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Now, with SOLIDWORKS 2021, the Custom Properties tool got a welcomed extension of functionality to include the use of equations. This tool has been a fan favorite for many years because it is incredibly useful as a way to reuse information about your design. Custom properties are a huge part of any power user’s toolbox and in this article we're going to look at what’s new in SOLDIWORKS 2021.

Carbon fiber materials and carbon-reinforced polymers can replace metal for lighter, more ergonomic tooling. Add to that the power of additive manufacturing to print the part, rather than machine it, and you can significantly reduce both your part weight and tooling lead time. In this article, we are going to review the differences in printable carbon fiber materials and the machines capable of printing them to understand how the 3D printing industry has created approachable solutions for just about every level of production. 

As an Application Engineer with TriMech, my role often takes me into many manufacturing environments ranging from mom-and-pop machine shops to aerospace manufactures. As different as you may think these facilities would be, we often find a common trend – most custom fixtures, jigs, equipment, and assembly tools are made from aluminum. The biggest reason when asked about this is because “it's what we have always used,” and “it's what the toolroom prefers to work with.” When probed further we usually hear “aluminum is more than strong enough,” so it is chosen for a task that nowhere near approaches aluminum’s tensile strength benefits. There is a wide variety of materials out there other than aluminum that may fit some of these needs better. In this article we’re going to take a look at how printed polymers stack up against it.

Want to save time when using SOLIDWORKS? You can use the search functionality, but that’s not news. The Command Search has been one of our favorite tips to share for over a decade. What's new to SOLIDWORKS 2021 is the addition of the search capabilities to the customize interface. If you want to really save time when working with SOLIDWORKS, you can take advantage of the robust searching tools that are now available to you to help you instantly find what you're looking for. There’s no need to memorize were something is.  You can save that precious brain space for other, more important knowledge.

If you you've been asking yourself, “What gives? Why can’t I open SOLIDWORKS files in GrabCAD Print anymore?" You are not alone. I know the struggle. I may have even said a few expletives over it. This is not due to GrabCAD Print dropping SOLIDWORKS compatibility. It is the result of GrabCAD Print’s development team needing to take some time to verify that the latest version of SOLIDWORKS files is compatible with all the features that GrabCAD Print has to offer. Let's take a look at some details.

TriMech is fortunate to work with clients from Maine to Florida and out to Arkansas, offering a range of engineering solutions. This week's client story showcases how TriMech Staffing helped our client fill an empty role for their expanding business quickly and with someone who had buckets of experience.

If you’re new to DraftSight and could use help getting started, you’re in the right place. Whether just getting started with CAD, or a veteran AutoCAD user making the switch like so many others, you’ll be happy to know you don’t have a large learning curve in front of you.

SOLIDWORKS 2021 brings with it countless enhancements to an already great piece of software, building upon the strength of the core modeling tools for designing most anything you can think of. Whether it’s sheet metal, large assemblies, or weldments, you’re guaranteed to find something useful in SOLIDWORKS 2021. 

Welcome to our consolidated review of 3DEXPERIENCE World 2021!

SOLIDWORKS and Dassault Systèmes have brought the conference directly to you through this year’s digital format. With a record setting attendance of over 30,000 attendees, the online format did little to hinder participants, creators and designers from learning and connecting with each other. With numerous General Sessions, Breakout Sessions and networking Meet-Ups, there was always something to keep you busy throughout the three main days of the conference. Have a look at these conference highlights to see what you missed!

NASA has renewed determination to send humans further into space than we could have dreamed. They have developed advanced programs like the Orion capsule and the Space Launch System, but whatever the program the one key step in preparing astronauts for the journey is successful training. 

NASA needed a way to scale down the cost and timing of traditional training while still maintaining its strict quality standards, especially when it involves the exploration of Mars. Mars is a long way away and missions are expected to last months, possibly years. NASA engineers recognized the advantages of immersive environment technology and began using it to create realistic training experiences while running a diverse range of simulations.

The adoption of cloud technology has provided many companies with better ways to communicate and collaborate in a more streamlined manner. This was especially important in 2020 when having a proper remote communication mechanism and data repository became a need rather than a want for many companies in order to adapt. With that said, integration with cloud products whether for file storage, communication, or even running native apps, isn’t for everyone. It’s important to understand why cloud integration may not be appropriate for your team, why some integrations fail and why the Dassault branded 3DEXPERIENCE platform could be a better solution.

As we look at all the great improvement to SOLIDWORKS 2021, it is hard to pick just one we like the most. When we asked the question: “What’s your favorite enhancement this year?” we get different answers from different industries. But one thing is clear, if you’re using the Sheet Metal Tools, then I’m pretty sure your favorite enhancement is the new curved edge flange tool.