CompuServe Messages

JKJ, >> Is this an add-on to AutoCAD like AME or a stand alone program? << An add-on like AME. It connects with AutoCAD R12c2-DOS (and ONLY c2) via an ADS link with an authorization code like AME. It uses the ACIS solids core, so it should be readily ported to ALL the UNIX platforms, and Windows support should be down the road a bit. >> If an add-on, is it intended to replace AME? If so, do you know if there is an upgrade path, or is AME a throw-away, like AutoShade? << The future of AME is as yet undecided. It doesn't make sense that AME would continue with such a powerful product available. Regarding the upgrade, there has been ALOT of preliminary chatter both pro and con, as soon as I see something on letterhead I'll let you know. >>Can you select various mesh densities? Better than that, you can select an allowable variation between the model and the face mesh. This variation can be specified to be as small as 001"!!!!!!!!! I wouldn't want to do one though, as the face mesh would be astronomical in size. >>Do you have a short list of specs? In short, AutoCAD Designer is a "Feature Based, Parametrically Driven, Bi-Directionally Associative Solid Modeler" (Whew, aren't you impressed! <BG>) Here is the short of what that means… -Feature Based AutoCAD Designer works with the individual "components" of a solid as intelligent features. Features always understand their relationship to 3D-space and TO OTHER FEATURES. This is key, because if one feature is changed, all the adjoining features will update to reflect the changes AUTOMATICALLY. For instance, if you had a part that was a flat object with an attachment point on the end, when you lengthened the flat, the attachment would change to reflect it! -Parametrically Driven In Designer, every feature is simply "sketched" in and then dimensionally constrained. These constraints not only reflect the size and shape of the feature, but the feature's relationship to other features. In AME, once an object is "solidified" you are "stuck" with it. In Designer, you simply edit the dimensions of the feature and have Designer update the model. Thus, that feature (and any other connecting features!) will be updated. Remember, THE DIMENSIONS DRIVE THE MODEL. – Bi-Directionally Associative This is the KILLER part of Designer. Visualization aside, most people will be using Designer to produce two-dimensional drawings. In AME, you could only produce "dumb" projections onto a UCS. In Designer, you have complete control over how and what two dimensional drawings are required. Plus (and this is the key) any time the model is updated, the drawings will AUTOMATICALLY reflect the changes. Also, any time the "designer" dimensions of a 2-dimensional drawing are updated, the MODEL and ALL OTHER 2-D VIEWS WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY!!! Gosh, I could go on forever, you need to see the product!!!!!! Hey, where are you located, as we will be showing the product (and the AutoSurf/AutoMill components) in Wichita on February 2nd. >> Do you have any pricing information? Designer will be $1500.00 My fingers (both of them) are tired! <BG> Chuck