Solid Modelling show expands its horizons

Product Development 2006 is built on and run by the same team that has until this year brought us the successful, highly focussed, Solid Modelling shows. The event will continue to be an industry forum for CAD, CAM, CAE and rapid prototyping users but has been widened to take in the complete design cycle from concept to production. One of the star attractions at this year's show will undoubtedly be the Autodesk stand where visitors can expected to get a first look at AutoCAD 2007. Autodesk has been keeping its cards very close to its chest on this release, and all we have been able to find out about it pre-launch is that it will contain a lot of 3D, bringing it up to challenge the likes of SolidWorks and Solid Edge and that it represents an acceptance by Autodesk that it would be unwise to risk its loyal AutoCAD customer base by expecting them to migrate to Inventor if they want software with true 3D functionality. Autodesk recently held a number of 21st birthday celebrations for AutoCAD. These represented the 21st birthday of neither Autodesk nor AutoCAD, since both were originally launched by John Walker in 1982, but the fact that AutoCAD 2007 will be the 21st release. The release numbering system has until now always been a little confusing ever since the original first CP/M version, co-authored by John Walker was designated AutoCAD-80. Another attraction will be the designer workshops in an open demo theatre within the exhibition hall. Companies who wish to communicate their ideas have been invited to give technical presentation in 20 minute slots. Each presentation may be a stand-alone demonstration of a standard development tool or technique, or may be planned as part of a special programme across the two day event. Collaborative classes combining several vendors have also been told that they will be welcome. Workshops topics in the product development sphere are to cover: rapid conceptualisation, surfacing techniques for solid modelling users, advanced surface modelling master class, visualisation & virtual product presentation, innovation management, selecting hardware for product development, handling large assemblies, knowledge-based design, analysis for the engineer, stress analysis, integrating fluid flow simulation, integrated electrical design & analysis, integrated electronic design & analysis and integrated electro-mechanical design. In prototyping, subjects to be covered include: increasing prototype functionality, improving prototyping quality, optimising prototyping processes, prototyping technologies for tooling and prototyping technologies for end use components. In process and manufacturing, the topics listed are: plastics design for manufacture, sheet metal design, piping and plant design, mould and die design, machining simulation & verification, injection moulding analysis and simulation, manufacturing process analysis, process simulation and the digital factory. There is also to be a special one-day Forum for Managers to be held in a stand-alone venue alongside the NEC. The intention is for managers to improve the efficiency and productivity of their organisations through better automation of the interface between technical departments and other areas of an enterprise or supply network. The primary target audience is non-technical so the programme will avoid discussing tools and techniques, focussing instead on the business processes behind them. Anyone interested in speaking is invited to contact Andrew Porter, the Event Director on 0207 681 1000 or email: pd@edaltd.co.uk. Co-located events at the NEC are the Drives and Controls Exhibition, Electrex, Air-Tech, Needs 2006, Mach 2006, and Subcon 2006. Product Development 2006 Email Andrew Porter