 Don LaCourse, Principal Partner with eDocHelp has written over 50 articles, books, reviews and technical papers on CAD/CAM applications and techniques. Over the years he has written about such topics as surface and solid modeling, data exchange, kernel technology, design optimization, simulation, analysis tools and UI (user interface) optimization. His writing has been featured in such magazines as Machine Design, Design News and CAE Magazine.
Don is currently a Contributing Editor for Cadalyst Magazine. His monthly column MCAD Modeling Methods is read by designers, engineers and CAD enthusiasts around the world. His clear writing style and approach allows beginners and veterans alike to understand the sometimes complex world of 3D computer-aided modeling.
Here are some of Don's recent articles in Cadalyst Magazine:
Data Exchange Tips and Tricks
Sep 15, 2004
During the exchange process, a 3D model file is translated from one native CAD format (sending system) to an IGES or STEP file.
Design Optimization
Aug 16, 2004
Optimization for part and systems design in today's mechanical CAD applications relieves designers from the burden of examining multiple iterations of a part to achieve a desired specification and to perform systems-level problem solving.
thinkdesign v9
Aug 16, 2004
Think3, an emerging leader in the midrange mechanical design market, offers an integrated product development environment for 2D and 3D MCAD design, PDM (product data management), and surface and solid modeling.
MCAD Design Collaboration
June 1, 2004
Tools and tips for connecting design teams.
Virtual Parts and Online Catalogs
May 17, 2004
Don't reinvent the wheel. Use these online services to find parts and suppliers.
Barriers to Model Exchange
April 11, 2004
You know the drill. You need to exchange models with another designer, but you use different CAD systems. Why is this so hard?
Solid Edge Version 15
March 1, 2004
Solid Edge V15 from UGS PLM Solutions picks up more from where v12 left off than v14. As you may recall, the company skipped v13. Last year, v14 made significant inroads into providing advanced surface modeling tools with the company's Rapid Blue technology (remember Blue Dots and Blue Surfs?). V11 introduced Insight technology, a free PDM (product data management) tool that provides vaulting, check-in, check-out, revision management, data searches and more.
FEA Automates Analysis
March 1, 2004
The latest crop of FEA (finite-element analysis) tools breaks new ground with MCAD applications. No longer the cryptic, lumbering, budget-busting software of the 1980s, FEA now offers ease of use, tight integration, and a host of simulation and automation features. No, this is definitely not your dad's FEA.
PDM Manages MCAD Data
February 1, 2004
This month we focus on PDM (product data management) and how it helps you manage the design data explosion that's occurring in your engineering departments. I'm sure you've noticed that every viable MCAD offering today either has an add-on PDM application or provides one with the base package.
When Surfaces and Solids Collide
January 1, 2004
Welcome to my updated column, Modeling Methods. Each month I'll dig deeper into the methods that today's mechanical CAD applications use to help product designers be more creative and productive in what they do best.
Lost in translation
December 1, 2003
Understand data loss and how to avoid it.
See the author's uncut version in:
WebHelp XP Blue Skin
WebHelp Multi Gel Skin
WebHelp Chrisi Skin
Microsoft
HTML Help (open help file)
Interoperability Testing
December 1, 2003
Interoperability testing evaluates information exchanged between two specific CAD systems and the ability of each system to use such information.
Solid Edge steps up to surfacing
September 1, 2003
The latest release of EDS PLM Solutions’ midrange flagship product, Solid Edge v14, has been shipping for a while, and now it’s time to separate the hip from the hype.
Simulation speeds product design
August 1, 2003
Full-body analysis of assemblies promises a competitive edge.
Virtual prototyping pays off
May 1, 2003
Digital product mockups help identify design flaws.
What to Look for in a Virtual Prototyping Solution
May 1, 2003
Keep this checklist in mind when evaluating virtual prototyping systems.
Surgeon uses ALGOR FEA tools
March 1, 2003
Sidebar to: applying finite-element analysis
Applying finite-element analysis
March 1, 2003
Insights from FEA software developers.
|
