Computer-aided design and manufacturing specialist, Intercad, will launch the latest version of SolidWorks 3D CAD/CAM technology, SolidWorks 2009, and new authoring tool, 3DVIA, around the region at the SolidWorks Innovation Day roadshow, being held throughout October.

SolidWorks 2009 includes over 250 enhancements that focus on the performance of the software, a trait shown by SolidWorks’ customer research to be the most valued by designers and engineers. The time taken to open files, drawings and models has been reduced significantly, and zooming, panning and rotating through designs happens without delay. And this is just with the standard package; new SpeedPak technology enhances the speed of the software even further.

SpeedPak technology takes a new approach to handling large assemblies. It consumes less desktop resources and computer power but maintains all the graphical detail designers require. For example, when working on large, complex assemblies, designers have the option to open only the parts they need to work on, but still have the rest of the assembly at the ready if required. SpeedPak technology allows SolidWorks 2009 to run 65 per cent faster, giving designers 12 hours of productivity in a 7.5-hour workday.

3DVIA is an authoring tool for creating images and 3D animations for technical publications, product documentation and marketing presentations. 3DVIA links with CAD data so that any design changes made to a product automatically flow through to any technical documentation, eliminating time-consuming manual document revision.

The SolidWorks Innovation Day will include in-depth sessions on the new features contained within SolidWorks 2009 and 3DVIA, expert tips and tricks on using the software and customer examples to show the technology in action. Breakout sessions will include information about SolidWorks associated products, including DriveWorks, SolidWorks Simulation and SolidWorks PDM.

The event is running in Brisbane and Perth on Wednesday, October 15; Sydney on Thursday, October 16; and Adelaide and Melbourne on Friday, October 17. Speakers from Intercad include Scott Frayne, Managing Director; Freddie Grew, Sales and Marketing Director; and Shane Preston, Business Development Manager. SolidWorks speakers include Vic Leventhal, SolidWorks Co-founder, Consultant and Business Advisor, and Sharon Toh, General Manager, South Asia.

Customer speakers at the Brisbane event include commercial kitchen manufacturer, Stoddart Manufacturing. Bill Stoddart, Managing Director and Craig Johnson, Product Development Engineer, will detail how Stoddart Manufacturing uses SolidWorks in all stages of its design and manufacturing process from concept to future improvements.

In Sydney, Anthony Honeyfield and Tim Peacocke from design and engineering consultancy, Design and Industry, will present on the role SolidWorks has played in the development of a diverse range of products, from garden pruners to cricket helmets, and the future potential for developing truly innovative and globally competitive design solutions.

Aeronautical innovators, Entecho, will tell the Perth audience how SolidWorks was used to develop a unique aerodynamic lifting process and an entirely new type of aerial craft called the CAV, or Compact Aerial Vehicle. In Adelaide, packaging company, Zork, will present how it designed and developed a re-sealable closure for sparkling wine, while in Melbourne, design consultancy, Invetech, will detail the use of SolidWorks in its design process.

SolidWorks 2009 and 3DVIA empowers designers, engineers and manufacturers with tools that help them design the best product – the first time. Enhancements to design automation and data management tools help designers use design data highly efficiently so they can do more with less and work smarter not harder. “As the design and manufacturing industries have developed, more advanced design tools have been added to the CAD/CAM arsenal,” says Frayne. “Using these tools to create smart designs will help reduce manufacturing costs and ensure the quality of Australian products is maintained.”

SolidWorks 2009 and 3DVIA are available from Intercad, the sole distributor of SolidWorks 3D CAD/CAM technology in Australia and New Zealand.

Additional SolidWorks 2009 features include:

· Base levels of electronics design tool, CircuitWorks, is incorporated into SolidWorks 2009 to allow designers to integrate electronic and mechanical designs.

· Large assembly handling improvements increase the speed of response from commands including window selection, copying and saving.

· Drawing Quick View previews drawing files before they are opened so designers know they have chosen the file they need, reducing time taken to open, and then close, large files.

· A Simulation Adviser gives designers advice at every stage of the design process and analyses designs for hidden flaws. Designers are then prompted to choose more efficient and accurate design techniques as a project progresses.

· Sensors can be set up to monitor variables including mass, properties, measurement and interferences, and then alert designers when limits have been exceeded by a particular design iteration.

· Automated convert to sheetmetal functionality allows designers to design a solid part, specify the material thickness, edges and required rips, and SolidWorks automatically converts the part to sheetmetal.

· Enhanced plastic design automates the creation of lip and curved groove features for plastic products.

· Assembly Clearance Verification lets designers and engineers set ‘keep-out’ areas around parts to cater for operating requirements like heat or other moving parts.

About SolidWorks Corporation SolidWorks Corporation, a Dassault Systèmes S.A. (Nasdaq: DASTY, Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA) company, develops and markets software for design, analysis, and product data management. It is the leading supplier of 3D CAD technology, giving teams intuitive, high-performing software that helps them design better products. For the latest news, information, or an online demonstration, visit the company’s Web site (www.solidworks.com) or call +1-978-371-5000.

About Intercad Pty Ltd Intercad Pty Ltd is the sole distributor of SolidWorks in Australia and New Zealand. Intercad Pty Ltd is an Australian-owned company specialising in Mechanical Computer-Aided Engineering, Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (MCAE/CAD/CAM) solutions. Established in 1989 with offices in each major state capital in Australia and in New Zealand, its core activities include software sales, training and consulting services as well as technical support. For more information please visit www.intercad.com.au or call Intercad’s head office on 02 9454 4444.