Design & Analysis Software

If you're looking to make your designs greener, this article reviews some of the most effective software packages. Among the leading lifescycle assessment (LCA) tools, say designers, is Sustainable Minds, an environmental impact program delivered in a browser-based interface. The package creates an itemized bill of a product's components, as well as manufacturing considerations, such as material choices. Competing products include: SolidWorks' Sustainability Xpress, which evaluates entire assemblies, and Autodesk's Eco Material Adviser, which estimates a product's carbon footprint. Where did you turn for help in meeting your green design goals?

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Engineering software companies are moving quickly to introduce versions compatible with tablet computers, but many engineers remain skeptical about how useful those apps are for serious design and analysis work, notes this Design News article. Engineers point out that mobile computing can't match the capabilities of powerful workstations. Even so, you may want to sample some of these mobile apps, such as Autodesk WS, IMSI/Design's Turbo Viewer, and Nastran for the iPAD (see also this related slide show). Which mobile apps have your tried for your engineering work?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Design & Analysis Software, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Design & Analysis Software today.

Many vendors of engineering software — from CAD to project management — have been touting the benefits of cloud-based systems over traditional in-house operations. Among the potential advantages: Reduced IT costs and greater computing power. However, an engineering management expert at Cadalyst magazine argues that many engineers are lukewarm on the cloud. A survey he conducted showed that 85% of respondents weren't using cloud-based systems. He found that engineers were worried about security, stability of cloud system providers, and version control of cloud-supported CAD systems. What's your view on moving to the cloud for software-based engineering work?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Design & Analysis Software, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Design & Analysis Software today.

What pacesetter technologies will shape design engineering in 2012? The editors of EE Times and Design News came up with a dozen of them. See if you agree with this lineup, shown in a slideshow, which includes microelectromechanical structures (MEMs), wireless sensors, organic materials for electronics, graphene-based nanotech, and high-speed Etherrnet. Next year could also see widespread use of smartphones for point of sale payments, thanks to advances in near field communications.

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Design & Analysis Software, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Design & Analysis Software today.

One of the biggest challenges that many design teams face is finding ways to capture input from colleagues and customers scattered around the world. In Machine Design, Finland's Proventia, a maker of emissions-control equipment, describes software packages it taps to deal with complex files, different 3D modelers, and inaccessible workstations. One key tool: Cad|Faster, a plug-in for 3D design packages that lets users distribute models as portable executable files. Team members can view and annotate 3D models all at the same time. What design tools do you rely on to connect team members?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Design & Analysis Software, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Design & Analysis Software today.

One engineering magazine editor wonders whether the integration of electronics in cars has reached its peak. Low-end vehicles now incorporate between 35 and 40 ECUs, he points out, while luxury cars may have 80 or more. As a result, today's vehicles typically need between 45 and 70 lbs of on-board wiring to tie all the sub-systems together. Meanwhile, the costs and complexity of repairing this electronic architecture keep rising. Is it time to simplify auto electronics or give consumers more choices on the electronic features they want in cars?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Design & Analysis Software, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Design & Analysis Software today.