

Below is a breakdown of the main updates included within this pack:

• Connector Snapping Capability for AutoCAD Factory Assets – Improve 2D layout design efficiency by quickly connecting assets. Connector detection and snapping works identically to that in Inventor Factory.
• Expanded Asset Builder Environment in AutoCAD Factory – Multiple new features such as a new block browser, asset properties, replacing the block with the published asset, and associating a 3D model to the block.
• Sync to Navisworks – Populate a Navisworks 3D layout from AutoCAD Factory to leverage Navisworks Factory viewing, navigation, and animation capabilities, etc.

This Feature Update Pack is cumulative and contains all the changes made in Update 1. You do not need to install it before installing this Feature Update Pack. It can be applied to every edition of Autodesk Factory Design Suite 2015: Standard, Premium, and Ultimate.

Autodesk Screencast Available

This month Autodesk launched Autodesk Screencast. This is the progression of Project Chronicle that was available on Autodesk Labs.

As you may guess from the name, this is a new tool that allows you to record interactions with of our applications as a screen capture video. Perfect for tutorials, tips and tricks and other general training videos.

 
Where it differs from some other solutions available on the market is that:-

#1 - This tool is free to use and integrates directly into AutoCAD LT, AutoCAD, Revit and Inventor.

#2 – It captures not just the screen movement but also the commands within a timeline, so a user can go back to any operation or point of interest within the video just by clicking on the timeline.

#3 – You can upload the completed recording directly to the Autodesk Screencast service just by using an Autodesk ID. Here you can control who has access to the individual screencast, whether it’s for public access, public access via a unique hidden link (so no Autodesk ID required to view) OR only allow certain user IDs.

Take a look. You can download it from http://screencast.autodesk.com

Autodesk Inventor 2015 – Two of my favourite things

It’s been some time since the last blog update, so it makes it tough to highlight some of the changes since then.

For any existing customers out there, you’ll be aware that in March/April Autodesk launched the 2015 release of products. For the 2015 version of Inventor we got some really great updates that I’m sure will benefit users. Many blogs that are active have documented these updates but my personal favourites within the Inventor 2015 release is the Freeform modelling and enhanced Direct Edit capabilities. These are by far not the only reasons to go to Inventor 2015 but definately some of the most powerful arguments.

The Freeform modelling functionality is the first implementation within Autodesk Inventor of some of the T-Splines technology Autodesk acquired a few years back.

In anyone has looked at Autodesk Fusion360, you'll already be familiar with this methodology.

In principle you add a primitive freeform object into your part then then manipulate the geometry by its body, face, edge or vertex to form the shape you need. There are a whole host of tools allowing bridging of faces, symmetry control, subdivision of indivudal faces, creasing of edges or more to create truly organic shapes.

Once finished this automatically switches the freeform object back to a watertight solid that can then make up the basis of a new part or be combined with further traditional features to define the component representation.

 

Direct Editing needs to be seen to be believed. Not only do we have the flexibility to edit non-native solids but we can apply the same toolsets to intelligent native Inventor components. This allows the flexibility to edit components without knowing its structure or history AND to top it off, any edit applied captures the inputed dimensions so a solid edit can also be parametrically driven.

If you want to see some more Inventor 2015 examples, see Jay Tedeschi’s Inventor 2015 overview here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soBVbKVRKjA

Happy New Year

As the world gets back to work, we all return relaxed and few pound heavier. I for one am trying to start as I mean to go on, call it a new year's resolution if you want. I want to try to bring news to you about Industrial Design and Visualisation on what is happening and some interesting tips and tricks along the way.

Looking forward in 2014 we have the Autodesk Innovation Forum 2014 in Munich. This is becoming a regular get together for the Automotive & Transportation customers to network, share experiences and listen to some inspiring presentations from customers and Autodesk. Previous years speakers

Find out more about previous speakers at Autodesk Innovation Forum 2013 Patrick Le Quément  Axel Becker – Airbus Cabin Innovation

Find out more and Register for Autodesk Innovation Forum 2014 

 

Autodesk® Remote launched for subscription customers.

Anyone that pays close attention to the Autodesk® Exchanges Apps may have noticed a new addition in the last week. This new application is called Autodesk® Remote, and is available to download as a subscription only benefit, and is aimed at users who need to access their workstation and associated applications from a remote location without the traditional interface performance issues associated with it. Click here to go to the Autodesk Exchange Apps store.

Background

I’ll try and give you some background to try and help place where it’s aimed at.

Having worked for a hardware vendor before coming to Autodesk, one area we focussed on was the topic of VDI. Now VDI isn’t some transmitted disease, but stands for ‘Virtual Desktop Infrastructure’.

There are various software providers that specialise in this market, such as Citrix, Parallels and VMware to name a few. The concept for VDI is to centralise the managed desktop environments, so instead of desktop users having expensive individual PCs that all need maintaining, the users environment could be virtualised on a server and would only require an easily managed ‘thin client’ to login to their desktop from anywhere they have access.

The above scenario requires some investment and is typically aimed at the office user. One of the reasons for this is, up until the last few years, virtual desktops didn’t have any real hardware acceleration. So users weren’t able to run graphically intensive software such as most CAD applications.

Now at the other end of the scale are users that occasionally have the need to work remotely BUT may not have access to the hardware or application licences to be able to do so easily.

In this scenario, some individuals and organisations have either purchased specific software that allows controlled remote access, such as GotoMyPc from Citrix or have been utilising Remote Desktop within Windows and connecting via VPN.

The problem with relying on the MS Windows Remote Desktop component is that:-

1. You have to have an infrastructure in place that supports it.
2. It only graphically accelerates DirectX9 software.
   1. Only Service Pack 1 for Windows 7 offered any graphics acceleration (this is when Microsoft introduced a technology they called RemoteFX) but this is currently limited to DirectX9 support. Most Autodesk applications are currently either DirectX 10/11 or OpenGL.

So where does Autodesk Remote fit in?

Autodesk® Remote is aimed at individuals or organisations that need the flexibility to access their host installed software from wherever they are in the world with a minimal amount of effort or pre-configured infrastructure.

Autodesk® Remote is a stand-alone application for Microsoft Window 7 and 8 and is also available to download as an iPad App.

Having used other solutions in the past I have to say the user experience for me was incredible. Driving Autodesk Inventor from an iPad without the lag and very good graphics scaling really impressed me. Also as I didn’t have any special port blocking on my firewall the connection was really easy and effortless. To see more in depth information about requirements Click Here for the Remote Support FAQ.

Installation additional information.

One of the things that may put you off looking any further is the bold letters on the Exchange App site that state that “Autodesk Remote currently works in North-America only”.

Well this isn’t entirely true, although once up and running, the performance will depend on the region you are in, plus as it stands, the iPad application is currently only available to download from the US App Store. (…a quick google on ‘how to’ overcome the above may resolve this for most people)

Once you’ve downloaded the installer for the desktop (which can be downloaded by clicking on ‘Write a Review’ and logging in with a valid Autodesk ID) and iPad, follow all the instructions as highlighted in the FAQ.

Autodesk Configurator 360 launched - 2 of 4

Following on from my last post, as of yesterday evening Autodesk Configurator 360 is now available to trial for 90 days.

Autodesk Configurator 360 (http://configurator360.autodesk.com) offers users the capability to upload their designs to a hosted service, and with minimal effort have the capability to publish online catalogues of their designs in a few easy steps.

This is something most companies with a ‘configure to order’ requirement have been striving to achieve, but until now have had to rely on spending substantial time and expenditure to achieve.

What is it?

This technology is based upon Inventor ETO Server and gives organisations a very easy way to generate and utilise configurable online catalogues of their own designs. Security, Branding and deliverable file formats are some of the flexible ways the interface can be customised to suit with only a minimum amount of knowledge required.

How does it work?

With this service, users of Autodesk Inventor can create an intelligent models (either as a skeletal model or iLogic based design) and then by packaging the dataset together as a zip file (if an assembly with drawing) it can then be uploaded to the site.

Using an administrator interface by just specifying the top level design and how it is controlled, the model is ready for service.

Upon upload, Configurator360 looks at the primary model specified plus the key parameters, these parameters are then automatically used to define the configuration window which can subsequantly be edited or filtered to suit.

What can you do with it?

The configuration is then given a unique reference, which can then be implemented into a customer’s own website or if utilising the catalogue function as an embedded / framed page.

The 3D model viewer window relies on Microsoft’s Silverlight, so the only thing that needs to be done on the client end is to allow the display of 3D graphics.

Various options to customise the deliverable and display are available within Configurator360.

• You can override the parameter names, display order and specification of limits.
• Specify your own branding
• Control what downloadable formats will be available.
  • These include:-
    • 2D / 3D DWF
    • STEP
    • SAT
    • Native
    • Various image formats
    • CATIA
    • ProE
    • IGES
    • JT
    • Parasolid
    • STL
    • RFA
• Viewing Control
  • Will the configuration be available as part of a Catalog
• Control Access rights
  • Will the data be publically available
  • Will the configuration only be accessible by specific users
• Request for Quote contacts and form details.
• This is NOT a live link to a pricing database but a form and set of contacts a user can submit a form to for quotation purposes.

So if this is of interest why not give it a go for yourself. To access the service go to http://configurator360.autodesk.com and sign up for a 90 day trial just by logging in with your Autodesk ID. Be sure to read the Getting Started document first. 

Also take a look a some Youtube videos here.

 

Autodesk® Inventor® Design Checker technology preview available.

Anyone who keeps an eye on Autodesk Labs should have seen a new addition.

Autodesk® Inventor® Design Checker is a technology preview I’m sure will benefit a number of organisations. In fact, anyone that has a requirement to ensure designs and configurations of products need to adhere to certain criteria will find this tool of use.

Design Checker can be configured to define not only what type of features are checked, but also the standards that dictate if a check passes or fails. Custom checks can also be defined. These configurations are stored in a Profile and can be separated into different work environments (Parts, Drawings, Assemblies). This allows Profiles to be created that define different checks for different
product types, different customers, or any other end user variances. By changing profiles, Design Checker checks the models based on the rules defined in that profile.

Make manual design checking a thing of the past.

• Live checking while you work, or just at the end – you decide.

• Check common standards like missing iProperties, or create your own custom rules.

• Create custom profiles to suit each project's or customer's specific rules.

Check it out now on Autodesk Labs. 

 

This tool is currently compatibile with Inventor 2012 and Inventor 2013.

 

Autodesk 2014 suites - So what's changed?

As you can see from the infrequency of the posts on this blog, it's been a busy few months.

At the end of March we announced the 2014 release of products, with most applications being available to download to subscription customers soon after.

In the run up to and subsequently since the launch, most of us at Autodesk have been busy running around presenting at customer launch events and partner launch / training sessions. Although there are still a few to support, hopefully we can start to breathe again and spend at least a few nights at home!

Anyway, over the course of the last couple of months a few common questions have arisen, which I thought it prudent to highlight to the wider audience.

Apart from what’s new in the individual applications, those of you on subscription with a product suite will notice that you now have access to a wider toolset.

New applications for Design Suite customers

For example, inside standard design suites such as Autodesk Product Design Suite Standard you will notice within the installer that you have now have AutoCAD Raster Design and Autodesk Recap.

AutoCAD Raster Design has been available to purchase for a number of years, however with this now being included in the standard suites, if you do receive or still have a need to convert raster based drawings into vector then you now have a tool to help achieve this included in the box.

See here for an overview. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-Wg6BOOS2c

Autodesk Recap is a new application that gives the user the flexibility to combine, filter, navigate and annotate point cloud data.

If you’ve already used point cloud information within 2013 versions of Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk Revit and Autodesk AutoCAD you will notice in the 2014 that we no longer directly read in the native point cloud data such as those generated from Faro, Lieca or any of the other scanner vendors. The reason for this is, you can now process these point clouds via Autodesk Recap, which will allow a user to combine multiple files, filter noise, remove unwanted points, set units and co-ordinate systems, visualise and analyse (such as elevation or intensity) and a whole host more.

See here for an overview with Factory Design Suite.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyrhXux5YCE

A significant change for users of Autodesk Product Design Suite Premium is that it now includes Autodesk Inventor Professional. All the simulation tools such as FEA and Dynamic Simulation plus mold tool design and plastic fill analysis are now available to these users.

Autodesk Product Design Suite Ultimate now includes Autodesk Navisworks Manage, giving you the capability to run clash detections with aggregated data from a variety of sources including point cloud information.

Autodesk Inventor Fusion

That’s all well and good but something that has popped up is, “Where has Inventor Fusion disappeared too?”

Well this product is no longer being included in the Suite installations, and although it is available to download from Autodesk Labs, you can expect to see its replacement Autodesk Fusion 360 coming to market soon.

To download Inventor Fusion, use this link http://labs.autodesk.com/technologies/fusion

For customers using our simulations tools such as Autodesk Simulation Mechanical and Autodesk Simulation CFD, a supported version of Autodesk Inventor Fusion is still included in the media.

Autodesk Simulation 360 Pro

Talking about simulation tools, if you are currently using Autodesk Sim360 Pro, for 2014 in addition to cloud based Simulation Mechanical and Simulation CFD, this toolset also now includes Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis which gives users the power to be able to simulate full structural analysis including code checking.

Autodesk Inventor Publisher

If you are currently a user of Autodesk Inventor Publisher 2013 on subscription you will have noticed that there has been no 2014 flavour released. To confirm the state of play, 2013 R1 was made available on subscription center a couple of weeks back, this version give users compatibility with 2014 file formats.

Autodesk Vault

One of the big changes for this product line is that Autodesk Vault Collaboration has been discontinued. Although there is no need to panic, as all customers with 2013 versions of this product on subscription will be auto fulfilled with Autodesk Vault Professional. Customers that have Autodesk Vault Workgroup will see the 2014 version ship in the not too distant future.

Well what else is new?

I’ve only highlighted a few of the overall changes to some of our offerings, for FY14 you can expect to see a whole host of new technologies being made available to customers, so we’re not finished yet.

 

 

Request the features you want with Ideastation

Since joining Autodesk I've been asked a number of times, "When are we going to get this feature....why hasn't that been put into this product.." and the common response I give is "Well have you asked for it?" and usually the answer is no. Although in all fairness it's never really been that obvious how it can be done.

My answer used to be "Please log your request using the product feedback page" (http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=1109794). This is one area that Autodesk Product Managers keep tabs but in all fairness wasn't the easiest page to find.

If you 're a user of the Autodesk forums you may of noticed a change of late, which is the addition of IdeaStations. So you now have a relatively interactive way to log new feature requests. If an idea gets picked up for scoping then you'll see the status change from New Idea to Under Review, Accepted and so more depending on how succesful the request is.

IdeaStations are currently setup for the following applications, click on the links below to view:

• Autodesk Factory Design Suite
• Autodesk Inventor
• Autodesk Inventor ETO (Engineer-to-Order)
• Autodesk Product Design Suite
• Autodesk PLM 360
• Autodesk Vault

Now they're not available for all spplications as you can see, but for the ones listed above it's more straightforward to find...I just need to think of new excuses.

Autodesk Industrial Machinery Virtual Summit - 25th September 2012

For those of you that may be interested, in just under two weeks Autodesk are hosting a virtual summit.

The purpose of the event will be to hear from Autodesk experts and learn how tools in the Autodesk® solution for Digital Prototyping are helping industrial machinery manufacturers increase productivity and product quality and gain competitive advantage.

Topics included are:

• Inventor tips & tricks.
• Simulation and analysis.
• System engineering and design.
• Mechatronic integration.
• Data management for large assembly design.

It's not just about being talked too either, you will be able to ask the experts questions during the sessions via a live chat.

Take a look at the following link for more information. www.autodesk.co.uk/virtualevent

Once on the page, clicking to register will show you the alternate sessions relevant to your region.