Able2Extract PDF Converter Review

Often times in the world of CAD and engineering we find ourselves with a PDF document that we wish we could modify but can't. The solution used to be we had to recreate the document in its native program from scratch. This was especially painful if we were dealing with a complicated AutoCAD drawing in PDF format. Luckily, those days are long gone. Investintech has created the best PDF conversion software around and one of the best benefits is being able to convert those pesky PDFs back into DWG or DXF files. Not  only does it convert PDF to AutoCAD, it also does the whole range of Office products including Excel, Word, PPT, and others. How awesome is that? It's easy to use and there are Windows, Mac, and Linux versions available.

You can see some document conversion examples on their website as well as a link to download a free trial here: http://www.investintech.com/able2extract.html
I highly recommend you check it out!

How to Convert PDF to AutoCAD

One question many CAD users ask is if there is an easy way to convert PDF to AutoCAD format. Well, now there is an easy, and best of all, FREE solution for you. PDFAutoCAD is a free PDF to DWG  and DXF conversion for AutoCAD-designed PDFs.

Some of its distinct features are:

• High quality conversions with lines, arcs, scale presets and texts preserved, and no need for further touch-ups.
• Files of up to 40MB can be uploaded and converted quickly.
• All uploaded user data, including emails, is deleted in accordance with their privacy policy.
• Everything is free - they support themselves via ads on the homepage (please, don’t be confused by them).

I've used this site myself and find it very useful. Check it out here.

Drafting and Dimensioning in Solid Edge Tutorial

Ally PLM has created another wonderful Lunch Bytes Solid Edge video tutorial. This time the topic they cover is Solid Edge drafting, dimensioning, and annotation tips and tricks. More detailed topics include how to create drawings in Solid Edge, how to create a quicksheet template, how to add different views, how to create dimensions and annotations, how to make sheet metal callouts, and more. Watch this awesome Solid Edge tutorial below:

Default Text Sizes in CATIA V5

How do you change the default tree text size in CATIA?

To change the default size of the text in the specification tree in CATIA V5, click on the tree. This will allow you to first set the size of the tree text to how you want it by zooming in or out. Once satisfied, instead of clicking on the tree again click on the axis system in the lower right hand corner of the screen. This should change the default size of the specification tree, even if you should close CATIA and open it again the text size should remain the same. 

How do you change the compass size in CATIA V5?

 

Another common question is how to change the size of the compass. I recently just switched over my PC to Windows 7 OS and the compass is smaller now than it was while I was running Windows XP. In addition to this, when I right click on so geometry in the spec tree and open the Parents and Children window in CATIA the default text size is so small I can't easily read it. Thus, I have to zoom in on it every single time which is really annoying and wastes valuable time (I'm a CAD engineer and am always striving for the most efficient way to do things). There does not appear to be an option under Tools > Options to change this setting. The best answer I could find involves editing the CATIA Environment file (env.txt) as so:

CATWidthMMOfScreen= 340 which is the screen width value in millimeters => measured on your screen.
CATHeightMMOfScreen= 200, the screen height value in millimeters => measured on your screen.
CATWidthPixelOfScreen= 1920, the horizontal screen resolution set in your computer display properties panel.
CATHeightPixelOfScreen=1200 is the vertical screen resolution set in your computer display properties panel.

The location of the CATIA environment file depends on how you or your administrator have set it up. Listed below are the default CATEnv file locations: 

Windows XP:

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\DassaultSystemes\CATEnv
C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\DassaultSystemes\CATEnv

Windows 7:

C:\ProgramData\DassaultSystemes\CATEnv
C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\DassaultSystemes\CATEnv

Kinect Hack Video: CATIA V5 Manipulation

KinectCAD for CATIA V5

I recently stumbled upon one of the coolest Kinect applications I’ve ever seen. The Kinect is Microsoft’s Xbox 360’s latest webcam style peripheral. This new high tech toy permits users to “be the controller” through natural user interface (NUI) by controlling the game with their voice and body movements. Microsoft took it a step further and released the Kinect software development kit (SDK) for Windows 7 allowing developers to write Kinect applications in C++, C#, or Visual Basic .NET. There are numerous “Kinect hacking” videos on YouTube. One such user has now manipulated the Kinect to provide a gesture based movement of CATIA part objects.

How to use Kinect with CATIA V5? Using this new application in development it is now possible to rotate and zoom in or out of your new Kinect 3D CAD model while standing in front of your monitor and using your arms. It gets even better: utilizing Kinect’s built in microphone there is a rudimentary speech recognition function you can use to change the rotation axes. Can you imagine creating every part in CATIA this way (or any other CAD system for that matter)?

Using the SDK V1 software for Kinect, KinectCAD has been created in Visual C# 2010. It may be a slow way to work (at first) but is a brilliant concept nonetheless. Pretty soon we’ll be seeing 3d Kinect models of all our CAD parts. It would be a great way for automakers to perform layout check in conference rooms (and funny to watch  too). Hats off to the creators and I can’t wait to see more. Checkout the Kinect video recording below:

Please note: this program is still in development.  To learn more please visit this site. So, what do you think of KinectCAD? What other applications could you see between Xbox Kinect and CATIA V5? Please leave a comment below!

Importing AutoCAD Drawings into CATIA

 How to convert DXF drawings into CATIA CATPart sketches 

There's a little trick I use when I need to copy and paste DXF 2D drawing views from AutoCAD into a sketch for a CATPart file. First of all, if you attempt to simply copy and paste a drawing view directly into the part file you may get something that looks the image picture below- a jumbled mess of data, points, and lines. 

In order to fix this problem to import the drawing data completely, open the dxf file in CATIA. Next, save the drawing as an IG2 file (which is a 2D iges file). Now open the IG2 file and copy the main view into the CATPart. Or, another option is you can rename your IG2 2D file in Windows as .igs and then open that file and it will be imported in CATIA as a 3D part file. Sometimes you have to get creative and employ these little work-arounds to get the software to do exactly what you want it to do.

How to Insert Symbols in Excel

I've created a new "How To" video tutorial showing you how to insert symbols, like the degree sign, into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, using three different methods including the character map.

What is CATIA UUID?

One of the biggest CATIA mysteries for new users is what is UUID and what does it stand for? UUID stands for a Universal Unique IDentifier. Every CATPart and CATProduct contains a UUID. Basically, CATIA identifies files based on their file name and their UUID. Where problems occur are when two pieces of data have the same UUID. Compounding the problem, the UUID can’t be viewed or edited with any current CATIA function. There are cases when two files may have different names but share the same UUID.

Actions which will create new UUID include:

·        File + new

·        File + new from

·        File + save As - option save as new document

·        INSERT new Product

·        INSERT new part

·        Document Template Creation

Actions which will keep the same UUID for each include:

·        File + open

·        File + save management

·        File + save

·        File + SaveAs

·        Send to directory

·        File + CLOSE

·        File + save

·        File + save ALL

Learn AutoCAD for Dummies Review

AutoCAD is one of the leading 2D software used by engineers, architects, and designers. AutoCAD 2012 for Dummies quickly brings readers up-to-date on the latest version with all the new additions and revisions to the program. This book includes great colored illustrations and tutorials to help users better understand the material. This book was a huge help to me, someone used to running AutoCAD 2005 when I needed to, but am now making the upgrade to AutoCAD 2012. Believe it or not, even with model based definition where data is contained with 3D models, I am still needing to go to AutoCAD from time to time to whip up a quick drawing for a fixture or jig. As a mechanical engineer, it never hurts to stay up to date on the latest software available and this book is a great way to do that.

I do want to note this book is written specially for Windows users (sorry MAC peeps).

Purchase AutoCAD 2012 for Dummies and start learning how to use AutoCAD today!

Download Architects Cad Drawings

Are you looking for AutoCAD symbols, details & drawings? Download Architects Cad Drawings contains a huge database of downloadable CAD symbols, drawings, details, and building templates in AutoCAD format. This symbols are perfect for creating floor plans or site layouts.

This is the perfect resource for CAD draftsmen and CAD technicians. There are over 6500 CAD files to download from. Click Here!

Dealing with Different Versions of CATIA

Only one version of CATIA V5 can be registered with Windows at a given time. If you have R16, R17, and R18SP2 installed on your PC, only one of these is currently registered. You can find which one is registered by looking at the directory when you register. To automate a specific version of CATIA you first have t register that version with Windows. Here are the steps to un-register or re-register a CATIA V5 version:
 
1.        Reboot your pc
2.        Open a command prompt
3.        CD to the unload directory of the version of CATIA you want to un-register (i.e. “c\program files\dassault systemes\B15\intel_a\code\bin”)
4.        Run the command “cnext-unregserver”
5.        Open up the task manager and wait until the “cnext” process stops running (which may take a few minutes)
6.        CD to the unload directory of the version of CATIA you want to register (i.e. “c\program files\dassault systems\B16\intel_a\code\bin”)
7.        Run the command “cnext-regserver”
8.        In the task manager again, wait until the “cnext” process stops
9.        Open up VB and check that the correct version is registered
10.        Please note this only needs to be done between full releases and not service packs!

New DraftSight Learning Resources Flipbook Available

We invite you to check out the DraftSight Master Series – an online flipbook designed to help you maximize your design skills. The book includes a collection of tips, tricks, videos, webinars and more from DraftSight’s training guru, Mark Lyons.

We hope you’ll find this to be a useful tool, and invite you to share it with your friends and colleagues. 
Thanks for using DraftSight! - The DraftSight Team

Solid Edge - Simulation Express Tutorial Video

Welcome to another edition of Ally PLM's Lunch Bytes series. This time their topic in this edition is simulation express. Watch the video tutorial below:

Gift Ideas for CAD and 3D Modelers

Are you shopping for a CAD user, 3D modeler, or an engineer? Well, I have a couple of holiday gift suggestions for you.

A full-color guide to the #1 architectural drafting program—AutoCAD 2012 for Dummies. AutoCAD is the leading software used to create 2D and 3D technical drawings. Used by engineers, architects, and drafting professionals, it can be complex and is a perfect subject for the tried-and-true For Dummies format. Full-color illustrations make the instructions even easier to follow, because examples in the book appear exactly as they will on the screen.

Fully updated for the latest version of software, Kelley’s Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 5.0 Instructor remains organized around step-by-step tutorials — the most effective way to teach and learn this procedure-intensive CAD application. Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 5.0 Instructor provides a solid background in parametric design and constraint-based modeling. In addition, the comprehensive references make this text an all-in-one tutorial, reference, and lecture guide for students of Pro/ENGINEER.

CATIA V6 (Computer-Aided Three Dimensional Interactive Application) is the world's leading multi-platform CAD/CAM/CAE software suite marketed worldwide by IBM. It allows the user to apply its capabilities to a variety of industries such as automotive, industrial robots, electronics, manufacturing design, aerospace, and consumer goods. CATIA V6 Essentials includes all the major concepts related to the latest version of CATIA, such as installation, modes, and modeling in an easy-to-understand, step-by-step format. It also covers all the major commands and techniques and provides the reader with all of the details to learn the basics with a clear method of instruction. This comprehensive reference will help you navigate this multifaceted software with ease.

Solid Edge ST3 for Designers is a comprehensive textbook that introduces the users to direct modeling with precise control of dimension-driven design through precision sketching and selection handles using the Solid Edge ST3 software. The textbook covers all major environments of Solid Edge ST3 in both the Synchronous and Ordered modeling with a thorough explanation of all tools, options, and their applications to create real-world products.

And some shameless self-promotion. Have you ever wondered what it takes to design and build a roller coaster? At last, there’s a book that shows you. A mix of engineering and art, roller coasters are complex three-dimensional puzzles consisting of thousands of individual parts. Designers spend countless hours creating and tweaking ride paths to push the envelope of exhilaration, all while maintaining the highest safety standards. Coasters 101: An Engineering Guide to Roller Coaster Design examines the numerous diverse aspects of roller coaster engineering, including some of the mathematical formulas and engineering concepts used.

How to add amacro icon to a toolbar in CATIA V5?

There are multiple ways to initiate a CATScript macro in CATIA V5. Did you know that it is possible to invoke your macro through a tool bar icon? How do you create an icon for your macro? Go to tools >customize >commands > macros > show properties. Next, simply define a logo for your macro by picking one from the 180 plus icons to choose from (or browse to your own custom made icon) and then drag and drop it into the menu bar where you want it. It's that easy. So now you should have three ways to run your VBA CATScripts: going to Tools>Macro>Macros, hitting Alt+F8, or by clicking on your icon in a toolbar.

Let's Go Design Episode #5: Chassis Design and Assemblies

In the last episode, we discussed weldment features and sketch techniques. This time, we move closer to the final overall CAD design of our Hot Rod Baby Buggy. We watch as Jeremy hot-wires the golf cart motors to show how the aluminum tracks perform flawlessly.

In this episode, Jeremy takes us through:

The Overall Design: Jeremy shares 80% of the CAD design, complete with a 3D model of a dad placed in the center. He shows us the fenders, talks about key components underneath the buggy, and creates a battery compartment using sheet metal.

Sustainability: We use SolidWorks® Sustainability to compare material selections for the fenders of our buggy - sheet metal vs. plastic.

The Assembly: Jeremy shows the basic build and sub-assemblies. He puts together the steel base weldment, aluminum floor, components from the golf cart’s electrical system and finally powers the tank treads.

Watch Episode #5 now at LetsGoDesign.tv

Quick Tips: How do you measure an angle in SolidWorks?

The measure tool will give you the angle - but there is a quicker way.  If you click on two planar surfaces, the status bar at the bottom of your screen should provide an angle.  This also works with two linear lines or edges.

Quick CATIA Tips: Avoid zoom on the specification tree

One annoying aspect of using CATIA is when you attempt to click one of the little plus signs in your specification tree but you miss and accidentally click a branch instead. Your models goes a shade darker and when you try and zoom in on your model it instead makes the tree get enormous or extremely tiny. To turn this option off simply go to Tools>Options>General>Display>Tree Manipulation. Disable the tree manipulation option by unchecking the box. Now this will prevent unnecessary tree zooming. If you still need to zoom in or out on the tree in this mode hold Ctrl while scrolling the mouse wheel instead.

Quick CATIA Tips: How to export the specification tree

I've personally never had to use this before but I can think of many applications where it would be extremely useful, especially in case where your customer or client may not have access or licenses for CATIA. To Export the Specification Tree go to Save As and select text file. You will get a text file that contains only your specification tree.

Quick CATIA Tips: Increase the number of Undos

Did you know that you can control the number of times CATIA will let you hit the undo button? This is a good tip if you are dealing with a large or complicated part model. The default number of undo levels is ten. In some cases it can be very useful to have a few more, but do remember that this will hog system memory so show restraint when altering this setting. Here's where the option is located:
R16: Tools > Options: Select General > Performances.
R18: Tools > Options: General > PCS