ARRK expands use of Delcam software
ARRK, the world's largest rapid product development provider, has increased its use of Delcam's PowerSHAPE hybrid modelling software and PowerMILL machining system.
More case studies >>Delcam offers free CAD software training programme for students
Delcam has introduced a free CAD training programme for colleges and universities that will provide an introduction to computer-aided design techniques suitable for all students on design and engineering courses. The programme includes unlimited free copies of Delcam’s PowerSHAPE-e surface and solid modelling software, plus a series of lecture notes and PowerPoint presentations for lecturers. Both the software and the documentation can be downloaded from www.powershape-e.com.
PowerSHAPE-e includes all the surface and solid modelling tools from the latest PowerSHAPE release but not the PS-Electrode and PS-Moldmaker modules for toolmaking. Unlike most other free evaluation versions, the software can save part-completed models, so enabling longer projects to be undertaken in a series of sessions. The software includes a set of tutorials showing students how to use the software for product design and decoration.
"Many software companies offer free versions of their software to students,” admitted Delcam’s CAD Development Director Stuart Watson. "The Delcam offer provides a more comprehensive package by including all the materials needed to give a course in computer-aided design. In addition, the tutorials allow students to teach themselves to use the software at their own pace. Furthermore, unlike most other free evaluation versions, the software can save part-completed models, so enabling longer projects to be undertaken in a series of sessions.”
"We believe that the new interface in PowerSHAPE-e and unique tools like Smart Surfacing make it the easiest to use surface modeller on the market and so the ideal introductory system for students wanting to experiment with CAD,” claimed Mr. Watson. "The current popularity of solid modelling has lead many teachers to believe that it is the only way to use CAD to speed the development of new designs,” he added. "We hope that our free education programme will encourage more colleges and universities to teach both surface modelling and solid modelling.”
PowerSHAPE-e also includes a selection of 3D clip art so that students can experiment with Delcam’s patented Total Modelling approach to design. Total Modelling allows textures, logos and other decorations to be added to CAD models more quickly and more flexibly than any other design technique. It provides the fastest method for the early "What if?” stage of concept design, allowing a far greater number of alternative proposals to be created and compared in a much shorter time.
Once they have completed the course, students can use PowerSHAPE-e to create a portfolio of their work for potential employers. They can create as many new concepts as their imaginations allow and send a selection of screen shots of their designs with their CVs when applying for jobs.
22 June 2006