Autodesk Acquires Stockholm-based Bitsquid Game Engine Creator

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Jun 14, 2014 - Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK) has acquired Stockholm-based Bitsquid AB, the creator of the Bitsquid game engine. The acquisition brings to Autodesk expertise in 3D game development and proven technology that will enable Autodesk to supercharge its portfolio of tools for game makers through the development of a new 3D game engine. Multiple game developers have used the modern and flexible Bitsquid engine to create 3D games for next-generation consoles and PCs, and Autodesk will continue to work with many of these companies to develop the new 3D game engine. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

"Bitsquid has been a key success factor for Fatshark, as we've been able to produce high quality games with short development times," said Martin Wahlund, CEO, Fatshark. "We are excited to see how Bitsquid evolves now that it is part of Autodesk."

In addition to acquiring the Bitsquid game engine, the acquisition of the Bitsquid team and technology will enable Autodesk to create new tools that push the limits of real-time 3D visualization for architects and designers, many of whom face challenges placing design data into real world contexts. The new technology will also be incorporated into solutions for customers outside of the games industry, including architecture, manufacturing, construction, and film. Autodesk plans to create new types of design exploration tools that allow visualization and contextualization of designs using the same fluid control and immediate feedback that exist today in modern console and PC games.

"Autodesk’s acquisition of Bitsquid will revolutionize real-time exploration of complex data. Imagine being able to walk through and explore any type of design, from buildings to cars, with the same freedom you experience in the open world of a next-generation console game. Game engine technologies will be an increasingly critical part of the workflow, not only for creating games, but also for designing buildings or solving complex urban infrastructure challenges," said Chris Bradshaw, senior vice president, Autodesk Media & Entertainment. "The Bitsquid acquisition brings to Autodesk both the expertise and the technology that will enable us to deliver a groundbreaking new approach to 3D design animation tools, and we welcome the team and community to Autodesk."

Additional information on the new Autodesk 3D game engine, which will complement Autodesk's industry leading games portfolio of middleware tools and 3D animation software including Autodesk Maya LT, Autodesk Maya and Autodesk 3ds Max, will be available later this year.

About Autodesk

Autodesk helps people imagine, design and create a better world. Everyone - from design professionals, engineers and architects to digital artists, students and hobbyists - uses Autodesk software to unlock their creativity and solve important challenges. For more information, visit www.autodesk.com.

EOS NA Integrates Texas-based ALM with Integra

NOVI, MI, Jun 11, 2014 - EOS, the technology and market leader for design-driven industrial 3D printing, announces the integration of Advanced Laser Materials (ALM; Temple, Tex.) and Integra (Round Rock, Tex.) - a strategic development that is already strengthening service and application offerings in response to the continued growth and evolution of their North American customer base.

This decision expands total service capacity in North America for EOS systems and positions service assets closer to customers to provide the high level of service responsiveness needed for industrial manufacturing. Furthermore, the integration offers development support locally in North America, enabling the company to efficiently partner with customers to create customized system, material, and process solutions and quickly bring new manufacturing applications to market.

"Business is growing at a fantastic rate in part because our technology is allowing our customers to shift from prototyping into end-use manufacturing," says Donald Vanelli, newly appointed president and COO of EOS of North America, Inc. "There are laser-sintered components in flight in aircraft as well as FDA-approved implants in the human body, for example. This speaks to why we are broadening our organization in response to the evolving manufacturing needs of our customers in areas such as standardizing and tightly controlling production, assuring material, process, and product quality, and ramping up throughput cost-effectively. Overall, the reorganization promotes the unification of products and prices, simplifying sales and service for our current and future customer base."

While the three organizations have worked together for more than a decade, the reorganization now also consolidates a central management team, drawing on experience from all areas while maintaining their multiple operational locations to offer expertise in existing specialties.

The reorganization was in part orchestrated by Bruce Thornton, former chairman of ALM and newly appointed chairman of EOS of North America, Inc. Thornton, with over 30 years of experience executing strategic growth development for various organizations, will oversee the integration and overall strategy.

Dr. Hans J. Langer, CEO EOS Group, is steering the strategic direction of EOS. With over 500 employees, customers in more than 50 countries and close to 1,500 systems installations worldwide, EOS is focusing on innovation and quality as well as customer orientation. "Globalization is changing us into a company where customer proximity and local value add are critical success factors to best serving our local markets. Integrating all our activities in one North American entity will allow us to better support U.S. customers," says Langer.

EOS is celebrating its 25th anniversary and opened North America operations in 2001. Integra was founded in 2002, and ALM in 2004. EOS provides laser-sintering systems, materials and application consulting for industrial applications, Integra offers highly seasoned field service engineers to the AM industry, and ALM develops and offers a wide range of commodity and engineered materials for AM.

Overall, the alignment creates a single company with years of laser-sintering knowledge from different perspectives. "We’ve worked with each other practically from our inception, and we understand how to unite our talents and experience to offer customers a one-stop shop of everything they need for industrial 3D-printed applications," says Andrew Snow, promoted to senior vice president of EOS of North America, Inc.

Their new field service initiative, now spearheaded by Integra’s Lance Shanklin, vice president of applications and development, and Mike Conner, vice president of service, will speed response time, increase up-time, and provide the highest levels of expertise to customers.

About Advanced Laser Materials, LLC (ALM)

Advanced Laser Materials (ALM) is a Texas-based company that consults, researches, develops, and manufactures engineered and customize materials for use in laser Additive Manufacturing processes. The company maintains in-house analysis and development laboratories, manufactures custom polymer materials, and provides extensive quality control data on its products. For more information visit www.alm-llc.com.

About Integra

Integra has more than a decade of technical experience in Additive Manufacturing. Headquartered in Texas with a nationwide network of employees, the company offers not only service and applications support, but also standard and custom equipment upgrades and training. For more information, visit www.integra-support.com.

About EOS

EOS is the technology and market leader for design-driven, integrated industrial 3D printing solutions, an Additive Manufacturing process. EOS offers a modular solution portfolio including systems, software, materials and material development as well as services (maintenance, training, specific application consulting and support). As an industrial manufacturing process it allows the fast and flexible production of high-end parts based on 3D CAD data at a repeatable industry level of quality. As a disruptive technology it paves the way for a paradigm shift in product design and manufacturing. It accelerates product development, offers freedom of design, optimizes part structures, and enables lattice structures as well as functional integration. As such, it creates significant competitive advantages for its customers. For more information, visit www.eos.info.

MagiCAD 2014.4 for Revit, AutoCAD Released

TURKU, Finland, Jun 7, 2014 - MagiCAD announces the release of a new version of MagiCAD for Revit and AutoCAD. The new release 2014.4 extends and optimizes MagiCAD's design functions, and improves day-to-day flexibility of design and editing through numerous clever new features. Introducing advanced new device types, as well as extended support for IFC import and export, MagiCAD represents the cutting edge of MEP Building Information Modelling (BIM) and design. 

MagiCAD 2014.4 supports AutoCAD 2015 and Revit 2015, as well as the earlier versions AutoCAD 2010-2014 and Revit 2014.

To view a complete list of new features and to learn more about the new release, click here. 

For further information visit http://www.magicad.com.

3D Systems Delivers 3D Printed Whale Fossil to Smithsonian Institution

ROCK HILL, SC, Jun 7, 2014 - 3D Systems (NYSE:DDD) announced that the Smithsonian Institution has installed its first major 3D printed piece for its 3D digitization program: a prehistoric whale fossil that was 3D scanned and printed. 3DS, in collaboration with the Smithsonian, provided its 3D technology for 3D scan processing and printing as part of its ground-breaking multi-year partnership with Smithsonian Institution to showcase 3D printing services and technology at the National Museum of Natural History.

3DS has helped establish Smithsonian X 3D, a website where visitors can follow the 3D printing revolution and experience the new opportunities it presents in manufacturing, research, and education, as well as interact and download free STLs from the collection. The centerpiece of the collection, the Chilean whale fossil shown in this video, measures 20 feet in length, and after being 3D printed was finished and mounted bringing it to museum visitors just as it was discovered in the desert. The complete collection also includes approximately 20 additional artifacts and objects, each 3D printed and ranging in size from about 12 inches in overall length, width, and height to 36 inches in overall dimensions.

"We are honored and excited to be part of this visionary Smithsonian initiative, to increase the visibility and accessibility of our national treasures for all," said Avi Reichental, President and CEO of 3DS. "The Smithsonian has shown both foresight and technological leadership in embracing the potential of 3D printing to preserve and showcase today's and tomorrow's collections, making them readily available to a global audience while demonstrating the power of 3D printing in a compelling and meaningful way."

About 3D Systems

3D Systems is a leading provider of 3D printing centric design-to-manufacturing solutions including 3D printers, print materials and cloud sourced on-demand custom parts for professionals and consumers alike in materials including plastics, metals, ceramics and edibles. The company also provides integrated 3D scan-based design, freeform modeling and inspection tools and an integrated 3D planning and printing digital thread for personalized surgery and patient specific medical devices. Its products and services replace and complement traditional methods and reduce the time and cost of designing new products by printing real parts directly from digital input. These solutions are used to rapidly design, create, communicate, prototype or produce functional parts and assemblies, empowering customers to manufacture the future.

For more information, visit www.3DSystems.com.

Alphacam 2014 R2 Released

GLOUCESTERSHIRE, UK, Jun 7, 2014 - Vero Software announces the release of Alphacam 2014 R2. Major enhancements to 5-axis toolpath functionality, along with the ability to automatically convert 2D design data to a 3D model, are included in the latest release of Alphacam, part of the Vero Software product portfolio. Updates to the Feature Extraction function also bring additional benefits to users.

The Alphacam 2014 R2 update includes several new and enhanced features which continue to demonstrate why Alphacam leads the way in improving productivity and flexibility for manufacturers, increasing their profitability.

Alphacam General Manager Nick Spurrett says: “There are a number of exciting new developments in Alphacam 2014 R2, including the ability to optimise 5-axis toolpaths to a specific machine configuration, and Part Modeler has been enhanced to convert DXF and DWG 2D drawings into 3D models.”

Amongst the new functionality and enhancements:

• 5-Axis Toolpath Optimiser: Using 2014 R2, operators can optimize 5-axis toolpaths to their specific machine configuration and rotational axis limits. As this is carried out at an operational level, any changes to the toolpath data or machine configuration will be highlighted and the operation can be easily updated and re-optimized. The enhanced tooling Machine Angles are readily available as Element attributes for post processing and also driving the new simulator. The complete operation is analyzed against the user settings, and where required the toolpath will be automatically split into separate sections, with options to maintain Feed Down and Lead In/Out settings on the modified toolpaths.
• Part Modeler: This now includes the ability to convert an imported DXF or DWG 2D drawing into a 3D model automatically. It works by simply defining the relevant views from a 2D file by using intelligent loop selection or tracing around the profile of the part. Using a combination of correctly oriented profile projections, a 3D solid model can be automatically constructed, ready for manufacture.
• Feature Extraction: Notable enhancements include a complete redesign of the Automatic Feature Extraction dialog with improved layout, images for each option and context sensitive help. In addition, partial hole extraction is possible by specifying a partial angle range and small hole chamfers can now be extracted with options on the Feature Configuration dialog to set the preferred tool directions for internal and external paths. Finally, all feature extraction commands will extract to the current workplane if possible, and the active user layer.
• Clamps and Fixtures: Enhancements enable more exact positioning and greater control against collisions as containment and positional geometry can now be set to better position clamps and fixtures against other data. Clamp moves can now be controlled using the new "Can Pop Up" option with improved Post Processor support.
• Nesting: Alphacam 2014 R2 includes a number of significant enhancements to the nesting capabilities. The three major developments to this are Kit Nesting, where each part in the nest can be assigned a kit number, so that kits of parts can be nested to the same sheet; setting a No Nest Zone to a sheet which will apply to all subsequent sheets; and the New Nesting Special Function (unique to the Vero Group Nester) which prevents nesting into part apertures. This release also includes a new Bridged Nesting option which will analyse the nest to determine the outer Toolpath and bridge the parts together, keeping the tool down in the material whilst all the parts are cut out, thus minimizing on tool lifts and re-positions.
• BTL Translator: New functionality now allows components to be produced which are suitable for nesting, and includes the option to create a CSV file for all processed nesting parts, which can be loaded directly into CAD to CAM, and Cabinet Door Manufacturing. In addition, there are several new processes, including a Notch/Rabbet, House, House Mortise and Dovetail Tenon, all standard joint and groove processes for the woodworking industry.

To know more about Alphacam 2014 R2, click here.

For more information, visit http://www.verosoftware.com.

CD-adapco Integrates SPEED Electric Machine Design Tool with STAR-CCM+

NEW YORK, USA and LONDON, UK, Jun 7, 2014 - CD-adapco, the largest privately held CFD-focused provider of Computer Aided Engineering software has integrated SPEED with STAR-CCM+. SPEED is the leading electric machine design tool and STAR-CCM+ a powerful all in one tool that models heat transfer, fluid dynamics, structural stresses, electric and magnetic fields, and aero-acoustics that play important roles in many electric machine applications.

CD-adapco purchased the SPEED electric machine suite of programs in June 2011. SPEED performs a 2D magnetic design using both analytical equations and finite element analysis links (using PC-FEA, a 2D FE solver) for electric motors, generators, alternators, and other magnetic actuators. It also combines electronic drive models with the machine's magnetic design. STAR-CCM+ takes the SPEED simulation results, converts their 2D model into a 3D model and models the machine’s thermal performance under a wide range of environmental conditions. STAR-CCM+ can also be used for the electromagnetic 2D calculations as the GoFER's to PC-FEA will be available for STAR-CCM+ using the 2D magnetic FV solver.

This design process creates a total electric machine solution. For further information about this comprehensive SPEED and STAR-CCM+ package, contact Markus Anders at markus.anders@cd-adapco.com.

About CD-adapco

CD-adapco is the world's largest privately held CFD focused CAE provider. Our core products are the technology-leading simulation packages, STAR-CCM+ and STAR-CD. The scope of our activities, however, extends well beyond CFD software development to encompass a wide range of CAE engineering services in fluid dynamics, heat transfer and structural engineering. Our ongoing mission is to "inspire innovation and reduce costs through the application of engineering simulation software and services."

A privately owned company, CD-adapco has maintained 17% organic year-on-year growth over the last 5 years. CD-adapco employs 750 talented individuals, working at 30 different offices across the globe. For more information, visit http://www.cd-adapco.com.

GRAITEC Acquires MicroCAD UK

BIEVRES, France, Jun 7, 2014 - GRAITEC, a major software developer and reseller for CAD and structural design solutions for civil engineering and manufacturing has announced a strategic acquisition of Autodesk Gold Reseller MicroCAD (through its UK Subsidiary Adris Ltd.) The addition of MicroCAD to the GRAITEC family stands testimony to the Groups long term commitment and rapid growth strategy.

Adris Ltd, already a highly respected Autodesk Platinum reseller in the UK supplying design software and services continues to grow its UK base, and through this acquisition aims to perpetuate growth by providing sales, support & consulting services across the whole of the UK via five strategic locations ideally placed to offer the best possible service to its customers nationwide.

MicroCAD Ltd is a full service provider for Autodesk products for the Architectural, Construction Engineering and Mechanical industry markets. With nearly 30 years' experience, MicroCAD has the in depth knowledge to develop tailored solutions and then supply, install, support and provide training and consultancy services to help its customers achieve maximum results.

As a growing company MicroCAD is already an Autodesk Gold reseller and from this acquisition all of MicroCAD's customers will benefit from coming under the Adris umbrella of being a Platinum Autodesk reseller offering the very best service and support globally.

Francis Guillemard, CEO and founder of GRAITEC commented, "The acquisition of MicroCAD will benefit all UK customers needing first class expertise and services around Autodesk products. The acquisition contributes further making GRAITEC a leading Autodesk European partner and significantly reinforces the position of the group on the construction engineering and BIM market".

Steve Houlder, Managing Director of Adris Ltd, stated, "The synergies between the two companies will ensure no matter where the customers location they will never be far away from our five strategic locations, and the high level of customer service will allow for continuity of service. By adding MicroCAD, it affirms our position in the UK as one of foremost providers of Autodesk software and consultancy. We look forward to welcoming all customers and staff into the fold".

Neil Wright, Sales Director of MicroCAD comments, "This is great news for all MicroCAD existing staff and customers. The joining of two of the top UK resellers together will provide an even higher level of service and expertise supporting customers large and small across the whole of the United Kingdom".

The combined company will have a turnover in excess of £17M with over 70 staff supporting 1000's of customers across the UK. The companies will continue to trade under their respective brands until the full integration is complete.

 

For more information, visit http://www.graitec.com.

Delcam to Launch PowerMILL 2015 at IMTS

BIRMINGHAM, UK, Jun 7, 2014 - Delcam will launch the 2015 version of its PowerMILL CAM system for high-speed and five-axis machining at IMTS 2014 in Chicago from 8th to 13th September on booth E3222. The new release will include improvements to the Vortex high-efficiency area-clearance strategy, improved collision checking to also cover near misses, and more efficient raster finishing.

The Vortex area-clearance strategy produces safe toolpaths with a much deeper cut by using a controlled engagement angle that maintains the optimum cutting conditions for the whole toolpath. As a result, higher feed rates and material-removal rates are possible, making the cutting time shorter by as much as 70%. In addition, cutting is undertaken at a more consistent volume-removal rate and at a near constant feed-rate, so extending tool life and protecting the machine.

Two enhancements in PowerMILL 2015 will give even greater reductions in machining time compared to conventional roughing. The first change allows toolpaths to approach the part from outside the stock at the cutting height for open pockets or in areas where earlier cuts have made this possible. Previously, all entry moves had to be made by plunging onto the surface or by ramping into the material.

The second change allows an increased feed rate to be set for non-cutting moves. The default value is set at double the rate for the cutting moves but this can be altered as required for each machine tool. The extra time that can be saved depends on the shape of the part but an additional saving of around 20% should be expected above the earlier releases of Vortex.

Another problem in previous versions of PowerMILL was that unnecessary lifts could be added to area-clearance toolpaths when the cutter moved outside the stock or close to its edge. Changes to the roughing algorithm have now reduced the number of lifts per toolpath slice to the minimum needed and so made area clearance much more efficient.

Companies using PowerMILL for either positional or continuous five-axis machining will benefit from improvements to the collision checking within the software. Firstly, collision checking has been changed so that warnings can also be flagged for near misses. The user can now specify a clearance value and when the machine tool comes within this value it will turn yellow in color to highlight a near miss. Collisions will still be shown by a change of color to red.

Secondly, the display showing the list of collisions, and now near misses as well, has been updated to be easier to read, making it simpler to extrapolate the coordinates at these points. For near misses, the clearance distance is shown in the display, with the distance shown as zero for collisions.

Another improvement will help companies using four- or five-axis machines with trunnions or similar tilting tables. Previous PowerMILL toolpaths could exhibit unwanted changes of azimuth as the cutting tool approached a position vertical to the part. This would slow down the machine, often to the extent that a witness mark would be left on the surface. New options are now available to specify the information used by PowerMILL to distribute the toolpath points so that the machine's gimbal-lock position is avoided and a smoother motion results.

Raster finishing has also been improved in PowerMILL 2015, with the software now able to set automatically the most appropriate angle for each region of the part. In previous versions, the user had to select each area and specify the angle manually. The new option, which provides the same functionality that already existed for steep-and-shallow finishing and face milling, is most beneficial when finishing a series of pockets aligned in different directions.

A number of improvements have been made to the PowerMILL interface. Most important is a clearer form for the strategy selector that makes navigation easier when choosing which strategy to use. It has also been made easier to create folders of strategies, for example, those most suitable for a particular machine tool, material or type of part, and to add and remove strategies from those folders.

Finally, three new curve-creation options have been added to the curve editor - ellipse, spiral and helix. These options can be used to create patterns or boundaries when generating toolpaths.

 

For more information about PowerMILL, visit www.powermill.com.

For further information about Delcam and its products, visit http://www.delcam.com.