Category: Photographs

What’s New? for SolidWorks 2012 (a most tasty & complete list from SWW11 )

2012Some say the world will end in 2012.  There are a lot of books being rushed to market right now that make some amazing claims about what’s going to happen just 22 months from now (Dec 21, 2012).  SolidWorks Corp seems gleefully oblivious to all of this hoopla, as they have put a lot of effort to bring new capabilities to SolidWorks 2012.  Here  are some highlights.

There’s a few generic user interface capabilities to be added:

  • A pushpin function will be added to allow users to put choice drawings, models or assemblies in a quick access flyout menu.
  • Users can now switch between units of measure via a selection tool added to the status bar.
  • A new command filter search will be added to allow users to search for SolidWorks commands on-the-fly (has opposed to stumbling around the Help file).
  • Selecting an item in the graphics view will highlight it and zoom to it within the feature tree (finally!).

Sheet metal will see several improvements:

  • Users will be able to choose faces to ignore in flat patterns.
  • Swept flange feature will be available.  They will be flattenable.
  • Tangent Flange position function.
  • Users will be able to set flanges parallel to a sketch.

Improved equations dialog boxBig news about equations:

  • Improved equation editor, with solve order and sort.
  • Global variables are now editable via the equation editor window.
  • Auto-rebuild for immediate implementation of changes.

On drawings:

  • BOMs will be insertable without having a pre-selected view.
  • Exploded views will be an option in the View Pallet.
  • Balloon order sequencing will be available, with the ability to number around a view from any start location.
  • Magnet Lines!!! (someone at SolidWorks Corp. was listening)
  • Unused View Label letters will be automatically reused.
  • Ability to add center marks to entire view.

Assembly will have a new Design Review mode that allows users to open and explore large assemblies without all the overhead lag.  This function will include the ability to conduct walk-throughs.

In an apparent extension of functionality added with SustainabilityXpress, SolidWorks 2012 will give users the ability to conduct manufacturer part costing.

New motion sensors will be added for actuator forces, baring loads and travel limits.

And now, the much hyped changes to be made in SolidWorks 2012:

  • Feature Freeze (they are going to try implement it again).
  • Complete Uninstall, with new options that allows for more control.  Also, uninstall function will be available from Admin Image.
  • Files will be cleared from memory when they are closed.
  • Dual monitor support will allow SolidWorks to span across two displays in a logical manner.

More about Bionic Builders

IMG_0556In a previous article, I mentioned stunt expert Casey Pieretti and engineer Bill Spracher on their show, Bionic Builders.  In his presentation during the Tuesday General Session of SolidWorks World 2011, Pierretti declared, “I don’t want to be enabled; I want to be super-enabled.”

Later, at the press conference that followed the General Session, I asked Pierretti and Spracher if they thought about making everyone super-enabled.  Pierretti said they thought about the broad range of possibilities but focused on prosthetics for amputees.

Additionally, Pierretti and Spracher are trying to make prosthetic limbs that are inexpensive as possible.  Medical insurance wouldn’t even apply to the types of prosthetics they produce, nor would it need to if the cost is in the right price range.  One thing that has helped reduce costs is the standardization of the pyramid fitting.  The standard connection also makes marketing prosthetic limbs easier.

I’m glad to see this topic getting this type of attention.  One thing I would like to see on Bionic Builders is something similar to Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, where they could dedicate one of the stories in each episode to help a new person who has a need for a special prosthetic.  That would be great!