Author Archive

Problem: Work Week calendar on Outlook is 1 week advance from Semiconductor Work Week

Direction on how to adjust on Outlooks Calendar:

1) On Outlook, click Tools then click Option.

2) Under Preferences, click Calendar options.

3) Once the Calendar Options Window opens, change the First week of year to First Full Week. Click Ok, then Ok again.

Campbell, Robert G., and Edward S. Roth. Integrated Product Design and Manufacturing Using Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing. New York: Marcel Dekker, c2003. Print.

Cogorno, Gene R. Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing for Mechanical Design. New York: McGraw-Hll, c2006. Print.

Gay, Daniel, and Jacques Gambelin, eds. Modeling and Dimensioning of Structures. Hoboken, NJ: ISTE: Wiley, 2008. Print.

Griffith, Gary K. Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing: Applications and Inspection. 2nd ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, c2002. Print.

Gross, Hans, Jens Hamann, and Georg Wiegartner. Electrical Feed Drives in Automation: Basics, Computation, Dimensioning. Ed. Siemens Aktiengesellschaft. Erlangen: Publicis MCD Corporate, c2001. Print.

Henzold, Georg. Geometrical Dimensioning and Tolerancing for Design, Manufacturing, and Inspection: A Handbook for Geometrical Product Specification Using ISO and ASME Standards. 2nd ed. Boston, MA: Elsevier, 2006. Print.

Industrial Fasteners Institute. IFI Guide to Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) for Mechanical Fasteners. Cleveland, Ohio: Industrial Fasteners Institute, c2004. Print.

Madsen, David A. Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing. Tinley Park, Illinois: Goodheart-Willcox, c2011. Print.

Meadows, James D. Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing in 2007. Hendersonville, TN: James D. Meadows, c2006. Print.

Nagy, Imre V., Kofi Asante-Dulah, and Istvan Zsuffa. Hydrological Dimensioning and Operation of Reservoirs: Practical Design Concepts and Principles. Boston: Kluwer Academic Publishers, c2002. Print.

Puncochar, Daniel E. Interpretation of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing. 3rd ed. New York: Industrial Press, c2011. Print.

Srinivasan, Vijay. Theory of Dimensioning: An Introduction to Parameterizing Geometric Models. New York: Marcel Dekker, c2004. Print.

Stasiak, Maciej, Mariusz Gabowski, and Arkadiusz Wisniewski. Modelling and Dimensioning of Mobile Networks: From GSM to LTE. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2011. Print.

Wilson, Bruce A. Design Dimensioning and Tolerancing. Tinley Park, Illinois: Goodheart-Wilcox, c2005. Print.

Zurflieh, Thomas P. AutoCAD 2004: 2D Drawing and Dimensioning. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall, c2005. Print.

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Fuh, J.Y. H. Computer-Aided Injection Mold Design and Manufacture. New York: Marcel Dekker, 2004. Print.

Kazmer, David O. Injection Mold Design Engineering. Cincinnati: Hanser Gardner, c2007. Print.

Rees, Herbert. Understanding Injection Mold Design. Cincinnati, OH: Hanser Gardner Publications, 2001. Print.

Sommer, John G. Elastomer Molding Technology: A Comprehensive and Unified Approach to Materials, Methods, and Mold Design for Elastomers. Hudson, OH: Elastech, 2003. Print.

Stritzke, Bernie. Custom Molding of Thermoset Elastomers: A Comprehensive Approach to Materials, Mold Design, and Processing. Cincinnati: Hanser Publications, c2009. Print.

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Accepted Industry Practices for Sheet Metal Lagging. 1st ed. Chantilly, VA: Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association, 2002. Print.

Architectural Sheet Metal Manual. 6th ed. Chantilly, VA: Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association, c2003. Print.

Banabic, Dorel. Sheet Metal Forming Processes: Constitutive Modelling and Numerical Simulation. 1st ed. New York: Springer, 2010. Print.

Boljanovic, Vukota. Sheet Metal Forming Processes and Die Design. New York: Industrial Press, c2004. Print.

Demeri, Mahmoud Y., ed. Innovations in Processing and Manufacturing of Sheet Materials: Proceedings, the Second Global Symposium on Innovations in Materials Processing and Manufacturing: Sheet Metals. Warrendale, PA: TMS, c2001. Print.

Geiger, M., et al, eds. Sheet Metal 2005: Proceedings of the 11th International Conference: Held at the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany, 05-08 April, 2005. Enfield, NH: Trans Tech Publications, c2005. Print.

Gingery, David J. Sheet Metal Technology. Ed. Vincent R. Gingery. Rogersville, MO: DJ Gingery, c2005. Print.

Jones, Travis, and Neil Munro. Mastering Sheet Metal Design with Autodesk Inventor. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Learning, c2002. Print.

Joseph, Matt. Automotive Sheet Metal Forming & Fabrication. North Branch, MN: CarTech, c2011. Print.

Meyer, Leo A. Sheet Metal. 2nd ed. Homewood, Illinois: American Technical Publishers, c2006. Print.

Micari, F., et al, eds. Sheet Metal 2007: Proceedings of the 12th International Conference Held at the University of Palermo, Italy, April 1st-4th 2007. UK: Trans Tech Publications, c2007. Print.

Miller, Rex, and Mark R. Miller. Sheet Metal Skills: Tools, Materials, and Processes. Tinley Park, Illinois: Goodheart-Willcox, c2011. Print.

National Center for Construction Education and Research. Sheet Metal Trainee Guide. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2003 Print.

NCCER. Sheet Metal, Trainee Guide. 3rd ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2009. Print.

Paul, Eddie. Sheet Metal Fabrication: Techniques and Tips for Beginners and Pros. Minneapolis, MN: Motorbooks, 2008. Print.

Remus, Timothy. Advanced Sheet Metal Fabrication. Stillwater, MN: Wolfgang Publications, 2003. Print.

Remus, Timothy, and Rob Roehl. Sheet Metal Fabrication Basics. Stillwater, MN: Wolfgang Publications, 2007. Print.

Remus, Timothy. Sheet Metal Bible. Stillwater, MN: Wolfgang Productions, 2010. Print.

Residential Sheet Metal Guidelines. 1st ed. Chantilly, VA: Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association, c2001. Print.

Sheet Metal. 3rd ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall, c2008. Print.

Sheet Metal Building Products. Boca Raton, Florida: Catalina Research, c2005. Print.

Shirvani, B., et al, eds. Sheet Metal 2009: Selected, Peer Reviewed Papers from the 13th International Conference on Sheet Metal, Held at the Birmingham City University, United Kingdom, 6th-8th April 2009. Enfield, NH: Trans Tech Publications, c2009. Print.

Tang, Sing C., and Jwo Pan. Mechanics Modeling of Sheet Metal Forming. Warrendale, PA: SAE International, c2007. Print.

Wendes Systems. Mechanical Estimating Manual: Sheet Metal, Piping, and Plumbing. Ed. Joseph D’Amelio. Boca Raton, FL: Distributed by CRC Press/Taylor & Francis, c2007. Print.

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SolidWorks Standard

SolidWorks Standard has most of the functionalities of part and assembly modeling (such as 3D solid modeling, advanced surfacing, sheet metal, mold design, direct model modification, etc.), 2D drawings (such as dimensioning, annotation, international standards support, drawing compare, etc.), design reuse and validation (such as SolidWorks search, design automation, configurations, design library, 3D models from suppliers, etc.), animations and renderings (such as assembly animation and walk-through/fly-through animations), design validation and simulation (such as collision and interference detection, hole alignment checks, check manufacturability, fluid flow simulation, sustainability, and draft and undercut analysis), and collaborating and sharing (such as import/export, 3D for rapid prototyping, eDrawings, etc.). Some functionality was recently added to SolidWorks Standard 2011 such as the appearance functionalities (controls in PhotoView or PhotoWorks) and decals.

SolidWorks Professional

SolidWorks Professional has all the capabilities of SolidWorks Standard and additional functionalities such as standards checking for 2D drawings, standard component library and task scheduler for design reuse and validation, and eDrawings Professional for collaborating and sharing.

SolidWorks Premium

SolidWorks Premium has the capabilities of SolidWorks Professional plus additional features such as piping/tubing design and electrical cable/harness design for part and assembly modeling; flattened harness drawings for 2D drawings; tolerance and stack-up analysis, kinematic motion simulation, and structural validation for design validation and simulation; and importing scanned data for collaborating and sharing. Both SolidWorks Professional and SolidWorks Premium now have PhotoView 360 which serves as SolidWorks standard photorealistic rendering solution.

SolidWorks 2011 Enhancements

For SolidWorks 2011, there have been enhancements in assemblies (ex: fillets and chamfers), drawings and detailing (ex: dual unit support), enterprise PDM (ex: enterprise PDM menus), model display (ex: DisplayManager), parts and features (ex: defeature for parts), simulation (ex: new 2D simplification study), and weldments (ex: weld beads).

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References

• “3D Design Product Matrix.” SolidWorks. Dassault Systèmes, 2011. Web. 2 Feb. 2011.
• “What’s New: Highlights of SolidWorks 2011.” SolidWorks. Dassault Systèmes, 2011. 2 Feb 2011.

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Graphic design is a “form of fine art that uses text and images creatively to communicate and present information.” Graphic design refers to a “number of artistic and professional disciplines which focus on visual communication and presentation.” The artistic capabilities of humans have been displayed for many centuries. We have recognized the fact that an artistically made object draws responses and attention from viewers. A good graphic design is one that is able to induce emotions, convey feelings, and transfer knowledge easily. Good designs enable us to easily read signs and schematics that we usually see around us. This fact has been recognized as an important aspect in advertising products to attract more customers and be able to sell goods and services. Because of this, graphic design is now a multi-million dollar industry. Graphic design has also been used in innovations in modern industrial technology.

Another clever idea to promote products is by the use of 3D catalogs. They are marketing tools to impress prospective customers and make them try your products. It might make them come back again because of the good quality of your work. If you produce products of high quality, it will be very helpful if you are able to advertise them in an attractive way and artistic way. It would be a waste of your efforts if no one gives interest to what you do. Aside from using printed materials for your advertisements, it would also be very helpful for you to explore the advantages that 3D catalog and 3D animation can do to achieve maximum impact to the attention of your customers.

A convenient way for developing multimedia contents, technical illustrations, interactive 3D animations, and many more is 3DVIA. It provides an “interactive development of technical documentation on the basis of engineering CAD-models of products.” It is composed of features and functionalities that appeal to a variety of users. It enables them to create technical documents and 2D and 3D materials. 3DVIA is very useful in sales, in marketing, in maintenance and repair, and in other areas and aspects of company processes. It increases visibility and product quality because of its features such as the ability to create technical illustrations, videos, and interactive 3D materials. By using 3DVIA, a considerable amount of time and money is saved when changes are necessary for a product because it becomes easier to do reworks and make updates in the product documentation.

An old adage states that a picture is worth a thousand words. Then how much more words, feelings, and emotions can a 3D catalog convey? Animations are the “visual answers to why and how.” They clearly show things that are hard to demonstrate in real life.

 

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References

• “Catalog Graphic Design.” Alibaba.com. Alibaba, 2011. Web. 24 Jan. 2011.
• cipachao. “3DVia Composer 2010 V6R2010x HF4 v6.5.4.1471 for Windows 32/64 bit.” SoloVagos.com. Jelsoft Enterprises Limited, 23 Jan. 2011. Web. 24 Jan. 2011.
• Deborah Corn. “Vision 3 Summit Offers Cross-Media, Direct Marketing Tips.” PrintMediaCentr. PrintMediaCentr, 24 Jan. 2011. Web. 25 Jan. 2011.
• “General Information about Graphic Design.” Curry Guide. Curry Guide, 2009. Web. 24 Jan. 2011.
• High Impact. High Impact Incorporated, 2011. Web. 24 Jan. 2011.
• ladie1. “Great Marketing Idea, Poor Execution: Barneys’ 3D Online Catalog.” Ladies’ Geek Journal. Ladies’ Geek Journal, 3 Sep. 2010. Web. 24 Jan. 2011.
• Web Promotion.com. Web Promotion, 2010. Web. 24 Jan. 2011.
• “What’s New in Graphic Design Today.” ZeroOneZero. Dynamic Digital Advertising, 2004. Web. 24 Jan. 2011.

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Assembly drawings, or mechanical assembly drawings, are “drawings detailing an engineering perspective view on a mechanism or physical, real-world-built object that is comprised of more than one part.” Assembly drawings are very useful for engineers who are dealing with complex mechanical devices. Creating assembly drawings have become improved with the recent improvements in 2D CAD drafting and detailing software. It is very vital that designs are visualized accurately and precisely so that the manufacturing stage will become successful and safer and the maintenance stage will become easier.

2D drafting and detailing is “an important aspect of any CAD tool.” The speed of creating 2D CAD drawings is a matter of great importance especially for projects that have 2D drawing end-results (aside from the fact that 2D CAD drawings are far easier to handle than paper design models). Detailing is an important part of any project, and it must be handled by professionals. Detailing and drafting services are very important in a potpourri of industries, and it is very important that drawings are easily understood by people who will use them. An improperly made drawing results to an increase in unnecessary overhead expenses.

If you are in a company that needs 2D drawings for your projects, it is better if you outsource your works to a company that is very competent in the expertise that you need. In that way, you can work harder for your specialty because other professionals are there to take care of your other needs. The technologies that they use are frequently being updated to improve the quality of their works. The resources it takes to manage your employees are lessened. This shows that outsourcing is a profitable economical solution. An outsourcing company that has demonstrated years of experience and has produced output of the finest quality in a timely manner is the best option for a client that values reliability, high quality, and time. Such outsourcing company has the capability to produce designs efficiently and without errors. A carefully planned and analyzed design prevents unnecessary costs to the people who will use it. As a conclusion, entrusting your detailing and drafting projects to professionals who have the capabilities to do them competently reduces your cost and improves your productivity despite tough economic conditions.

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References

• “2D Drafting & Detailing.” TurboCAD. IMSI/Design, 2011. Web. 17 Jan. 2011.
• “Architectural Drafting and Detailing (CAD) Services.” Supremus Group. Supremus Group, 2006. Web. 18 Jan. 2011.
• “Assembly Drawings Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Services Datasheets.” GlobalSpec. GlobalSpec, 2011. Web. 18 Jan. 2011.
• Drafting Simplified. “Structural Drafting and Detailing Services for Timber, Steel, Concrete and Prefabricated Materials.” ActiveRain. ActiveRain, 8 Sept. 2008. Web. 18 Jan. 2011.
• Ketan Poojara. “CAD Outsource Services, Structural 2D Drafting & Steel Detailing Services, Structural Engineering Services.” ArticlesBase. ArticlesBase, 23 Feb. 2010. Web. 18 Jan. 2011.
• “Outsource Architectural Drafting & Architectural Detailing (CAD).” Flatworld Solutions. Flatworld Solutions, 2010. Web. 18 Jan. 2011.
• “Piping Design & Drafting.” Detail Drafting and Design. Detail Drafting and Design, 2011. Web. 18 Jan. 2011.
• “Post-Tension Concrete Drafting, Post Tensioned Design Detailing in CAD.” PRBD. PRBD, 14 July 2010. Web. 18 Jan. 2011.
• PrimeDesign Corporation. PrimeDesign Corporation, 2009. Web. 18 Jan. 2011.
• “Structural Drafting – Structural Engineering Services.” Outsource Structural Drafting. Outsource Structural Drafting, 2010. Web. 18 Jan. 2011.
• “When Your Business Is Running 24X7, You Need Optimum Means to Maximize Your Productivity and Profits.” RAD Solutions. RAD Solutions, 2006. Web. 18 Jan. 2011.

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• Wyatt, William G. Accessing AutoCAD Architecture 2011. 1st ed. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Cengage Learning, 2010.
• Wohlers, Terry T. Applying AutoCAD 2010. New York: McGraw-Hill Higher Education, c2010.
• Wohlers, Terry T. Applying AutoCAD 2011. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Companies, 2011.
• Madsen, David A., Ron Palma, and David F. Madsen. Architectural Drafting Using AutoCAD: Drafting/Design/Presentation: AutoCAD 2010. 6th ed. Tinley Park, Illinois: Goodheart-Willcox, 2010.
• Aubin, Paul F., Darryl McClelland, and Martin Schmid. The Aubin Academy Master Series: AutoCAD MEP 2011. 1st ed. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Cengage Learning, 2010.
• Hamad, Munir M. AutoCAD 2010 Essentials. Sudbury, Massachusetts: Jones and Bartlett, 2011.
• Kirkpatrick, James M., and Beverly L. Kirkpatrick. AutoCAD 2010 for Interior Design & Space Planning. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2009.
• Richard, Paul, Frank E. Puerta, and Jim Fitzgerald. AutoCAD 2010 in 2D and 3D: A Modern Perspective. Boston: Prentice Hall, c2010.
• Puerta, Frank E. AutoCAD 2010 in 3D: A Modern Perspective. Boston: Prentice Hall, c2010.
• Kalameja, Alan J. AutoCAD 2010 Tutor for Engineering Graphics. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Cengage Learning, c2010.
• Hamad, Munir M. AutoCAD 2011: Essentials. Sudbury, Massachusetts: Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2010.
• Hamad, Munir. AutoCAD 2011 3D Modeling Essentials. Sudbury, Massachusetts: Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2010.
• Gladfelter, Donnie. AutoCAD 2011 and AutoCAD LT 2011: No Experience Required. 1st ed. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, c2010.
• Finkelstein, Ellen, Kelly L Murdock, and Denny Guang-Yeu Lee. AutoCAD 2011 & AutoCAD LT 2011 Bible. 1st ed. Indianapolis, IN: Wiley, 2010.
• Hamad, Munir M. AutoCAD 2011 Essentials. Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning, c2011.
• Kirkpatrick, Beverly L., and James M. Kirkpatrick. Autocad 2011 for Interior Design and Space Planning. 1st ed. Columbus, OH: Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2010.
• Puerta, Frank E. AutoCAD 2011 in 3D: A Modern Perspective. 1st ed. Columbus, OH: Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2010.
• Kalameja, Alan J., and Kevin Lang. Autocad 2011 Tutor for Engineering Graphics. 1st ed. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Cengage Learning, 2010.
• Shumaker, Terence M., et al. AutoCAD and Its Applications. 17th ed. Tinley Park, Illinois: Goodheart-Willcox Company, 2010.
• Shumaker, Terence M., David A. Madsen, and Jeffery A. Laurich. AutoCAD and Its Applications. 18th ed. Tinley Park, Illinois: The Goodheart-Willcox Company, 2011.
• Ward, Harry O., and Nancy S. Orem. AutoCAD Civil 3D 2010: Procedures and Applications. Boston: Pearson, c2010.
• Byrnes, David, Peter Jaret, and Barbara Schenck. AutoCAD ‘x’ for Dummies. 1st ed. Indianapolis, IN: Wiley, 2010.
• Tickoo, Sham. Customizing AutoCad 2010. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Cengage Learning, c2010.
• Tickoo, Sham. Customizing AutoCAD 2011. 1st ed. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Cengage Learning, 2010.
• Seidler, Douglas R. Digital Drawing for Designers: A Visual Guide to Autocad 2011. New York: Fairchild Books, c2010.
• Dix, Mark, and Paul Riley. Discovering AutoCAD 2010. Boston: Prentice Hall, c2010.
• Dix, Mark, and Paul Riley. Discovering AutoCAD 2011. 1st ed. Columbus, OH: Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2010.
• Bethune, James D. Engineering Graphics with AutoCAD(r) 2011. 1st ed. Boston, MA: Prentice Hall, 2011.
• Krishnan, G.V., and Thomas Stellman. Harnessing AutoCAD 2010. 1st ed. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Cengage Learning, 2010.
• Krishnan, G.V., and Thomas A. Stellman. Harnessing AutoCAD 2011. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Cengage Learning, 2010.
• Krishnan, G.V., and Thomas A. Stellman. Harnessing AutoCAD 2011. 1st ed. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Cengage Learning, 2010.
• Grabowski, Ralph. The Illustrated AutoCAD 2010 Quick Reference. Clifton Park, NY: Cengage Learning, c2010.
• Grabowski, Ralph. The Illustrated AutoCAD 2011 Quick Reference. 1st ed. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Cengage Learning, 2010.
• Richard, Paul, and Jim Fitzgerald. Introduction to AutoCAD 2010: A Modern Perspective. Boston: Prentice Hall, 2010.
• Richard, Paul, and Jim Fitzgerald. Introduction to AutoCAD(r) 2011: A Modern Perspective. 1st ed. Boston, MA: Prentice Hall, 2011.
• Omura, George. Mastering AutoCAD 2011 and AutoCAD LT 2011. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Technology, c2010.
• Aubin, Paul F. Mastering AutoCAD Architecture 2010. Clifton Park, NY: Autodesk Press/Delmar Cengage Learning, c2010.
• Wedding, James, and Scott McEachron. Mastering AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Technology, c2010.
• Omura, George. Mastering AutoCAD for the Mac. 1st ed. Indianapolis, Indiana: Wiley Technology, ©2011.
• Laughlin, Robin. Presentation Graphics: Freehand and Using AutoCAD. 1st ed. New York, NY: Fairchild Books, 2010.
• Smith, Douglas, and Antonio Ramirez. Technical Drawing 101 with AutoCAD(r): A Multidisciplinary Curriculum for the First Semester. 2nd ed. Boston, MA: Prentice Hall, 2011.
• Gindis, Elliot. Up and Running with AutoCAD 2010. Boston: Academic, c2010.
• Gindis, Elliot. Up and Running with AutoCAD 2011: 2D and 3D Drawing and Modeling. Boston : Academic Press, c2011.
• Gindis, Elliot. Up and Running with AutoCAD 2011: 2D Drawing and Modeling. Boston: Academic Press, 2010.
• Grabowski, Ralph. Update Guide to AutoCAD 2010: What’s Inside? Clifton Park, NY: Autodesk/Cengage Learning, c2010.
• Grabowski, Ralph. Using AutoCAD 2011. 1st ed. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Cengage Learning, 2010.
• Koser, Gary, and Dean Zirwas. Workplace Skills for Success with AutoCAD 2010: Advanced: A Layered Learning Approach. Boston: Prentice Hall, c2010.
• Koser, Gary, and Dean Zirwas. Workplace Skills for Success with AutoCAD 2010: Basics: A Layered Learning Approach. Boston: Prentice Hall, c2010.
• Koser, Gary, and Dean Zirwas. Workplace Skills for Success with AutoCAD 2010: Basics Through Advanced: A Layered Learning Approach. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, c2010.
• Koser, Gary, and Dean Zirwas. Workplace Skills for Success with AutoCAD 2011: Basics. 1st ed. Columbus, OH: Prentice Hall, 2010.

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Design Automation

Paul Gimbel provided in SlideShare website some few things about automation that each designer should know:¹

• 100% automation is generally unachievable.
• Typically, the last 10% of automation will not be worth it.
• Something you didn’t plan for will always come up.
• Your drawings are probably going to require clean-up.
• Testing will take you far longer than you expect.
• Your system will require ongoing maintenance and updates.

Design automation is a time-saver that is used to reduce the design cycle time by providing consistency and repeatability, which are two things that are essential in capturing and sharing efficient design methods. Design automation results to a quicker development and a shorter time to market which in turn results to a reduced total design cycle time and an increase in profitability.⁴

Design Automation with SolidWorks Macros and API

The SolidWorks API (Application Programmer’s Interface) is a “group of functions that provides direct access to SolidWorks functionality.” Examples of such functionalities are creation of a line, extruding a boss, or outputting a file format. The SolidWorks API is the gateway to the automation of repetitive tasks such as batch plotting, custom property access, or assembly “configurators.” [5]

A page in DesignPoint Solutions provides some examples of what SolidWorks API can do:⁵

• Creating an application that can take any sheet metal part, generate its flat pattern and output it as a DXF file for use in a manufacturing environment
• Creating an application that can take all the drawings associated with a project and can print them at one time with no user interaction
• Creating an application that controls the custom properties of a part within the company standards that you define
• Creating an application that would take the input of a sales person, build a custom design and automatically generate an eDrawing of the new product for delivery to the customer
• Creating an application that could access any project, query the design, generate a Bill of Materials and output it in a format suitable for MRP integration
• Creating an application that could generate a custom hole chart based on a coordinate system and any part

Macro information is the “recording of the modeling commands sequence or the modeling history.”² SolidWorks macros are un-compiled “programs written in Visual Basic for Applications, VBA for short,” although it can also be programmed using any software that supports COM (Component Object Model). VBA is the “most common COM-supporting development environment.” To save time, macros are used to simplify or automate tasks that are constantly being repeated.³

The words “macro” and “API” are sometimes used interchangeably. The difference lies in their nature. APIs are compiled programs, such as add-ins or some external executables, while macros are un-compiled programs.³

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¹Gimbel, Paul. “Design Automation: Simple Solid Works Solutions to Practical Programmatic Packages.” Razorleaf. 15 Sep 2009. 3 Jan 2011 <http://www.slideshare.net/Razorleaf/design-automation-simple-solid-works-solutions-to-practical-programmatic-packages>.
²Kim, Byungchul, and Soonhung Han. “Integration of History-Based Parametric Translators Using the Automation APIs.” International Journal of Product Lifecycle Management 2.1 (2007): 18-29. 4 Jan 2011 <http://macro-parametrics.org/wiki/Datas/publications_link/1.pdf>.
³CharlesCulp. “Macros and API.” SolidMentor. 29 Nov 2007. 3 Jan 2011 <http://solidmentor.com/modules/wiwimod/index.php?page=Macros>.
⁴Nikolic, Dragomir M. An Improved Method and Apparatus for Automated Design and Verification of Integrated Circuits. Kentucky: University of Kentucky, 2005. 3 Jan 2011 <http://archive.uky.edu/bitstream/10225/279/thesis_final.pdf>.
⁵“Training – SolidWorks API Fundamentals and Intro to VB Programming.” DesignPoint Solutions. 13 Aug 2010. 3 Jan 2011 <http://www.design-point.com/t/designpoint_training_api.html>.

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Animation in Websites

Computer animation is an “artful blend of creative vision and technology.”³ It has its uses in developing attractive websites. Movements in a webpage induce different reactions from users. Too little movements can cause boredom to viewers, but too much of it can be unpleasant for them. A well-done animation incites interest, while a bad animation produces distraction and increase in download times. Animation is like a hot sauce that is pleasant to the taste of most people when used sparingly, but not when used excessively.¹

Two factors constrain you in creating animated web pages: your skills and the limitations of the viewer’s browsers.¹

An article in All Web Design Blog provides the following pointers in using animations in your website:²

1. Appropriateness of an animation to the contents of your site

The animation that you plan to use must have relevance to the message that you want to convey to your readers. If, for example, you are selling electronics products, then it is only appropriate to make and show animations of cool gadgets and not of any other things unrelated to electronics.

2. Effect of the animation you plan to use on the load time of your website

You should not compromise the load time of your website by putting too much animation that slows it down significantly. People may not have enough patience to wait a very long time.

3. How your animation blends with your website

Your animation might be too much for the viewers of your website. Overdoing it can make a webpage chaotic. Colors must blend properly. Some websites are more attractive with bright colors; some websites are better with soft colors.

4. Uniqueness

How memorable is your animation to the minds of the viewers of your website? Is it unique, or is it common to other websites?

5. The use of plug-ins

If your animation requires the use of plug-ins, some people might not be able to view it.

Graphic Design and Animation

To be skilled in both graphic design and animation, some students study fine arts, communications, advertising, marketing, design services, and multimedia. Some other areas that they also study are 2D and 3D design, art history, communication design, typography, layout, drawing, and computer science. Both graphic design and animation requires knowledge in communication and graphic design software. They encourage students to acquire exceptional skills in communication and problem-solving, and to see things visually and conceptually.⁴

Graphic design is what we see in t-shirts, magazines, billboards, corporate brandings, and web pages for private firms, while animation is what we view in televisions, films, and computers.⁴

Kinetic Design

The animation of a product has almost the same importance as form, color, or material in terms of aesthetics. Kinetic design is the “aesthetic design of physical movement.”⁵ Animators use their knowledge in the concepts of movement to imitate reality and create special effects for the entertainment industry.⁴ Movement has been studied over many years in order to come up with something more creative than what we already know.⁵ The video is the “most natural and effective method to record motion concepts.” A designer can video the movements of an object that he is developing from different angles. He can also study the movements of the object as it moves at varying speeds.⁵

There are two ways in which kinetic design is useful: a means of improving how objects do their functions, and a method of inventing and developing product concepts.⁵

Critical elements of kinetic design methodology⁵

1. A vocabulary for motion
2. Methods for sketching motion
3. Recording motion

Kinetic design helps us to develop an object that not only looks like the real one but also acts like it. An illustration is a female robot that is in form and color similar to a real female human being but does not act the same way as the real one. It would be better and awe-inspiring if we could develop a female robot that can also move and walk in a manner similar to a real human. Kinetic design helps us to see a hint of life to an otherwise lifeless object.⁵

Kinetic design helps us to develop objects that are not only functional but also artistic and beautiful. Examples are the equipments found in sci-fi movies where the gadgets they use do not only serve their purpose but are also impressive aesthetically. It is also better if the design of an object is innovative. Example, if you could develop a faucet that has some engaging features aside from the existing features that it usually have, then the added interest of consumers will reflect in the sales of the company that developed it.⁵

Studying the motions of objects and using the concepts underlying them in designing is helpful in developing state-of-the-art products. The styling and appearance of a product is one thing; its movement and kinetic character is another matter.⁵

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¹Thomason, Larisa. “Design Tip: Animation with JavaScript.” Net Mechanic. Aug 2000. 20 Dec 2010 <http://www.netmechanic.com/news/vol3/design_no10.htm>.
²admin. “Using Animation Effectively in Web Design.” Online posting. 3 Dec 2010. All Web Design Blog. 20 Dec 2010 <http://www.allwebdesignresources.com/webdesignblogs/graphics/using-animation-effectively-in-web-design/>.
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⁵Hopson, Ben. “Kinetic Design and the Animation of Products.” Online posting. 1 Mar 2009. Core77. 20 Dec 2010 <http://www.core77.com/blog/featured_items/kinetic_design_and_the_animation_of_products_by_ben_hopson_12642.asp>.

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