DEVELOP3D - Technology for the product lifecycle

Render job in Maya spread across multiple PCs (agents) across a network

Most computers only use a fraction of their CPU resources, around 10-20% on a typical office PC according to Eyal Maor, CEO of grid computing specialist, Xoreax.

With an office-full of multi-core PCs this can soon add up - you may even find yourself with a virtual supercomputer you never knew you had. Think of what that could do to your backlog of rendering and simulation jobs?

This is the idea behind IncrediBuild-XGE, a new Windows-based distributed computing solution from Xoreax designed to tap into processing resources that lie idle in many firms. The technology is designed to transform a network of office PCs, workstations and servers into a private cloud in which every node – from user workstations to dedicated servers – can contribute unutilised processing power to form a virtual supercomputer.

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The May edition of DEVELOP3D will soon be with you. This month we head outdoors with the launch of our very first design competition – Design Buzz - your chance to redesign the world of bee-keeping; we look at a craftily designed caravan; zip along on the all-British Swifty Scooter, plus all the best news, features, reviews and jobs.

The May cover story

We get ready for summer holidays and getting away from the big smoke with the Cricket Trailer a “portable adventure living space”, or caravan to most of us; plus some great designs for making the great outdoors homely.

Register here and download the magazine for free every month

Mechanical Design Engineer - SCX Special Projects - Sheffield

Job Type: Permanent
Software: SolidWorks
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire

Due to expansion and success, SCX Special Projects are looking to recruit a Mechanical Design Engineer to work on heavy duty and bespoke materials handling applications within the nuclear, defence and aerospace industries.

The successful applicant will conduct design risk assessments, compile associated parts lists, undertake stress calculations (mechanical and structural) and carry out analysis for machine components (drives, motors etc.) and structures (framework, lifting beams). This role will require liaison with project teams and other internal departments to ensure key milestones are achieved.

Requirements:
- Qualified to Degree/HND in Mechanical Engineering or a related subject
- A Design/Mechanical Engineer with experience of designing structures or components
- Highly proficient in 3D modeling (ideally Solidworks) and associated engineering calculations
- Strong project skills and the ability to work autonomously
- A background in nuclear or mechanical handling projects would be advantageous
- A knowledge of Cosmos and Mathcad

Sound like the job for you? Apply here.

If you have a vacancy that you are wanting to fill, get in touch here

Artist Neri Oxman’s ‘Beast’ now has the capability to be printed in colour using Objet 3D printing

In what can only be described as an ‘impromptu’ unveiling, Objet today announced the ability of its Connex printers to produce multi-colour models via its ink-jet technology.

At the Multiversités Créatives’ exhibition at the Centre Pompidou, Paris, Objet unveiled works by from Neri Oxman, artist, architect, designer and assistant professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology that made full use of the new colour technology.

Although it would not reveal at the event whether it would be commercialised it is expected that the colour printheads, working to something like an RGB format, would occupy the two ‘dormant’ support printheads within the Connex machine, allowing a three-colour range of non-pantone shades to be printed.

We expect to see a new machine using the technology first, before potential upgrades for current Objet Connex users.

With Stratasys, it’s partner in the recently announced merger, readying to announce its own news next week, it gives a strengthened basis to a company that will be squaring up to 3D Systems in the 3D printing market.

objet.com

London based technology charity techfortrade has launched its global 3D4D Challenge, to help improve lives in developing countries.

The competition aims to unearth new groundbreaking ideas that exploit developments in 3D printing, mobile phone based scanning technology and web based design applications to improve the incomes and livelihoods of people in developing countries.

Techfortrade is funding a $100k prize to enable the winning entry to be implemented and it’s hoped that the challenge will generate enough interest for other entrants to also attract offers of support. The challenge is also being supported by 3D printer and rapid manufacturing machine companies MakerBot and Econolyst.

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Product Designer - Brightworks - Somerset

Job Type: Permanent
Software: SolidWorks
Location: Cheddar, Somerset

This week we’ve a great position working at a small design consultancy based in South West England on a wide variety of projects, possibly including: medical devices and custom enclosures for electronic products.

Desired skills:
- Good degree level engineering qualification with ideally 5+ years of relevant experience
- Proficient user of 3D CAD packages, especially SolidWorks
- Broad knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes, especially plastic injection moulding
- Good ability of using Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office Suite
- Up-to-date understanding of rapid prototyping materials and processes

Sound like the job for you? Apply here.

If you have a vacancy that you are wanting to fill, get in touch here

Motorsport has always been about speed - the fastest person from A to B wins - but for a group of students entering this year’s Formula Student challenge, it is all about technical ability.

Formula Group T, 16 engineering masters students studying at Group T International University College Leuven, Belgium, have pushed the boundaries of the digital design and manufacturing technology at its disposal and called in a few favours from local additive manufacturing specialists Materialise and Sirris.

The team are aware that its chances of winning the event as it stands are limited (like most years, rumours are abound of German universities being given huge funding by the country’s automotive giants), but by developing parts using the latest technology and some innovative thinking, the team hope it can get them noticed by automotive teams looking for future development stars.

A cross section of the team’s 3D printed air filter

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