• Author: David Medeiros

    L’histoire de la réussite de NextGen Mold

    Posted on by David Medeiros
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    NextGen Mold

    SUCCESS STORY
    Informations sur l'entreprise

    NextGen Mold Technologies a été fondée en 2021, à la suite de l’acquisition de l’entreprise l’entreprise Mold. Basée à Windsor, en Ontario, elle s’est rapidement forgée une solide réputation dans l’industrie des moules à injection. Le large éventail d’équipements et la structure des équipes 24/7 permettent à NextGen d’offrir à ses partenaires des délais d’exécution rapides et efficaces pour la faisabilité, la conception, l’entretien des moules, les changements d’ingénierie, les réparations et les nouveaux outillages.

    L’idée de NextGen est d’utiliser les outils les plus pratiques à leur disposition, en équilibrant les coûts et l’efficacité tout en donnant la priorité à leur capacité à répondre aux normes des clients. Cela leur a permis de connaître un grand succès et une croissance rapide. Ils ont acheté trois nouvelles machines au cours de la  année dernière et s’efforcent de poursuivre sur cette lancée.

    Fusion 360 Probing et PowerMill : un succès immédiat

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    Défi :

    Être un nouvel acteur dans l’industrie peut présenter de nombreux défis. Le plus gros obstacle pour NextGen Mold concernait les coûts de recrutement et de formation. Il était extrêmement important de pouvoir être opérationnel, ce qui signifiait s’assurer qu’ils avaient les bonnes personnes dans leur équipe. Ils savaient que pour réussir, ils devaient donner à leur équipe les outils et les ressources.

    Le défi était d’autant plus grand car NextGen était en démarrage au plus fort de la pandémie. Outre les difficultés de recrutement habituelles liées à une pénurie de main-d’œuvre qualifiée, les considérations de trésorerie ont également constitué un facteur essentiel à ce moment-là. NextGen avait besoin d’un partenariat qui comprenne ces défis et offre la flexibilité nécessaire pour soutenir un résultat favorable en période d’incertitude. Ils avaient également besoin d’un logiciel de conception puissant, avec un temps de configuration réduit, qui puisse s’intégrer facilement à leur logiciel d’usinage pour garantir l’efficacité et éviter tout retard inutile.

    Solution :

    Connaissant la situation critique qu’occupait NextGen, SolidCAD a été en mesure de proposer une facturation flexible et un support client dédié. Les équipes commerciales et techniques possèdent une expérience incroyable du secteur et une compréhension des défis et des besoins auxquels une nouvelle entreprise peut être confrontée. Ils ont travaillé pour trouver des solutions rapides et flexibles pour soutenir NextGen au début de leur voyage.

    Après avoir évalué les besoins de NextGen et recu  des conseils, ils ont décidé d’opter pour PowerMill et Fusion 360 Probing. La formation de l’équipe a été essentielle pour un bon départ. Fusion 360 est un logiciel puissant doté d’une interface simple qui facilite l’utilisation, en particulier pour la formation. En outre, l’intégration avec PowerMill a permis d’éviter la duplication inutile du travail ou la perte de données. NextGen a qualifié de positive son expérience avec SolidCAD, en particulier le délai d’exécution des devis, ainsi que la connaissance approfondie des produits, qui sont des caractéristiques qui distinguent SolidCAD.

    Résultats :

    • La formation technique a permis à NextGen d’offrir à son équipe les outils, les connaissances et les ressources dont elle avait besoin pour réussir.
    • NextGen a utilisé Fusion 360 sur leur machine Parpas pour inspecter des pièces dédiées au CMM afin de vérifier qu’elles sont usinées selon les données, garantissant ainsi des résultats cohérents et de haute qualité.

    Les fonctions de palpage de Fusion 360 ont permis de réduire les taux de reprise et d’économiser des temps de mise en route inutiles

    Produits et services utilisés

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    Témoignage

    ” SolidCAD répond et dépasse les attentes en proposant des solutions de CAO/FAO éprouvées. ”

    Alain Balyan,

    Responsable de l’usinage chez NextGen Mold

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    NextGen Mold

    NextGen Mold

    Posted on by David Medeiros
    Success Stories

    NextGen Mold

    Nectgen mold

    NextGen Mold Technologies was founded in 2021, following the acquisition of Enterprise Mold. Based in Windsor, Ontario, they have quickly established a strong reputation in the injection mold industry. The wide array of equipment and 24/7 shift structure allows NextGen to offer their partners quick and effective turnaround on feasibility, design, mold maintenance, engineering changes, repairs, and new tooling. 

    The idea at NextGen is to use the most practical tools available to them, balancing cost and efficiency while prioritizing their ability to meet customer standards. This had led them to great success and rapid growth. They’ve purchased 3 new machines in the last year alone and strive to keep that momentum going forward. 

    Implementing PowerMill with Hands-On Local Support for Reduced Cost and Production Time

    Challenge:

    Being a new player in the industry can present many challenges; one of the more challenging hurdles for NextGen Mold quickly became recruitment. It was integral for them to hit the ground running, which required hiring the right people out of the gate to have the resources they needed to succeed.

    This was especially challenging as NextGen was a new startup in the peak of the pandemic. Along with overcoming the usual recruitment difficulties incumbent with a skilled labour shortage, cash flow considerations were also a critical factor at this time. NextGen needed a partnership that understood these challenges and offered the flexibility required to support a favourable outcome during uncertain times. They also needed a powerful design software with low setup time, that could easily integrate with their machining software to ensure efficiency and avoid any unnecessary delays.

    Solution:

    Understanding the importance of meeting our client’s needs, SolidCAD was able to offer flexible payment terms and dedicated customer support to promote a smooth setup experience and offer ongoing technical support. The sales and technical teams have unparalleled industry experience, understanding the challenges and needs a new business may face. They worked collaboratively to offer pertinent, timely, and customized solutions to support NextGen at the start of their journey.

    After assessing NextGen’s needs and providing guidance, they decided to go with PowerMill and Fusion 360 Probing. Training their team was integral to a strong start. Fusion 360 provided powerful software with a simple interface for ease of use, especially when it comes to training. Additionally, the integration with PowerMill avoided unnecessary duplication of work or lost data. NextGen highlighted their experience with SolidCAD’s customer service as a positive experience, specifically the turnaround time for quotes and seats, and extensive product knowledge as characteristics which set SolidCAD apart.

    Results:
    • Technical training allowed NextGen to give their team the tools, knowledge and resources they needed to succeed.
    • NextGen have been using Fusion 360 on the Parpas finishing machine to inspect/CMM jobs to verify they are cut to data, ensuring consistent and high-quality results.
    • Fusion 360 Probing has helped reduce rework rates and save unnecessary set-up time.

    Testimonial

    SolidCAD meets and exceeds expectations offering tried and tested CAD solutions.

    - Alain Balyan, Machining Manager at NextGen Mold

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    Dynamo for Revit 2.17 Upgrade – Part 1

    Posted on by David Medeiros

    Introduction

    Navigating through the intricate world of Dynamo, it is crucial to stay updated on its continuous enhancements and refinements. In this part, the first of a series dedicated to Dynamo updates, we’ll delve into six (6) user-centric new features and enhancements aimed at enriching the user experience and broadening the horizon of what is possible with visual programming.

    This blog aims to nurture curiosity about Dynamo, encouraging the reader to explore its capabilities and experience with its features.

    In this part 1, we will discuss the Six (6) New features and enhancements.

    • Enhanced Node Autocomplete
    • New Dynamo settings with Import/Export and Deployment
    • In-Product Node Documentation
    • Insert Graph into an Open Workspace
    • Enhanced 3D Node Preview in Dynamo
    • Improving Workspace Organization with Advanced Grouping

    Each of these enhancements is designed to cater to different aspects of the Dynamo experience, whether you are an architect, engineer, designer or a passionate Dynamo enthusiast, these improvements have the potential to elevate productivity and deliver more efficient BIM projects, saving valuable time.

    Enhanced Note Autocomplete – Smart Recommended Nodes

    Feature Overview

    The world of visual programming is continually evolving, equipping developers with more refined tools and functionalities. Among the recent enhancements in Dynamo is the “Recommended Nodes” feature in Node Autocomplete.

    Dynamo’s Node Autocomplete, once enabled, now features a “Recommended Nodes” enhancement driven by machine learning. This improvement provides more relevant node suggestions based on Confidence Level. Suggestions are derived from extensive training on real-word Dynamo patterns. Users have the flexibility with Low Confidence suggestions can easily switch suggestions methods.

    A Deeper Dive

    • Introducing the “Recommended Nodes” Feature in Node Autocomplete

    Dynamo’s Node Autocomplete has been enhanced with a significant feature: the “Recommended Nodes”. This feature, driven by advanced machine learning, it offers precise node suggestions to optimize the visual programming workflow.

    • What is “Confidence Level” for Precision in Suggestions?

    Once the Node Autocomplete is enabled in the Preferences, it can be activated by double-clicking on an Upstream or Downstream node port in the graph. the Autocomplete node ranks suggestions to ensure the most relevant and appropriate connections are prioritised. Each suggested node is assigned a Confidence Level, reflecting the algorithm’s certainty about its relevance and suitability within the given context. A higher confidence rating (percentage) prioritises nodes that are more pertinent, further prioritising the design process.

    • What are node rankings and suggestions from Real-World Learning?

    The node rankings and suggestions are derived from the algorithm’s extensive training on the Dynamo dictionary, Dynamo host samples, and real Dynamo graphs. By understanding real-world patterns, it can make informed recommendations. As a result, the Autocomplete node offers customised and reliable suggestions, that can significantly improve the visual programming experience in Dynamo.

    • What is “Low Confidence” nodes?

    Nodes assigned a lower ranking percentage are considered nodes that the algorithm have less confidence in their usability/match with the selected port and are conveniently categorized under “Low Confidence”. They are available for optional selection, ensuring flexibility in node choices. The criteria for which nodes fall under “Low Confidence” can be adjusted.

    • How to swiftly alternate between the Ranking Methods?

    Regardless of the Preferences settings, users can effortlessly switch between the Recommended Nodes and the previously existing Node Type Match method directly from within the Autocomplete node. This ensures a seamless workflow, eliminating the need to delve into separate settings or menus.

    Enabling Node Autocomplete – Step-by-Step

    1. From the Dynamo tab, select Preferences.

    Dynamo

    1. Under Features, locate the Node Autocomplete option and expand it.
    2. Toggle the switch to ‘On‘ to the left of Enable Node Autocomplete.

    Dynamo

    1. Select the Default Ranking Method
    2. Type the number of nodes that will show in the Autocomplete node
    3. Toggle the switch for Hide nodes below a specified confidence level to ‘On‘
    4. Close the Preferences Panel

    How to Select nodes from the high-ranking List – Video

    Beginning with a single node:

    • Autocomplete node is initiated by double clicking on one of the node’s input ports
    • Top ranked node is selected from the list
    • This process is repeated for the other ports

    How to Select nodes from Low Confidence list – Video 

    Beginning with a single node:  

    • Autocomplete node is initiated by double clicking on the Category input port of the All Elements of Category node. 
    • The top ranked Category.ByName node is selected from the list and automatically connected 
    • Autocomplete node is initiated by double clicking on the Name port of the Category.ByName 
    • The String node is selected from the Low Confidence list and automatically connected 

    How to Select nodes from Low Confidence list – Video 

    Beginning with a single node:  

    • Autocomplete node is initiated by double clicking on the Category input port of the All Elements of Category node. 
    • The top ranked Category.ByName node is selected from the list and automatically connected 
    • Autocomplete node is initiated by double clicking on the Name port of the Category.ByName 
    • The String node is selected from the Low Confidence list and automatically connected 

    Feature summary 

    The introduction of the “Recommended Nodes” feature, enhances the functionality of Dynamo’s Node Autocomplete. Utilising machine learning and data from real-world usage patterns, this user-centric enhancement allows users to create graphs with greater efficiency. With the added flexibility to feature aims to provide ore relevant and reliable node suggestions. Alongside the ability to adjust confidence criteria and switch suggestion methods, users have tools at their disposal to refine their visual programming experience. 

    1. New Dynamo setting with import/export and deployment. 

    Feature Overview 

    In the vast spectrum of visual programming tools provided by Dynamo, the ability of exporting and importing settings using XML files stands as another practical addition, accessible right from the Preferences panel. This feature not only facilitates the sharing, deployment, and transfer of preferences, but also serves as an efficient backup mechanism. Ensuring consistency in Dynamo settings across the company, it provides a safeguard against unintended changes and streamlines collaboration efforts. 

    Exporting Settings in Dynamo from the Preferences Panel – Step-by-Step 

    Note: Before making changes or importing existing preferences, exporting current configurations to an XML file is a prudent step. This acts as a backup, allowing importing them back if needed.   

    1. From the Dynamo tab, select Preferences.
    2. In the “Preferences” dialog box, click on the section (that contains the specific settings to export. 
    3. Expand Subsections: Expand subsections to reveal the individual preferences. 
    1. Review and Set Preferences: Review the individual preferences and ensure they are set according to your desired configurations. 
    1. Export Settings: Once you have reviewed and set all the preferences you want to export, click on “Export” within the “Preferences” panel to initiate the export process. 
    1. Choose Export Location: A file explorer window will appear, allowing you to choose a location for saving the exported settings file. 
    1. Rename File: The first exported settings file to that location, will be automatically named “DynamoSettings.XML”, otherwise the file of the being exported will have a suffix appended to it (i.e. DynamoSettings_12345678.XML). Renaming the exported file or adding/replacing the suffix will help identify the settings later. 
    1. Close File Explorer Window: After providing the file name and selecting the export location, close the file explorer window. 

    The exported XML file will contain the chosen configurations and can be used later to import the settings into Dynamo or share them with others who might benefit from the same configurations. 

    Importing Preferences – Step-by-Step

    Weather reapplying exported settings, deploying them across multiple instances or incorporating received ones from another user, the effort is minimal. Simply use the Import tool in the Preferences panel to integrate them.

    1. From the Dynamo tab, select Preferences.
    2. In the “Preferences” dialog box, click on Import
    3. Locate the XML file: Locate and select the XML file that contain the configurations you want to apply and select it
    4. Import Success? Click OK

    With these few steps, the settings in the Preferences panel will update to reflect the ones imported thru the chosen XML file.

    For settings outside the Preferences panel in Dynamo, it is necessary to restart both Dynamo and its host program for the settings to take effect.

    Deployment with XML files

    Using XML files for transferring preferences, offers a structured method for sharing, transferring, or reverting settings in Dynamo. It supports uniformity, collaboration, and quick settings adjustments.

    How to Export and Import Settings – Videos

    Here are two short videos that demonstrate how to export and import setting using XML files:

    1. The Node Autocomplete feature is enabled, and the Auto-Backup Interval time is modified
    2. The preferences settings are exported to an XML file that is renamed

    The preferences settings are exported to an XML file that is renamed

    • An existing XML Dynamo settings file is imported in which the Node Autocomplete feature was disabled, and the Auto-Backup Interval was set to 1 minute

    Feature Summary

    Utilizing XML files, Dynamo’s export and import tools offer a straightforward approach to managing configurations, remaining a user-centric environment by enabling users to both preserve and modify their setup.

    In-Product Node Documentation

    Feature Overview

    Dynamo’s revamped Documentation Browser simplifies node understanding with improved in-product node documentation. The Documentation Browser Accessed by right clicking a node and selecting Help…, it organizes information into three main parts: Node Information, Inputs and Outputs and Node Issue Help when things don’t go as planned.

    A feature familiar to many, the Documentation Browser is Dynamo’s in-product node documentation designed to give users quick access to node details without leaving the application. It is now reimagined and refined to provide more organized and detailed per-node documentation.

    Feature Details

    The Documentation Browser is now segmented in 3 sections:

    1. Node Information: This section provides information about the selected node. While the aim is to offer clarity on a node’s functionality, some nodes have In Depth information.
    2. Input and Outputs: This section presents a breakdown of the nodes inputs and outputs complete with their type, a brief description, Inputs Default Value and Outputs Data type.
    3. Node Issue Help: This section appears only when a node error is detected. It is intended to offer guidance to address the error.

    The enhanced in-product node documentation provides structure and efficient way for users to access and understand vital information. This streamlined approach addresses the fundamental need for clarity and accessibility in Dynamo’s complex environment.

    In-Product Node Documentation – How it Works – Video

    Showcasing the improved in-product node documentation within Dynamo offers just a glimpse. It is recommended to dive into the improved documentation firsthand, allowing for a richer understanding of its advancements and nuances.

    Insert Graph into an Open Workspace

    Feature Overview

    Dynamo’s “Insert” tool, amplifies the modular assembly approach in visual programming., by streamlining the integration of graphs within graphs or within empty workspace. This enhancement ensures a boost in workflows efficiency, reusability, modularity, and clarity within the Dynamo ecosystem.

    The optimization of the user experience in Dynamo is enhanced by the “insert” tool. While copy-pasting graphs served as a functional method, this new tool provides an elegant, integrated, and straightforward approach for optimizing the workflow even further.

    Feature Benefits

    • Precision: Minimize manual errors and ensure that graphs are integrated correctly
    • Efficiency: Speed up the process by bypassing the older copy-paste approach.
    • Streamlined workflow: This tool’s introduction fits seamlessly with established workflows, simplifying the integration/nesting process.
    • Enhanced Collaboration: Ensures that graphs to be nested maintain their functionality and integrity when shared among different users

    Workflow enhancements

    This functionality goes beyond nesting graphs, it reshapes how professionals approach their graphs creation in Dynamo. While enabling efficient integration, it offers:

    • Modular approach: Emphasizes the discrete unit of design, promoting a design as you go approach and encouraging decomposing complex tasks into distinct graphs and seamlessly stitch them together in one file as needed.
    • Reuse & Recycle: Once a graph is created, it can be reused repeatedly across different multiple projects, maximizing efficiency.
    • Maintained Clarity: It promotes preserving a tidy and organized library that is ready for integration.

    Inserting a Graph into an Open Workspace – Step-by-Step

    The introduction of the “Insert” graph tool in Dynamo, elevates the visual programming experience of both novices and seasoned users, fostering better organization and collaboration leading to an increased efficiency.

    1. Start a new graph or open an existing one in the workspace.
    2. Navigate to the File tab and select Insert.

    Dynamo-for-Revit

    1. Locate the graph you want to insert and select it. (Note: If the graph is inserted in an existing graph, it will be located below it)
    1. Review and connect the newly added graph as desired.

    Feature Demonstration – Video

    Like other tools in this version, this tool has also to be experienced firsthand.

    In this demonstration 2 graphs will be inserted in a new file, and stich together to export door’s data from a Revit project to an Excel file.

    Enhanced 3D Node Preview in Dynamo

    Feature Overview

    Dynamo’s 3D Watch node ensures the geometry remains in sight, even when the connected node preview is turned off. This feature provides an uninterrupted spatial understanding without distractions

    In certain cases, there may be no need to toggle node preview of a node on just to see the spatial context. Watch 3D now shows geometry for all directly connected nodes, even if their preview is turned off. With this update designers can remain immersed in their workflows while still retaining visual clarity.

    How it Works – Step-by-Step

    1. Right click the node connected to the 3D Watch node and uncheck Geometry Preview.
    2. Run the graph. The geometry will stay visible in the 3D Watch Node after the graph.

    This enhancement is not merely a technical update; it is a thoughtful design decision. It acknowledges the core principle that visual continuity is a must in spatial design tools like Dynamo.

    How it Works – Video

    In this demonstration the Geometry Preview is turned off in the GeometryColor.ByGeometryColor node. After the graph is run, the color disappears in the background but remains in the 3D Watch node.

    Improving Workspace Organisation with Advanced Grouping

    Feature Overview

    Another enhancement in Dynamo is group functionalities. Custom Group styles, resizable headers, intuitive color adjustments, various customization option, together with the added convenience of dragging nodes into groups and, removing them using Alt+Left Click, makes organising the workspace a more intuitive endeavor. Additionally with settings exportable from within the Preferences panel, sharing. Backup, or deployment becomes smoother and more consistent.

    Feature Details

    • Resizable Headers: Customize to content’s needs. Adjust the headers size for better readability or a neater visual look.
    • Automatic Text Color Adjustment: Dynamo toggles between black and white text based on group’s background color, ensuring readability.
    • Direct Access, Drag & Drop and Easy Removal:
      • Quick Style Change: While Styles are created and set in the Preferences panel, Adjustments like color and font size are just a click away with the context menu.
      • Direct Node Organisation: Dragging a node straight into a group for swift organisation.
      • Easy Node Removal: Removing a node from a group is made easy using Alt+Left Click.
    • Exporting Settings Via Preferences: Groups Styles Settings can be backed up, shared and deployed by using the Export tool in the preferences panel. Consistency is ensured across teams and projects.

    Why it Matters

    The enhanced grouping functionality in Dynamo emphasize:

    Efficiency: With intuitive nodes organisation, direct style customization and easily readable group labels, workflows become faster and smoother.

    Collaboration: he ability to export and share settings ensures that teams work with a consistent visual framework, enhancing collaborative effort

    Personalization: With a wide range of customisation options, Dynamo allows users to create a workspace that reflects their styles and project needs.

    Dynamo’s advanced grouping features in this update increase clarity and efficiency, adapting as workflows grow in complexity. The result is potentially a better organised, efficient, and customized visual programming environment.

    How it Works – Video

    In this demonstration, a new Group Style is created and applied to a group and text size is changed.

    Part 1 Conclusion

    The six Dynamo enhancements we explored in this blog are clearly geared towards refining the user experience a boosting efficiency in visual programming. From Node Autocomplete to the revamped group functionalities, each feature aims to empower design professionals even further.

    Keep an eye for the part II of this Dynamo for Revit 2.17 series where we’ll keep spotlighting more of Dynamo’s updates throughout. Until next time!

    For any questions reach out to your sales rep or contact us at info@solidcad.ca

    AutoCAD – Editing with Groups & Layers

    Posted on by David Medeiros

    AutoCAD – Editing with Groups & Layers 

    Trying to edit geometry that is overlapping or right next to multiple objects can sometimes be challenging. 

    We can simplify the process by doing the following: 

    • Lock the layers of the geometry we don’t want to modify
      Any object that is part of a locked layer cannot be modified (move, copy, delete, etc.)
       
    • Group together different objects, blocks, geometry, etc.
      Grouped geometry becomes one single object that is easier to manipulate

     

     

    ]For any questions reach out to your sales rep or contact us at info@solidcad.ca 

    AutoCAD and Civil 3D: New Tool for Migrating Files to Autodesk Docs

    Posted on by David Medeiros

    Read until the end to see which extensions for Civil 3D are now available for download!

    If you use AutoCAD and especially Civil 3D and you use Autodesk Docs and the Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC), then you should consider this tool.

    From the download site:

    “It provides guidance throughout the whole data migration process including data integrity checks, fixes, and uploading. It enables you to clean up data integrity issues so that the uploading process can be completed successfully and efficiently while keeping files as a single source of truth.”

    Interestingly, it is only available at the Autodesk App Store, but it is free.

    This tool will help fixe those pesky “Related Data” folders as it identifies potential errors before upload, and it provides a mechanism to repair them.

    Highly recommended.

    Civil 3D: 2024 Extensions Released

    For any questions reach out to your sales rep or contact us at info@solidcad.ca

    AutoCAD: 2024.1 Update

    Posted on by David Medeiros

    The AutoCAD team has updated the 2024 release and there are some cool new features. Use Autodesk Access to install it or go to manage.autodesk.com and download it. Check out the release notes to read the official documentation. Read on to find out more.

    Here is Autodesk Help. Here are the release notes.

    • Autodesk Assistant

    AI-guided self-service and options to contact support from within the product. Find solutions to product questions, request a callback if needed, or create a support case. It’s only available in English.

    AutoCAD 2024.1 Update AutoCAD 2024.1 Update

    Markup Assist and Import

      • Markup Assist now can detect and identify markups in flattened PDFs.
      • The Markup Assist icon on the Trace toolbar indicates when Markup Assist is in the process of detecting markups.

    AutoCAD 2024.1 Update

     

    • Trace
      • When a drawing does not contain any traces, the Traces palette has been updated to make it easier to create a new trace or import markup.
      • COPYFROMTRACE, allows you to copy objects from a trace into the drawing, now provides command line feedback about scale factor when copying objects from a trace layout to a viewport.
    • Activity Insights
    • Some of the drawing event labels have been updated for clarity.

    AutoCAD 2024.1 Update

    • File Open
      • Improved file open performance when opening a drawing that contains large numbers of annotation scales. Large numbers of annotation scales can occur when there are lots of drawing references that might pull in additional annotation scales.
    • Pan and Zoom
      • General performance improvements when using pan and zoom commands.

    For any questions reach out to your sales rep or contact us at info@solidcad.ca

    Reimagining Home with Regenerative AI Tools

    Posted on by David Medeiros

    This story was originally published by Diana Kightlinger on the Bluebeam Blog.

    To create a more desirable future, how should homes, neighborhoods and cities evolve? The SPACE10 Research and Design Lab launched a global competition to find out

    Droughts and floods, scarce resources and migration are all buffeting people worldwide. To make shelter more desirable requires rethinking what home sweet home looks like—and not just in terms of appearance or function. Rather, designing and building must move beyond sustainability to become regenerative and improve communities and ecosystems.

    That’s embodied in the mission for SPACE10—”to create a better everyday life for people and the planet.” The organization launched the Regenerative Futures competition to restore and enhance the well-being of humans and the natural environment. But to enhance imagination and creativity and conjure up new visions, the competition required entrants to use generative AI.

    “The results truly show the potential of emerging AI tools to allow for new, diverse and hopeful visions of the future, in a time that requires us to imagine new ways of living,” said Ryan Sherman, creative director, SPACE10. “From the United States, China and Mexico to Lebanon, Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates, we received over 250 entries from over 40 different countries.”

    A panel of 10 globally recognized architects, designers, AI artists, journalists and creatives selected winners. Experience designer Kedar Deshpande of Denver took the overall prize for his entry in the category, “Designing for the Future in Harsh Environments.”

    The energy-positive, modular, breathable structure manages air and water filtration. The passive solar design maximizes natural light and heat while minimizing harsh effects.

    A hostile environment inspires resilience

    Deshpande’s design is a resilient home concept. The dwelling is imagined in Rajasthan, India, a semi-arid landscape that experiences sandstorms and floods, with temperatures ranging from 28ºF to 122ºF.

    “India is a country of drastically varying environments, climates and available building materials,” Deshpande said. “Growing up, I was able to visit the country multiple times and see these unique places. One such location was the massive Thar Desert—the most widely-populated desert in the world and home to more than 16 million people.”

    Worldwide, 1 billion people live in similar desert landscapes. Relentless water scarcity and extreme temperatures heavily impact daily life. Many residents adopt a nomadic lifestyle. “This instability contributes to a lower standard of living, which I believe can be helped with forward-thinking regenerative design principles,” Deshpande said.

    Textual and visual generative AI define the process

    Entries in the Regenerative Futures competition harnessed a range of AI tools and techniques. “While the majority used a combination of ChatGPT/GPT-4 and Midjourney, we saw a mix of Stable Diffusion, DreamBooth, Runway, and custom models trained on unique datasets,” Sherman said.

    The much-touted ChatGPT generative AI tool was the springboard for Deshpande. “ChatGPT proved valuable in researching regenerative home design within the ecosystem I was designing for, providing insights into the future of using natural materials, bio-adaptive architecture and disaster-resistant design,” he said. “These were used as seeds to envision structures within Midjourney.”

    The visual generative AI tool Midjourney works by analyzing a variety of sources—which can include information on building performance, energy usage and the environment—to identify patterns and trends. Starting with an existing structure design, Deshpande layered ideas into prompts to build and generate hundreds of possible solutions.

    The program can also help designers identify ways to improve structures and make informed decisions about design, materials and construction methods. Here, the goal was a building that was more energy-efficient, regenerative and cost-effective over the long term.

    Earth-based construction makes the most of energy, light and water

    Deshpande’s design embedded the home in the earth to insulate it naturally. Locally sourced natural materials like sand and clay ensured sustainable and eco-friendly building practices. 3D-printed structures combined with natural fibers created bio-composites for living insulation and modular construction. And for the utmost in resilience and durability, self-healing materials like advanced polymers and bio-concrete let the home repair itself.

    Locally created self-healing materials respond to wear and tear or natural disasters. The house’s modular slabs provide structures to capture air and water for purification.

    The dwelling is off-grid and energy-independent thanks to solar capture, hydrogen-generating gardens and piezoelectric devices integrated into structural components. The design also includes compact and visually appealing hybrid wind energy systems, modular energy storage systems and energy-sharing community networks.

    The interior is oriented for sun exposure and allows naturally regulated air to flow. Retaining walls outside preserve gardens and windows from harsh weather effects.

    Design envisions a future based in harmony

    Javier Torner, programme officer, UN Habitat Planning, Finance and Economy Section, summed up the judging panel’s impression of Deshpande’s work: “The proposal creates harmony between design and environment, incorporating the semi-arid characteristics to build an integrated architecture that protects against extreme temperatures and preserves ecosystems.”

    And resilience to climate extremes goes beyond a single dwelling. By using resources in an efficient and collaborative manner, homes can extend resilience to the community. As an example, creating local networks that pull data from smart monitoring devices in each residence can help entire communities respond and adapt to environmental changes.

    In addition to respecting the surrounding land and ecology, Deshpande also wanted the home to reflect its cultural and historical context. That means building in collaboration with local people to incorporate traditional knowledge, materials and building techniques.

    “Designing for the Future in Harsh Environments exemplifies the potential of human-AI collaboration to envision a resilient, imaginative and accessible way of living that is regenerative by design,” Sherman said.

    And with climate extremes making the planet increasingly inhospitable, it’s gratifying to know that the built environment can not only be resilient but also help replenish and restore the world around us.

    Circle 5

    Posted on by David Medeiros
    Success Stories

    Circle 5

    Founded in 1987, Circle 5 has established itself as a leader in the manufacturing and prototyping industry. Their expertise in machining both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, combined with their state-of-the-art multi-axis CNC and EDM capabilities, sets them apart.

    The injection mold company started over 35 years ago with 5 partners, giving them the 5 in their company name. They mainly service the automotive industry at 70% of their capacity while the remaining 30% is in medical, seating, farm equipment, and home products. They are focused on a diversity of products while keeping automotive at its core.

    Despite the challenges faced by many in this industry, Circle 5 continues to grow, break new ground, and embrace new technologies. Their positive outlook and commitment to delivering unparalleled quality and value for their clients is always their top priority

    Implementing PowerMill with Hands-On Local Support for Reduced Cost and Production Time

    The Challenge

    Having risen to champion many of the current industry challenges, Circle 5 have been able to find continued success and made plans for expansion. This presented a new challenge, as their current software was not able to support them in this expansion and, additionally, the costs of the software itself were continuously rising. Realizing they needed a new partner to help them achieve their goals for the future, they reached out to SolidCAD to start the collaboration.

    The Solution

    As an industry leader, Circle 5’s customers expect high quality and consistency at all times. This means that they need a software solution that is extremely flexible and can be custom tailored to their needs. They were already using PowerMill in a limited capacity and wanted to see what it could do across the company. SolidCAD’s team agreed that this would be the best solution for them and were able to offer the technical expertise that Circle 5 needed to fully make the switch. In the implementation process, local support was extremely pivotal to the migration. The team spent several weeks on site installing the system and helping to build a new process for Circle 5 to make their products.

    The Results
    • Customization and automation have been the key to improving their business operation
    • The implementation of PowerMill has allowed for lower user input
    • Their new process decreases both cost and turn around time

    Testimonial

    To other companies that are in our position: Buy into learning with SolidCAD. It’s worth developing that relationship. It’s in the name, they are solid!

    - Terry Bennett, Special Projects Manager, Circle 5

    Products & Services Used

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    L’histoire de réussite du Circle 5

    Posted on by David Medeiros
    null

    Circle 5

    SUCCESS STORY
    Informations sur l'entreprise:

    Fondée en 1987, Circle 5 s’est imposée comme un leader dans l’industrie de la fabrication et du prototypage. Son expertise dans l’usinage des métaux ferreux et non ferreux, combinée à ses capacités de pointe en matière de CNC multiaxes et d’électroérosion, lui permet de se démarquer.

    L’entreprise de moulage par injection a démarré il y a plus de 35 ans avec 5 partenaires, d’où le 5 dans le nom de l’entreprise. Elle dessert principalement l’industrie automobile, avec 70% de sa capacité, tandis que les 30% restants concernent le secteur médical, les sièges, le matériel agricole et les produits pour la maison. Elle se concentre sur une diversité de produits tout en gardant l’automobile au centre de ses préoccupations.

    Malgré les difficultés rencontrées par de nombreux acteurs de ce secteur, Circle 5 continue de se développer, d’innover et d’adopter de nouvelles technologies. Son attitude positive et son engagement à fournir à ses clients une qualité et une valeur inégalées sont toujours sa priorité absolue.

    Pour en savoir plus, visitez: https://www.circle5.io/

    L’implantation de PowerMill avec un support local pratique pour réduire les coûts et les délais de production

    null

    Défi:

    Après avoir relevé de nombreux défis dans le secteur, Circle 5 a réussi à poursuivre son succès et à élaborer des plans d’expansion. Cela a représenté un nouveau défi, car leur logiciel actuel n’était pas en mesure de les soutenir dans cette expansion et, en outre, les coûts du logiciel lui-même augmentaient continuellement. Conscients qu’ils avaient besoin d’un nouveau partenaire pour les aider à atteindre leurs objectifs pour l’avenir, ils ont contacté SolidCAD pour entamer une collaboration.

    La solution:

    En tant que leader du secteur, les clients de Circle 5 exigent une qualité et une cohérence élevées à tout moment. Cela signifie qu’ils ont besoin d’une solution logicielle qui soit extrêmement flexible et qui puisse être adaptée à leurs besoins. La société utilisait déjà PowerMill de manière limitée et souhaitait voir ce qu’elle pouvait faire à l’échelle de l’entreprise. L’équipe de SolidCAD a convenu qu’il s’agissait de la meilleure solution pour eux et a été en mesure d’offrir l’expertise technique dont Circle 5 avait besoin pour passer à l’action. Au cours du processus de mise en œuvre, l’assistance locale a joué un rôle essentiel dans la migration. L’équipe a passé plusieurs semaines sur place à installer le système et à aider Circle 5 à mettre en place un nouveau processus de fabrication de ses produits.

    Résultats :

    • La personnalisation et l’automatisation ont été la clé de l’amélioration du fonctionnement de l’entreprise.
    • L’implantation de PowerMill a permis de réduire le nombre d’interventions de l’utilisateur.
    • Le nouveau processus a permis de réduire les coûts et les délais d’exécution.

    Produits et services utilisés:

    null

    Témoignage:

    “Aux autres entreprises qui sont dans notre position : Apprenez à utiliser SolidCAD. Cela vaut la peine de développer cette relation. C’est dans le nom, ils sont solides!”

    Terry Bennett

    Responsable des projets spéciaux, Circle 5

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    Civil 3D: 2024.1 Update

    Posted on by David Medeiros

    The Civil team has updated the 2024 release and there are many cool new features. The Civil 3D updates include the AutoCAD update, but they don’t include the Map 3D update, so don’t forget to install that too.

    Use Autodesk Access to install it or go to manage.autodesk.com and download it. Read on to find out more.

    Official documentation for the Civil 3D 2024.1 update

    Official documentation for the Map 3D 2024.0.1 update

    Official documentation for the AutoCAD 2024.1 update

    This is not an exhaustive list; please refer to the documentation for a complete list.

    • Subassemblies
      • Import custom subassemblies without creating a tool in a palette.

    Civil 3D Update

      • Add subassemblies from the Prospector.

    Civil 3D Update

        • Replace a subassembly by selecting a new PKT file.

    Civil 3D Update

    •  Corridors
      • Create transitions across regions.
      • Copy and paste transition sets.
      • Better highlighting to identify areas in a transition.
    • ArcGIS
      • Save back changes to AutoCAD objects.
      • Improved support for arcs
      • Improved performance.
      • Layers are alphabetically sorted.
    • Pressure Networks
      • Pipe runs are less likely to become detached from their underlying pipe run alignments. Added warning messages that are displayed when the pipe run status is not correct after editing the pipe run.
      • Move and rotate pipe runs with AutoCAD MOVE and ROTATE commands.
      • Property set compatibility.
      • Automatically swap a tee for a wye when gip editing the pipe run.
    • Gravity Networks
      • Connect pipes and structures to parts within other networks.
      • The Text-For-Each component can now be added to band styles.
    • Project Explorer
      • New Subassembly category with many new and usable options.
      • Export slope patterns to 2D.
    • Rail
      • Added the ability to create cant on spiral or tangent entities by adding user-defined curves in the Cant Curve Manager dialog box.
    • API
      • New content for corridor transitions and gravity networks.
    • Dynamo
      • Core updated to 2.18.
      • Player updated to 3.0.

    For any questions reach out to your sales rep or contact us at info@solidcad.ca