DEVELOP3D - Technology for the product lifecycle

Parametric Technologies is apparently taking steps toward selling itself to the tune of $2bn having apparently hired Goldman Sachs in a move to attract potential buyers, according to the Financial Times.

The manufacturer of Pro Engineer, based in Massachusetts and founded in 1987, has seen its growth continue following four acquisitions last year as leading to forecasted revenues of $1.07bn for fiscal 2008. Expect a bidding frenzy; despite the credit crunch disturbing markets elsewhere, nothing seems to be effecting the trade in CAD companies.

A $1 million contract has been struck by Majenta PLM to supply Napier Turbochargers Ltd. with product design, simulation and data management software.

As a result, the firm, which manufactures turbochargers for diesel and heavy fuel engines from its base in Lincoln, will be using Siemens PLM software. Solid Edge drafting software and multiple licenses of NX 3D solid modeling software, including advanced sheet metal design and advanced finite element modeling software for 3D CAD model engineering analysis are included in the deal.

In addition, the firm, famous for its series of land, water and air speed world records in its early years, will be using NX computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software for turning and for mill-turn and multi-axis milling will be available for Napier’s future large axial turbocharger product design and engineering projects.

“The PLM solution that Majenta PLM is supplying and is helping us to implement will help to ensure that the right product information is at the right place at the right time,” said Andy Thacker, managing director, Napier Turbochargers Limited. “I am pleased that the business has been acquired by a shareholder that is committed to investing further in R&D to maintain its technology and in the expansion of the business to meet customer demand.”

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have unveiled their latest haptics prototype that allows it’s user to ‘touch’ objects on the screen using ultrasonic technology.

By setting up an array of ultrasonic transducers that emit sound waves that create a ‘solid’ object where the wave interfere with each other. It is hoped that this technology will become commercially available for 3D designers and gamers after the team were approached about the technology by several industrial companies last month.

Currently there is only scope for resistance in one direction, and there are underlying fears that the ultrasound used could scatter, causing damage to nearby eardrums. However, work is underway to combat the possible deafness, while increased power and direction should bring more ‘feel’ and ‘stiffness’ to geometry, and raises questions over its compatibility with hologram technology.

A new release from Visual Components now accepts data from 3D CAD for factory simulation, offering playlist libraries of robot models and components, and updated compatibility with Microsoft Vista.

The eCatalogue library used to select equipment components now features a similar concept to the playlists on your iPod. Using search and filter commands different component lists can be generated and selected for different types of layout projects.

The library itself boasts over 100 of the major robot models, material handling libraries, and streamlined tools to take 3D CAD data into realistic production scenarios.

Making better use of this data, it should also provide more effective when developing equipment control programmes. The Visual Components PLC Add-on, boasts increased speed for control engineers connecting their Programmable Logic Controller test benches.