CADDIT CAD CAM CNC Software Blog

Joy of progeCAD 2009 under Wine in Debian Linux

bdeck@users.sourceforge.net (CADDIT.net) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:19:54 PDT

At CADDIT we are always trying new things, sometimes just for the sheer fascination. This article outlines some updated steps to running progeCAD without buying a Windows license (although some free libraries will be needed). Understand that progeCAD is at this time not officially supported on Linux, either using Parallels or WINE emulation layer. So don't try this at home unless you are really brave and have lots of time to waste (not to mention progeCAD licenses).

We were able to accomplish several things following these steps: install progeCAD, activate progeCAD (online method), load a file, etc. Our test involved using a stand-alone license key (although NLM client might also work). progeCAD runs stable but slow (depending on your core(s) speed and OpenGL acceleration). Here we go:

1) Update to the latest WineHQ (1.1.x). Debian users can add the following line to /etc/apt/sources.list:
deb http://wine.budgetdedicated.com/apt etch main
2) apt-get install libwine wine wine-dev
okay you really don't need wine-dev development packages, but like isn't that the whole point of Linux .. whatever .. okay next step...
3) Install IE6. No joke. A platform like progeCAD often connects to a lot of the same dependencies as the world's most favorite web browser ..okay ..whatever.. we use ies4linux for this. Please visit the site for download directions specific to your favorite distro and get lovely IE6 and friends rocking in your local .wine profile.
4) Install VBA. This is possible now because ies4linux already set up DCOM libs for us. Winetricks is probably the best trick for this:
wget http://www.kegel.com/wine/winetricks
and run the ./winetricks GUI and pick what you want, but at least pick the VBA6 runtime. Winetricks should do the rest for you.
5) Install progeCAD. You can download progeCAD HERE.
6) progeCAD install seems to go well right up to the VBA installation at the end it flops (so far - we are working on it). But no matter, you can always reinstall Windows VBA for progeCAD IntelliCAD by sorting into your local subdirectory:
~/.wine/drive_c/Program\ Files/progeSOFT/progeCAD\ 2009\ Pro\ ENG/vba/
and installing VBA manually:
msiexec /i VBAOF11.MSI

WINE actually sets up a KDE icon on the desktop for you to launch progeCAD, we didn't try GNOME or XFCE. Otherwise you may have to create an action leading to the icad.exe executable in your .wine profile. So progeCAD should work now as so...

Some comments, progeCAD is a lot less demanding on system resources than AutoCAD, so it was actually possible for us to still work with progeCAD under this emulated environment. Real time pan and zoom function using the mouse buttons worked too but was so slow on the machine with on board graphics it could hardly be called real time anymore. The command interpreter disappeared once while minimizing / maximizing the progeCAD Window in KDE, but moving the window a bit around somehow brought it back again. Go figure..

$5000 Reward! Report Crack or Pirate Software in Australia

bdeck@users.sourceforge.net (CADDIT.net) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 04:48:10 PDT

Mick (name changed) is $10,000 richer. Several months ago he alerted the Australian Business Software Alliance to a local business which was running several illegal copies of AutoCAD on workstations without proper licenses or support. Management ignored the problem until they were officially served notice by the software authority. And in 2006 the BSA doubled their bounty on illegal users from $5000 to $10,0000.

This story could be just one of many. Pirate software costs the Australian economy half a billion dollars every year. Up to half (50 percent) of all CAD software in Australia could be illegal. Still, many users feel somehow clever, cool - even cocky - about finding illegal versions of software to use without registration or proper support.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Business owners and users alike have recently become more alert to problems caused by crack software for another reason. Much pirate software used today is actually bait for opening business data and infrastructure to organized cybercrime - much of it going undetected until it's too late. Here's how:

Today's warez industry is a complex business where organized crime plays at stakes much higher than making a few dollars on illegal software sales. Hackers begin with the latest off-the-shelf virus. "For as little as US$250, you can buy off-the-shelf malware, not detectable by major AV vendors and, for an extra US$25 a month, you can subscribe to updates that will ensure your malware remains undetectable," according to Kerrie-Anne Turner in Australia's Voice and Data eZine.

These stock viruses and trojans are embedded within crack software downloads. Once installed, the system is often irreversably compromised - even unbootable. More often, however, the infected PC becomes part of a botnet - a network of computers remotely controlled by someone else. As a botnet peer, a host PC can be asked to perform almost any task - from uploading confidential files to granting network access to outsiders and participating in illegal (and sometimes traceable) activities.

Since most complex CAD software requires local administrator rights to be installed, it is ideal for cloaking botnet clients which can run with unlimited system access. Botnets have developed into one of the internet's largest illegal sources of income. Botnets are commonly used to host illegal web content such as child pornography, to send out spam or to launch distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. And all of this often without the computer's owner noticing anything really amiss.

In 2005 a botnet was foiled which turned out to be 15 times larger than police initially thought. A full investigation revealed 1.5 million infected PCs worldwide to be part of their illegal network. Many of the infected PCs were running up-to-date antivirus software. To date, hackers continue to rival each other in building larger and larger botnets.

Businesses who outsource to companies using cracked software also risk compromising sensitive IP and customer data. "What sounds too good to be true usually is" - especially when someone seems just too eager to share a copy of AutoCAD for $20 (or even free). In final analysis, the twenty-first century is a far more dangerous place for product design and manufacturing companies to be risking their reputation to run illegal or unsupported platforms.

progeCAD German Version Offers AutoCAD Compatibility in German

bdeck@users.sourceforge.net (CADDIT.net) — Mon, 25 May 2009 18:41:30 PDT

This announcement is in English and German languages. See German version below.

Como Italy, 26 May 2009 – progeSOFT in partnership with CADDIT and N.W.S. Germany announced the German translation release of progeCAD 2009 Professional CAD design software. Designers, engineers and architects accustomed to AutoCAD, Auto CAD LT or IntelliCAD can compare the cost-for-feature value free for 30 days. Unlike most AutoCAD compatible CAD software, progeCAD 2009 far exceeds simple DWG file compatibility with special features like Google Earth export, PDF conversion, Quick-Dimensioning (“QDIM”) and even an updated spell checker. Now German users enjoy the convenience of using progeCAD design commands in native German language. The progeCAD German version can be downloaded HERE.

progeCAD German CAD software translation was supervised by progeSOFT, located near beautiful Lake Como in Italy. progeCAD in German is available from numerous authorized progeCAD distributors around the world including progeSOFT ( http://www.progesoft.com/ , http://www.progecad-deutschland.com/ and CADDIT ( http://www.caddit.net/progecad/progecad-deutsch.php ). A german language support forum for progeCAD is also available: http://www.caddit.net/forum/viewforum.php?f=6

##########

Como-Italien, 26.Mai 2009 – progeSOFT in Zusammenarbeit mit CADDIT und N.W.S Deutschland gibt hiermit die Freigabe der deutschen Übersetzung von progeCAD 2009 Professional bekannt. Designer, Konstrukteure und Architekten, die mit AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT oder IntelliCAD vertraut sind, haben die Möglichkeit den Nutzwert der Software für 30 Tage kostenlos zu testen. Im Gegensatz zur meisten AutoCAD ähnlichen CAD-Software übertrifft progeCAD 2009 einfache DWG-Dateiformat Kompatibilität mit speziellen Funktionen wie Google Earth Export, PDF Konvertierung, Quick-Dimensioning(„QDIM“) und eine verbesserte Rechtschreibprüfung bei weitem. Deutsche Benutzer haben jetzt auch den Komfort progeCAD Designbefehle in Ihrer deutschen Muttersprache zu verwenden. Benutzter können jetzt die deutsche Version direkt herunterladen - HIER.

Die Software Übersetzung von progeCAD wurde von progeSOFT, mit Firmensitz am idyllischen Comer See in Italien, betreut. progeCAD Deutsch ist weltweit erhältlich bei zahlreichen progeCAD Vertriebspartnern, einschließlich progeSOFT ( http://www.progesoft.com/ , http://www.progecad-deutschland.com/ und CADDIT ( http://www.caddit.net/progecad/progecad-deutsch.php ). Zur Verfügung steht auch ein deutschsprachiges progeCAD Forum unter http://www.caddit.net/forum/viewforum.php?f=6

How to Make 3D Alibre Designs from Imported DXF Files

bdeck@users.sourceforge.net (CADDIT.net) — Tue, 12 May 2009 07:38:55 PDT

Alibre Design CAD software can import a number of other file formats, including AutoCAD DWG and DXF format 2D drawing files. Alibre is also ACIS based and can import AutoCAD 3D ACIS kernel .SAT files directly. A common question however is how DXF or DWG drawing can be imported into Alibre, constraints applied and used as a base profile for a parametric 3D model directly in Alibre. The question is valid because Alibre imports 2D geometry from DXF and DWG files as 2D drawings, as we will see. To start we will create some (hopefully) simple demonstration geometry in progeCAD as below:

progeCAD can be a good compliment for Alibre, in part for it's very low cost and in part for it's strong support of AutoCAD semantics like pline-polyline entity creation and DXF export. From progeCAD we export this simple profile as a DXF file and import into Alibre from the Alibre toolbar:

However, as every Alibre user well knows, the result of DXF import opens our AutoCAD polyline DXF file as a new 2D drawing - not as a sketch:

The key here is to "Activate 2D Sketch" as shown above. However, our polyline still doesn't seem very flexible. This is because Alibre imports them as symbols which need "exploded" by selecting the shape(s), right clicking on them and selecting "Explode Symbol" as shown here:

Then it is just a matter of "edit-copy" from the drawing window and "paste" into an active model sketch window, where constraints can be applied as desired. Note the nodes now visible at the corners of our former polyline now that we have "exploded" it:

Here is a final result after constraint and boss extrusion in Alibre Design:

CADDIT has recently added free Alibre support to their CAD forum. Feel free to post your comments or just say hi and introduce yourself and your project.

HyperShot Replaces Alibre PhotoRender; Offers Realtime Raytrace Rendering

bdeck@users.sourceforge.net (CADDIT.net) — Sat, 09 May 2009 05:24:18 PDT

On February 18, Alibre Announced their new strategic partnership with Bunkspeed Inc., makers of Hypershot 3D rendering software. Alibre is now replacing PhotoRender and will begin shipping Alibre Design Professional and Alibre Design Expert with HyperShot Web instead.

Main software features of Bunkspeed HyperShot include:

State of the art photorealistic 3D model rendering
Easy to use 4-step procedure interface
Drag and drop physics-based materials library for texture mapping
Capabilities like ambient occlusion, refraction & caustics
Variety of camera environments, lighting and backgrounds
Import .obj, IGES, SolidWorks, Rhino, STEP and Pro/E 3D models
Real-time WYSIWYG raytrace rendering - one of a kind!
..and more

Cadalyst says HyperShot's "Real-time rendering technology blows its competition out of the water." Desktop Engineering says "HyperShot IS industrial design".

In May Alibre is introducing HyperShot with a 40% off discount for Alibre Design Professional and Alibre Design Expert which now includes this new rendering system. Australia CAD designers can download Alibre HERE.

Free Second Grabowski eBook "tailoring progeCAD" Available

bdeck@users.sourceforge.net (CADDIT.net) — Fri, 01 May 2009 02:59:39 PDT

progeSOFT and partners have released the second bonus for progeCAD users form AutoCAD book author Ralph Gabrowski entitled "tailoring progeCAD". "tailoring progeCAD" is a more in-depth examination of the powerful interfaces progeCAD offers developers and CAD specialists for customization. progeCAD is a low cost compliment to AutoCAD for editing Autodesk DWG files and using a similar interface, but just costing 10% of full version AutoCAD RRP. This free eBook can be downloaded HERE ( $50 value).

"tailoring progeCAD" is the second Grabowski eBook written in partnership with progeSOFT and progeSOFT US. This free CAD eBook is 200 pages and pre-formatted for USA binder printing on A-size paper. Topics covered include customizing the progeCAD user interface, changing progeCAD settings for text, fonts and colors, setting keystroke aliases, writing menus, macros and scripts, DCL, DIESEL and AutoLISP programming and more.

"tailoring progeCAD" is a follow-up for advanced users to the previously announced "inside progeCAD" which together become a powerful tool in unlocking the full potential of progeCAD.

Publication of "tailoring progeCAD" was funded by progeSOFT as an educational project and may be freely re-distributed among organizations and on the Internet as long as content and copyright remain unchanged.

Free Upgrade to T-FLEX Version 12 Offer

bdeck@users.sourceforge.net (CADDIT.net) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 06:56:15 PDT

CADDIT announced new buyers of T-FLEX CAD (version 11 starting with May 2009) will get their USB license dongles upgraded to use version 12 free of charge upon release. T-FLEX 12 is scheduled to be released later this year, with many new features. At that time users will be offered the option to upgrade free or keep their version 11 installed as-is.

T-FLEX is winning attention of mechanical CAD designers as flexible MCAD with features that rival much more expensive systems. It will import SolidWorks, Solid Edge, Parasolid and many other formats directly, so chances are users can work in T-FLEX with many currently existing designs. Unlike many solid-only CAD systems, T-FLEX commands work equally with sheet surface or solid entities. Integrated BOM, sheet metal, welding, FEA and motion simulation offer designers all the tools needed for complex mechanical assembly.

T-FLEX's intuitive context-sensitive right mouse-click menu and adaptive feature based construction cuts design time while database and spreadsheet connectivity allow 3D models to be driven from business data. Custom part windows allow designers to quickly reuse existing 3D model templates with unlimited variation. Designers have the choice of either parametric or direct editing methodology. T-FLEX is enabling many SMBs with powerful 3D mechanical CAD at 25% or less of equivalent platforms.

Users can download a full version T-FLEX trial HERE. For those with download difficulty, free evaluation DVDs are available from CADDIT to the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other locations. These can be requested HERE. Once installed, users will need to send CADDIT their User Code for a trial password to begin their 30 day experience using T-FLEX. T-FLEX pricing and ordering direct from CADDIT is available online HERE.

Free Ralph Grabowski eBook "inside progeCAD"

bdeck@users.sourceforge.net (CADDIT.net) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 05:37:10 PDT

This year's progeCAD user bonus arrives early with the release of "inside progeCAD", a free PDF eBook for all progeCAD users. This eBook is written by Ralph Grabowski, well known author of books like "THE ILLUSTRATED AUTOCAD 2008 QUICK REFERENCE". progeCAD is a low cost substitute for AutoCAD for editing Autodesk DWG files and using a similar interface, but just costing 10% of full version AutoCAD RRP. The free eBook can be downloaded HERE completely free ($50 value).

Editing and approval for the publication of "inside progeCAD" was a team effort between Mr. Grabowski, his team, progeSOFT North America and progeSOFT Italy. This free CAD eBook is 200 pages and pre-formatted for USA binder printing on A-size paper. This eBook makes a good follow-up to the mechanical drafting to CAD migration eBook published by CADDIT last year. Topics covered in this eBook includes A Guided Tour for beginners and newbies, extensive lessons on User Input and the progeCAD Interface, sample projects and advanced tips. There is also a full section entitled "progeCAD for AutoCAD Users" which notes many of the differences between the interface of these two CAD systems.

Publication of "inside progeCAD" was funded by progeSOFT as an educational project and may be freely re-distributed among organizations and on the Internet as long as content and copyright remain unchanged.

Free AutoCAD a Hoax

bdeck@users.sourceforge.net (CADDIT.net) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 02:55:04 PDT

Autodesk recently published an article reading, in part, "In order to get ahead in the workplace, you need to invest in yourself by increasing your knowledge and expanding your skills.. The program offers... Free Software License*"

The timing for this announcement was probably no accident. Autodesk's paying yearly upgrade buyers (unsubscribed) got a big shock just two weeks earlier when Autodesk unveiled plans to triple their upgrade prices. So this quick fix to bury any bad karma was probably planned weeks in advance.

But is the "Free Software License" really free? Actually the license only lasts for thirteen months. Applicants must be able to prove that they are an unemployed design professional, and give reference to their last place and time of employment. Appearantly it is also watermarked "Educational", so it can't legally be used for any kind of commercial work. In other words, this isn't what you were thinking it was. Autodesk is really just expanding their educational program to include recently unemployed users of their software.

Far from "caring about the little guy", Autodesk continues to relentlessly charge high prices to their paying customers, accost people trying to sell AutoCAD on eBay, drag small businesses to court who try to enable high-end functionality in the lower price Autodesk products like AutoCAD LT and kill open interoperability of their file formats.

Sorry, no free AutoCAD.

Review Alibre Translate 3D for CATIA Pro/E SolidWorks..

bdeck@users.sourceforge.net (CADDIT.net) — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 22:00:45 PDT

March 2009 saw a lot happen with our Alibre 3D CAD software line. It was interesting to watch a little stampede develop during the last couple days of March because of a sale we had going! But that same month we were given Alibre Design 11.2 with several enhancements. Significantly, these included the release of AlibreTranslate, a new product Alibre launched tucked into Alibre Premium version for free in March. There are some cool features offered by the new AlibreTranslate.

AlibreTranslate imports the following 3D CAD formats directly:

Dassault SolidWorks .sldprd 3D model files and .sldprt assembly files
Dassault CATIA V5 .CATPart model files and .CATProduct assemblies
EDS/UGS/Siemens Solid Edge 3D .par parts and .asm assemblies
Autodesk Inventor .ipt parts and .iam 3D assemblies
PTC Pro Engineer & Wildfire .prt models and .asm assemblies, also .xpr & .xas
Parasolid: v18 (*.x_t, *.x_b, *.xmt_txt, *.xmt_bin)

AlibreTranslate also offers a range of automated model check, stitching and healing functions with the software. This assures closed manifold 3D objects which can be edited directly in Alibre as solid models. Units conversion between English Imperial and Metric are also included. Alibre 3D CAD already supports Rhino 3DM, AP 214 STEP, ISO IGES, Spatial (Dassault) ACIS SAT for translation to progeCAD, AutoCAD, TurboCAD as well as native AutoCAD DWG file support. Enabled with the optional AlibreTranslate license, a CAD designer can import almost any mainstream CAD model and edit it.

AlibreTranslate also exports to write directly to:

SolidWorks 3D model file .sldprt format
Parasolid: v18 (*.x_t, *.x_b, *.xmt_txt, *.xmt_bin)

AlibreTranslate uses a fast intermediate STEP conversion to import the final solid volumes from the various 3D CAD formats, and the included adjustable healing algorithms help assure design integrity - as shown in this perfectly imported and beautifully rendered Pro Engineer model assembly below:

Readers may download Alibre Design software (which includes AlibreTranslate) directly from CADDIT and run for 30 days in full version mode before choosing either to buy or continuing on with a free Xpress license. Support for Alibre in Australia is offered on our new Alibre forum page.

VariCAD 2009 CAD for Linux and Windows Includes Parametrics

bdeck@users.sourceforge.net (CADDIT.net) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 06:41:45 PDT

VariCAD and CADDIT released the first edition of their 2009 Parametric 3D Industrial Design CAD Software for Windows and Linux. VariCAD is practical CAD for mechanical design, structural steel, industrial layout, fit-out concept, sheet metal assembly, machine equipment and jig or check fixture model and detailing. VariCAD 2009 includes several important enhancements, including:

support for parameters
support for geometric constraints
enhanced possibilities for insertion and transformation of solids
new possibilities for editing shells
improved work with true type fonts in 2D
improved STEP file compatibility
improved DWG file compatibility and more

VariCAD 2009 does not use a full length feature tree as many CAD users may be accustomed. Rather, VariCAD 2009 introduces a unique "parameter table" approach to listing the values associated with model geometry. Users can choose to create specific design parameters for each feature or not. Model features without table parameters can still be modified directly in most cases using direct feature dimensioning.

The documentation includes several new Adobe flash video demonstration tutorials for learning the VariCAD Parametric system. Linux 3D CAD users should especially appreciate these new features on a native VariCAD Linux system. Debian/Ubuntu .deb and RH .rpm distributions will be available for download. For Microsoft Windows VariCAD can be downloaded free for 30 days HERE.

CAD Designers: Are Your Jobs Still Going Overseas?

bdeck@users.sourceforge.net (CADDIT.net) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 07:08:38 PDT

Businesses in Beijing and Bangalore believe they have discovered a gold mine. But the same experience for many of their foreign investors has exposed land mines in return. Aside from the obvious local employment concerns, companies often discover outsourcing to be far more expensive than originally estimated. Businesses which were first enticed with seemingly low hourly wages find themselves committed to paying more than they ever bargained for.

As one example United Technologies, an acknowledged leader in developing offshore best practices, was saving just over 20 percent by outsourcing to India in 2003 (and wages are higher there now). That's still substantial savings, to be sure. But it takes years of effort and a huge up-front investment. For many companies, it simply may not be worth it. "Someone working for $10,000 a year in Hyderabad can end up costing an American company four to eight times that amount," says Hank Zupnick, CIO of GE Real Estate.

Google metrics for outsourcing searches have dropped 50% since then. According to the Black Book of Outsourcing, western firms such as CENIT, IBM Global and Infosdys still sell as many PLM outsourcing services to the world as do Indian firms Larsen & Toubro, Siri Technologies and Satyam. This is bad news for a country carrying perhaps the world's largest surplus in manpower. Such regions, through poor management and cultural barriers, are often too slow with creating domestic markets of their own. China faces similar problems.

A backlash trend to outsource to Europe or the USA is actually emerging now. Many investors, once burned, are looking for better long-term partnerships with contractors and suppliers. This is good news for engineering and design companies in the more developed nations. Stay alert. Opportunities exist for skilled designers in developed countries to demonstrate their value added. Suggestions for remaining competitive: keep resources, skills and training certifications updated, invest in innovation and R&D.

If you have a recent experience about your company's design work being outsourced (or not) feel free to post it HERE.

Who is the Best BIMmer?

bdeck@users.sourceforge.net (CADDIT.net) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 04:55:35 PDT

For those not familiar with the expression, BIM stands for Building Information Modeling. BIM is common tech speak for using information-based building semantics in CAD design workflows. The exact definition is actually still evolving. BIM products include the likes of Autodesk Revit, Graphisoft and Bentley. Two things generally characterize BIM software: increased program complexity and higher software costs. Some liken BIM in the architectural industry to PLM for product manufacturing.

We would argue one important difference: PLM was a customer driven concept to meet large scale manufacturing needs. However, "few have pursued full 3D (building design) modeling with great vigor, and even fewer have embraced BIM and information extraction, even though the AEC software industry has spent much time and capital creating and promoting BIM software," states Goldberg, H. Edward in CADalyst magazine. So a large portion of the need for BIM software may be originating from the software companies themselves.

One thing almost everyone agrees on is that there is a right way to BIM and a wrong way to BIM. But that's about where agreement ends. How to BIM depends largely on which marketing team one chooses to listen to. Autodesk, Bentley, Nemetschek and others are all staking claims "to BIM the Best" in what appears to be the CAD industry's latest gold rush to establish a title standard.

The question arises if this will actually be a standard that most businesses need. Full scale BIM deployments can be very expensive. They may requiring extensive retraining and, in some scenarios, a complete refit for design and business workflows. Interestingly, none of Autodesk's ROI charts seem to take this last aspect into account. And even if large companies succeed in (at least partially) implementing BIM, will the solution scale downward for small business and supplier integrations?

Previously on our CAD Blog we introduced our low-cost BIM alternative CP-System, which can be dubbed our "Anti-BIM" proposal. CP-System offers AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT (using LTX), progeCAD, BricsCAD, ZwCAD, CADopia and other IntelliCAD brands quick but accurate HVAC, electrical, plumbing, architectural, mechanical, structural, hydraulic design with extensive parametric symbol libraries. More information about CP-System and a free 30-day trial is available HERE.

AutoCAD LT versus progeCAD 2009 CAD Software

bdeck@users.sourceforge.net (CADDIT.net) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 05:11:05 PDT

AutoCAD LT (AutoCAD "lite" version) is still used by many companies who require compatible AutoCAD DWG design software, but have no desire to pay several thousand dollars for a single license of the worlds most expensive mainly-2D design platform. progeCAD is design software not sold by Autodesk but distributed through other companies like CADDIT. progeCAD offers native DWG editing and most commands found in the full version of AutoCAD, including their own AutoLISP interpreter, VBA and C++ (SDS/ADS) frameworks. How do these two products compare regarding features and cost?

Feature comparison: progeCAD actually offers many features missing in AutoCAD LT. Most of these are features which Autodesk deliberately removed from AutoCAD LT to redirect users back to buying AutoCAD. These features include full ACIS 3D modelling and rendering, user profile support and the aforementioned LISP, VBA and C++ interfaces. However, AutoCAD C++ add-ons will need to be edited and re-compiled by the supplier before they will run in progeCAD. progeCAD also supports AutoLISP protected by AutoLISP encryption security. progeCAD also offers extra features like Google Earth KML, SVG and PDF file export.

Performance comparison: AutoCAD LT can run a bit faster than progeCAD, although that differs form drawing to drawing, depending on elements, layout, size and complexity. progeCAD, however, can have a somewhat smaller resource footprint on RAM and disk space requirements. As of progeCAD 2009, both programs offer paper size visualization in layout mode, right-mouse button context menus, a spelling checker and quick dimensioning.

Cost comparison: This depends on local markets, exchange rates and promotions, but generally speaking AutoCAD LT costs three to four times more than does the Professional edition of progeCAD.

Both systems offer a download version for users to try for themselves. progeCAD can be downloaded HERE, from CADDIT directly, or from many other sites. AutoCAD LT is available from the Autodesk website.

Can TransMagic Really Help Solve 3D CAD Translation Problems?

bdeck@users.sourceforge.net (CADDIT.net) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 01:29:32 PST

Recent economics have spawned an increasing need for business to adapt in new markets. And new markets often require companies to read new 3D CAD file formats - but "total cost of ownership" for maintaining additional CAD environments can be costly and time consuming. TransMagic is central, easy-to-use 3D collaboration software for reliably sharing CAD files across multiple CAD programs. TransMagic saves companies time, effort and money by offering a better option than budgeting and maintaining several independent CAD environments.

TransMagic software translates CAD information directly from one modeling technology to another, supporting direct ACIS, ParaSolid *.x_t, CATIA V4 & V5, Unigraphics JT and more, preventing data loss. TransMagic's functionality extends far beyond any basic 3D model translator, with robust tools like "Gap Check" and "MagicSurface". TransMagic repairs model gaps, heals unstitched surfaces and automates much of the rework that often comes with basic STEP and IGES file exchange.

Superlift, one of the largest suspension companies in the off-road market, is one manufacturer using TransMagic to save time. "TransMagic has made it possible to open any neutral or native CAD file we receive, quickly isolate, repair and retrieve what we need," said Kevin Dill, Product Development Lead Engineer for Superlift. "Repairing damaged files and grouping what we need prior to importing has saved us lots of time. Our time is now better spent working with clean, manageable files that we can rely on as we design new products."

ZEMAX Development Corporation, developers of ZEMAX optical system design software, had a similar problem. "Our customers struggle with the handover between mechanical and optical engineering – they are optical engineers and not experts in CAD. Mechanical CAD packages are three orders of magnitude coarser resolution than what is needed for optical design and errors in mechanical designs may not be apparent in the CAD package," says Mark Nicholson, Vice-President, ZEMAX Development Corporation. "TransMagic is able to simply explain what is wrong with a badly-formed CAD file and then easily repair the file with a high resolution before importing into ZEMAX. CAD files repaired by TransMagic are imported into ZEMAX with no problems."

An independent review of TransMagic was recently written by Frank Sherosky of the Detroit Automotive Technology Examiner. In part he writes, "TransMagic appears good for suppliers, because it reads proprietary CAD files in their native formats. (While the operative word is "read," I'm also concerned with "write.") That alone makes for higher data-read integrity, not to mention same-day implementation. Furthermore, the company touts the system is scalable, meaning suppliers can buy value-priced suites and add more capabilities at a later time." The full review can be read HERE.

For more information about if TransMagic can help your business, you can contact us on this page.

New Alibre V11 Video Overview

bdeck@users.sourceforge.net (CADDIT.net) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:19:41 PST

This new nine-minute video gives users a real good overview of basic 3D parameteric CAD design using Alibre. Last month Alibre partnered with CADDIT.net for distribution of their complete CAD CAM Design software series in Australia. For years Alibre CAD has been the budget choice for low-cost but easy to use parametric 3D CAD design software. Enjoy the video:

This video will also appear in our CAD CAM news feed. I should remind our Australian readers that CADDIT is still offering two Alibre registrations for the price of one. This special Alibre promotion lasts until Saturday the 28 ... CLICK HERE for more information...

Alibre Design 11.2: New Features Come in March!

bdeck@users.sourceforge.net (CADDIT.net) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 16:47:03 PST

Alibre Design is a global standard for affordable 3D CAD design, and more recently CAD CAM CNC manufacturing. March will see the newest release of this powerful design tool made available in Australia and around the world. Other new features being added in Alibre 11.2 will include:

Product (Alibre Design Interface):

New global option in GUI (under Home window->Tools/Options) to keep all workspaces maximized
New global option in GUI (under Home window->Tools/Options) to enable/disable prompt for naming new workspace
Persist workspace browser position and size on file save to restore them on file open
Make default size of new workspace browsers to be 80% of display size
Persist explorer visibility and width and restore on open
Increase the default size of the Design Explorer
Ability to edit all vault metadata from inside the File->Properties dialog (General tab)

Addon (Framework):

Framework to let addon insert custom file filter in our File->Export dialog and accompanying API to allow such addon to export workspace to desired file format
New AlibreTranslate addon built around Datakit's translation library to import/export CAD formats such as SW, ProE, Parasolid, Catia etc. Merged SolidWorksReader add-on with AlibreTranslate
Enable showing 'Import Options' dialog while importing files via AlibreTranslate
Enable AlibreTranslate to accept SW file names containing Unicode (Japanese, Chinese etc) characters

AlibreTranslate is new software that will be made available as part of the Alibre product family very soon, as well. Alibre was introduced as new mid-range CAD CAM software by CADDIT Australia two weeks ago. Alibre can be downloaded HERE. More details are to follow in this CAD CAM Blog...

T-FLEX Design Quick-Start Tutorial PDF E-Book

bdeck@users.sourceforge.net (CADDIT.net) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 04:15:21 PST

A few readers didn't know about the handy T-FLEX 11 beginner's design guide normally found HERE on the hard disk after the T-FLEX 11 CAD installation. So for easy access and to benefit the curious, we are posting the document online again for everyone to have a look. There are some really helpful tips for beginners here so you might want to bookmark this page. Click on one of the pages to open the entire publication online in a new window. To download the entire PDF file version (without the embedded reader) click HERE.

Open publication

T-FLEX CAD offers product design engineering PLM solutions similar to Pro/E, to some degree Unigraphics or even CATIA, but a fraction of the installation cost. Options include full multi-axis CNC milling & lathe cutting, FEA and kinematic simulation. T-FLEX PLM is used extensively by large companies like GEA Westfalia Separator and Festo. Read more about T-FLEX PLM here.

CAD CAM Australia 2009 Comes At Three Levels

bdeck@users.sourceforge.net (CADDIT.net) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 03:26:22 PST

CADDIT has officially released the Alibre CAD/CAM software line for Australia on their online CAD software store. Alibre takes an important place with CADDIT's "Three-Tier-Portfolio" of software now being offered to Australian design and industry service customers. Many already know Alibre CAD to be a cost effective mid-range CAD offering parametric solid modelling, sheet metal design, basic motion kinematics, associative 2D layout detailing and other features. Designers also have the option to "drive" models from a spreadsheet, linking CAD designs to Microsoft Excel tables.

CADDIT will be working with Alibre to support both the Alibre CAD, complete with photo-render, Alibre Vault PDM, Algor Designcheck FEA and Rhino 3D Surfacing software - as well as the newer Alibre CAM line for associative 2.5 to 5 axis CNC milling. Alibre was released simultaneously on the CAD CAM Australia web portal and discussion is held on the CADDIT CAD Forum.

Alibre 3D CAD CAM software is offered as a "good starting point" for Australian business looking for cost-effective 3D design software, but looking to keep within a conservative budget. Alibre offers powerful design similar to SolidWorks, Siemens Solid Edge and Autodesk Inventor - but at a much lower price.

Alibre will join CADDIT's existing two CAD CAM product lines:

progeCAD/progeCAM basic low cost design & 2.5 axis machining for lathe mill & wire EDM
T-FLEX high-end hybrid surface/solid freeform-parametric PLM software.

Users can begin immediately downloading the new Alibre V11 from the CADDIT website. This software will run in full Expert mode for thirty days before reverting to it's free Xpress mode of asking for a commercial license which can be bought HERE.

progeCAM CNC Milling Lathe Wire EDM for progeCAD IntelliCAD

bdeck@users.sourceforge.net (CADDIT.net) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 02:59:57 PST

progeCAM CNC Software for progeCAD 2009 has been released on CADDIT. progeCAM is an affordable CNC manufacturing package for progeCAD designers who would like to use a CNC mill, lathe or wire EDM machine for cutting their designs. The CADDIT progeCAM CNC package links progeCAD Professional to PartMaster CAM with a small plugin which adds several new machining commands directly to the progeCAD interface: pcamMILL, pcamTURN, pcamEDM - along with a pcamOPTION and pcamHELP command. Commands are enabled depending on the manufacturing license chosen. There is also a small progeCAD toolbar which can call these functions without typing.

The progeCAM manufacturing package including progeCAD 2009, Dolphin CNC PartMaster and the CADDIT module is priced at a combined discount of more than 10% plus including the module software and support for free.

Video Overview of T-FLEX CAD Parametric Feature Tree

bdeck@users.sourceforge.net (CADDIT.net) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 04:01:00 PST

T-FLEX CAD CAM is a low cost PLM suite of mechanical design software which allows users to quickly create finished products and large moving assemblies with complex shapes and surfaces. A standard feature of parametric 3D CAD software is the feature tree which allows you to "browse" and change selected features from any point in the design history of a 3D model. The following short video offers an overview of the T-FLEX CAD 3D Parametric Feature Tree panel:

T-FLEX CAD is high-end PLM software like Pro Engineer, Unigraphics and CATIA but priced at a fraction of the cost. Although inexpensive upgrade options are available, every T-FLEX license is permanent and does not require anula subscription fees to continue working. CAD Designers are encouraged to download and try T-FLEX CAD CAM for themselves free for thirty days from CADDIT.net.

Free Online CAD Symbols, Models and AutoCAD Blocks

bdeck@users.sourceforge.net (CADDIT.net) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 23:32:09 PST

There are many places available for downloading free CAD symbols and AutoCAD DWG DXF blocks from the Internet. Ready-made CAD symbols can be inserted into CAD drawings instead of creating them from scratch, therefore saving a designer time and making their job easier.

CBEN (http://www.cben.net/) home to one of the largest communities for continually updating large free AutoCAD DWG block libraries of anything from construction and architecture to vegetation, people, 3D models and more. All downloads are free. If you work a lot in AutoCAD and don't know about this site, you probably should.

Polantis has just launched a new but extensive visual website for 3D designs of mostly IKEA furniture - lots of IKEA furniture. This library already offers a good selection of their build-it-yourself virtual furnishings.

Archibase offers many free CAD models and patters, but this website seems to want users first to install a free "Archibase Toolbar" on their browser before downloading any blocks. We didn't care to, but I guess you can if you want...

Designers might also try http://cad.3dmodelfree.com. This site offers a visual library of drawings containing numerous blocks and templates for interior design, room and building drawings, furniture, shopping centers, elevation plans - even some Chinese symbols. The drawings come mostly RAR compressed, and some use passwords but the password is normally displayed on the web page for downloading that drawing as far as I can see...

Engineers looking for free 3D mechanical parts can try Dassault's http://www.3dcontentcentral.com. At first glance this site appears to go beyond offering simple CAD model downloads by trying to tie users and vendors (the model contributors) together with what appears to be an almost WEB 2.0 approach. I remember our first try with one of the listed suppliers (for a 3D stepper motor model I think) kept returning an error that the model wasn't found or couldn't be downloaded. But usually it works rather well I guess - offering all kinds of free 3D mechanical industrial vendor models in various formats like STEP IGES ACIS .SAT (for AutoCAD) and much more...

http://www.woodworkersworkshop.com/cadfiles/index.html offers a small list of free CAD libraries and links to more libraries for wood working.

Of course, there are also many downloadable CAD symbols libraries as well. progeCAD Professional design CAD includes a free library manager with about 11,000 AutoCAD blocks called ALE. CP-System takes 2D CAD blocks a step further, giving users the ability to add, insert and modify new CAD blocks parametrically.

If you have a good link to free online CAD block or model resources you would like to see added to the list, feel free to post it in the comment section below.

New progeCAD Professional 2009 Video Tour

bdeck@users.sourceforge.net (CADDIT.net) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 05:59:39 PST

progeCAD Professional 2009 offers a powerful new CAD interface - similar icons, commands and interface. Raster image editing, raster-to-vector software included. DWF, SVG, O2C and Google Earth KML export, IntelliCAD AutoLISP, VBA & DIESEL, ACIS 3D Solids modelling, temporary point snap (oSnap), layers, blocks. Hatch and xref editing. 3D shading and rendering options. approx. 11000+ CAD symbols library. progeCAD Professional can be downloaded for a thirty day trial HERE or register your full license online HERE.

CADDIT Announces Building Design Without BIM (Building Information Modeling)

bdeck@users.sourceforge.net (CADDIT.net) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 05:53:15 PST

Sydney, Australia - CADDIT announced their release of a an exciting new line of CAD software products for building design without the overhead involved with Building Information Modeling (commonly known as BIM). CP-System is an affordable CAD software add-on for AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT (using LTX), progeCAD, BricsCAD and other IntelliCAD brands. CP-System represents a much easier, low-cost and practical approach to the needs of designers who need to work quickly but accurately.

CP-System is a simple suite of four separately priced toolboxes that turbocharge supported CAD systems into a complete building design studio. At the core of CP-System is a 2D parametric drawing editor which allows users to quickly draw electrical wiring, piping or duct elevation plans and then "insert" relevant symbols such as valves or switches from large libraries of associative drawing objects. Each library can be customized with objects from a user, or extended by downloading thousands more parts currently available from CP-System enabled industry suppliers (such as Fujitsu or Cablofil). A database is built as the drawing is created, which can be exported or printed as a Bill Of Material or specification in many common formats such as CSV, XLS, XML, RTF, HTML and PDF. CP-System objects can be edited or re-created later as required.

Each of the four separately-priced licenses activate one of the four different "design realms" offered by the CP-System framework:

HVAC - Actually this one license includes multiple libraries and functions for HVAC and PLUMBING, pumps and piping, gas and ducting systems, water distribution planning and design.
Electrical - Includes all the layout design tools for circuit wiring and cabling, medical and industrial, telecommunications, fire alarm and safety, cable trays, busbars and switch boxes.
Mechanical - This license is good for mechanical part design and includes all the nuts and bolts (literally) needed to put something together, also offers structural, hydarulic, pneumatic and additional fittings.
Architectural - The least expensive license but still very useful for overall architectural design or office and space planning etc. with doors, windows, furniture and more.

CADDIT now offers CP-System bundled with their progeCAD design platform as their new progePLAN product, which is available from CADDIT at a nice discount. Building designers considering progeCAD's AutoCAD compatibility would do well to consider the benefit of buying a CP-Sytem enabled progePLAN bundle for their work instead. All CP-System licenses currently include online software and symbol update services and remote access support. Currently CP-System only supports metric, however plans are to also support imperial units soon.

Regardless, however, building designers for heating, ventilation and air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, structural, architectural and other systems are encouraged to download CP-System for their own CAD system and give this low-cost alternative to BIM design methodology a serious go. It will save them time, energy and the cost of the mistakes that arise from designing such systems from total scratch. For serious commercial designers in the building field, CP-System is a must-have!

New progeCAD 2009 Professional Offers Serious Performance

bdeck@users.sourceforge.net (CADDIT.net) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 19:06:27 PST

Como Italy, 12 January 2009 – progeSOFT announced the worldwide release of progeCAD 2009 Professional DWG CAD software. progeCAD 2009 now offers Google Earth export, "Quick Dimensioning" commands and an improved CAD drawing interface.

Architects, engineers, designers and drafters using AutoCAD, Auto CAD LT, or IntelliCAD will be impressed with progeCAD 2009's overall unique performance for price combination. Unlike most AutoCAD compatible CAD programs, progeCAD 2009 Professional goes far beyond mere DWG file compatibility with dozens of extra features like an updated spell checker, DIESEL expression support and the addition of over 1000 new CAD symbols organized by the included ALE block manager. Nevertheless, progeCAD’s most inviting feature continues to be its incredibly low price compared to AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT.

Google Earth has become very popular since its release, used by professional surveyors and architects to visualize their projects in a realistic setting. Many people spend hours in fascination discovering new far off places using the tool. progeCAD 2009 Professional now allows users to send their drawings directly to Google Earth via the KML format - minus the rusty auto parked in the neighbors front yard of course.

progeCAD 2009 sports powerful interface updates like right-mouse click context menus, improved speed and reliability. AutoCAD LT users should be especially interested in continued support for PDF import, true ACIS 3D modeling, AutoLISP, VBA, and SDS (C++) program extensions – features not supported by AutoCAD LT. progeCAD 2009’s new "Advanced Data Extraction" wizard guides users in easily sending entity and block information to applications like Microsoft Excel. Other interface enhancements include new "one-click" text editing, an interactive "purge" command dialog, and "one-click" entity grouping.

progeCAD's new layout "print area visualization" feature shows you exactly how drawings will appear on paper. An "AutoCAD like" interface for properties modification has been added making modifying entity properties similar to AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT.

Other features and bonus software include photo realistic rendering, eTransmit, PDF, ECW, O2C, JPG, SVG XML image file support and basic raster-to-vector conversion software. Polar tracking, eTrack, and a new eSnap-From mode help entity creation and placement.

progeCAD's "Express Tools", easy-to-use attribute editing, DWG redlining, in place external reference editing, and "Find and Replace" text and attribute search make progeCAD 2009 Professional a truly "professional" platform that is still unbelievably affordable – less than USD $400.00 suggested retail price. The release of progeCAD 2009 Professional comes at a time when just such an affordable yet robust AutoCAD-compatible drawing program is really needed.

Current progeCAD users are reminded that they can upgrade to the latest version at a significant discount to the already-low full version price. progeSOFT has improved the progeCAD software registration and activation interface making licensing progeCAD 2009 simple and reliable. Network NLM, USB mobile, and corporate licensing options for the 2009 version are available.

Users are encouraged to download or buy progeCAD in English from the closest of over 120 local authorized progeSOFT resellers world wide. Refer to progeSOFT North America (http://www.progesoft.us) for local resellers in United States, Canada or Mexico. CADDIT (http://www.caddit.net/) serves Australia, New Zealand and Asia Pacific. Others may refer to http://www.progesoft.com/?page=shop_listino .