PTC is bringing PTCLive TechForum 2012 to the UK for a free one-day event that offers the opportunity to meet with product experts, learn from other leading customers, sample PTC University training and networking.

The new global event series will be held at Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, Warwickshire on 16 May will include talks by Bang & Olufsen, Aston Martin Racing and Wrightbus (the developers of the New Bus for London), as well as PTC’s corporate strategy and technology roadmap, and sessions delivered by PTC experts.

“PTC has designed this new global event series to deliver real business value to delegates,” exclaimed a fervid Kevin Asbridge, PTC UK country manager. “We look forward to bringing the concept to the UK on 16 May, to deliver the new PTC company strategy, latest developments with Creo 2.0 and Windchill 10.1 and, most importantly, help delegates identify specific business potential.”

Find out more here.

Middle Weight Alias 3D CAD modeller

Job Type: Permanent
Software: Alias, Maya, Adobe After-Effects
Location: London

London-based For People are looking for an expert Middle Weight Alias 3D CAD modeller with 2-5 years consultancy experience to join its team of designers and trend-forecasters. You will be working with some of the world’s most respected brands such as British Airways (For People were responsible for refreshing its coat of arms, above), Panasonic, Mars and The Coca-Cola Company.

Your primary responsibilities will be to:
• Work collaboratively with senior designers
• Translate concept sketches into compelling 3D models
• Contribute to all stages of the design development process from concept modelling, design detailing and producing accurate 3D data for model making and visualisations
• Follow latest trends, materials and production processes.

Ideal candidate:
• Advanced 3D modelling skills in Autodesk Alias
• Excellent knowledge of creating high quality surfaces
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite
• 3D rendering and animation skills in Cinema4D, V-Ray or Maya
• Polygon modelling skills in Cinema4D or Maya

Sound like the job for you? Apply here.

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

The B-Max survives a battering from a 30mph crash test

Recently we crept away to Germany, to a secretive patch of Ford’s Merkenich test site, into a quiet, compact building, where we were promised we’d see how the manufacturer crash tests its new models.

In the modern age, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) means there’s so much more to it than driving a car into a solid object, but even we were surprised at the extent of the testing - something that European car manufacturers alone spend €20 billion on - and how it fits seamlessly into the full design process.

Integrated into the design are measures for pre- and post-crash, as well as the actual collision, for which the designers of the new Ford B-Max have packed in some brilliant features, especially since the car has no standard B-pillar - the structural beam that during a side on collision you would rely on to save your life - and how it creates an intelligent system to counter this.

Read more…

Nothing brings about the end of winter in the US like the arrival of the baseball season - warm weather, cold beer, hotdogs and, of course, the actual game.

In time to catch the excited early season crowds and to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the legendary Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, 3D printer manufacturer Objet unveiled a large-scale, 3D-printed replica of the celebrated ballpark.

Designed by Rob Rodriguez, it was modelled in SolidWorks - not the usual choice for what is primarily an architectural themed piece - you can read more on his blog here. The 3’ x 5’ replica captures even the finest details of Fenway, from the Green Monster and Pesky Pole to the exact number of lights and famed, red Ted Williams seat in right field.

Read more…

Although many of our Formula 1 loving readers can probably list of the venues for the entire season, most of the world are aware that the sport is heading into Bahrain this weekend.

As an ‘unsettled’ nation things have looked decidedly dicey, with teams being threatened and fire bombs being flung - so what better way to get around to the grid if you’re a billionaire playboy (or elder statesman of the sport) than to hoof it away from revolutionary crowds in your own luxury armoured vehicle - like the gargantuan Knight XV from Canada.

It’s not until you see the scale of it when parked next to a Hummer that you can truly understand the scale of the thing - Conquest Vehicles’ flagship product is nearly six metres long, weighs over 8 tons, and upgrades a Ford F550 Super Duty truck chassis to carry ballistic grade glass, aluminium and composites for bullet=proof bulk. It’s not something you’re going to have trouble spotting in a shopping mall car park.

Read more…

Product Designer - 3Form Design

Job Type: Permanent
Software: SolidWorks
Location: Andover, Hampshire

This month’s DEVELOP3D cover stars, 3form Design, are seeking an experienced product designer to join its team.

It’s a UK-based, fast moving consultancy with a reputation for developing innovative and stylish product design combined with engineering and manufacturing know-how. 

Ideal candidate:
- A free thinker with excellent visual skills
- Able to produce a range of concepts for a product
- A capable engineer with sound knowledge of manufacturing, and are mechanically minded
- Electronics would also be useful

Sound like the job for you? Apply here.

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

With Spring in full flow we’ve leapt into action to bring you the April edition of DEVELOP3D. This month we investigate how digital sketching could transform your creative flow; how getting outside help with your rendering can give your products that extra sheen, and get a whiff of how traditional shoe makers have gone in feet first with 3D printing, plus all the best news, features, reviews and jobs.

The April cover story:

With most designers beginning their creative process with pen and paper, we found a design team that’s used digital 3D sketching for over a decade to the benefit of its design process, and see how it could benefit the way you create.

Register here and download the magazine for free every month