#AME 2.0 Announcement
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AUTODESK SHIPS SOLID MODELER AME RELEASE 2
Wealth of New Features for Production Drafters and Application Developers
Chicago – February 24, 1992 – A new release of Autodesk's popular Advanced
Modeling Extension (AME), the fully integrated solid-modeling option for
AutoCAD customers, is now shipping, company officials announced today at
the National Design Engineering Show. AME Release 2 offers improved
accuracy, an enhanced programming interface, and stronger links between
two- and three-dimensional design to the more than 60,000 current customers
of AME Release 1.
"AME Release 2 is the next step in Autodesk's continuing effort to bring
the benefits of solid modeling – and 3D design – to a wider market," stated
Malcolm Davies, Autodesk senior vice president of the Americas. "Autodesk
established the worldwide standard for computer-aided design with AutoCAD;
it is our intent to establish equally strong leadership positions in 3D
design, solid modeling and interactive mechanical engineering," he said.
"AME Release 2 is the result of our ongoing commitment to deliver
sophisticated modeling technology on the desktop," said John Lynch,
co-general manager of Autodesk's AutoCAD Division. "This is the most
accessible solid modeler on the market. It provides advanced design,
construction, and analysis techniques to the largest group of CAD users in
the world – AutoCAD customers."
Lnch went on to explain that, in addition to many powerful features that
enhance the creation of 3D models, AME Release 2 also contains the Region
Modeler, an innovative application of constructive solid geometry
techniques to 2D design. "We believe that all AutoCAD customers can benefit
from this new feature and will find new applications for these concepts in
2D," he said.
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In AME Release 1, AutoCAD customers found an affordable, accessible
alternative to traditional modeling tools. Using AME, they created complex
3D models by invoking and manipulating basic solid shapes or "primitives" –
e.g., boxes, cones, cylinders – or by extruding and revolving 2D profiles.
In addition, they used simple commands like Join, Subtract, Intersect,
Rotate, and Extrude – that were more intuitive, more reflective of the way
objects are created and shaped in the real world. Moreover, since AME
models are informationally complete, AME Release 1 made it possible to
obtain mass property data, such as volume, centroid, and moments of
inertia.
With AME Release 2, AutoCAD customers will find that Autodesk's modeling
solution has become even more flexible and robust, while remaining highly
accessible.
Among the product's new features:
A Region Modeler that gives AutoCAD customers working primarily in 2D
access to the same powerful functionality available for 3D in AME Release
1. Not only does this feature simplify model construction and editing, but
because the 2D models thus created are informationally complete, they can
be analyzed and used in downstream applications.
Double-precision accuracy for improved data integrity for downstream
applications.
Construction Plane, a new utility, that allows users to create a primitive
aligned to an existing solid without changing the User Coordinate System
(UCS). Makes 3D modeling simpler, more intuitive.
Performance enhancements in Boolean operations.
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In addition, several AME Release 2 enhancements and features are of
specific interest to the production drafter:
SOLSECT has been enhanced to convert sections into regions, which can then
be used for mass property analysis.
SOLPROF has been enhanced to include multiple models during a Hide
operation and project 3D curves into 2D wherever applicable.
A new command, SOLCUT, divides a solid into two parts. It can be employed
in creating cutaway drawings, and is useful in manufacturing applications
in which parts are formed by combining two half-molds.
Another new command, SOLINTERF, checks for zones of interference among
solid-model components.
AME Release 2 also incorporates features to expedite customization and spur
third-party applications.
AutoLISP and C-language developers will find that it is now possible to
invoke most AME Release 2 functions directly from within their
applications.
To facilitate developer self-learning, Autodesk has integrated 11 sample
programs, including source code and executables, into this new release.
In the United States, upgrades from AME Release 1 to AME Release 2 are
available for US$150, suggested retail. For new AME Release 2 customers,
the suggested retail price remains unchanged at US$495. Canadian and other
international prices for Autodesk products and upgrades may vary. For more
information, customers in the United States may call toll free at
1-800-445-5415 for the location of the nearest Authorized Autodesk Dealer.
Note: This press release will also be available in the file AME20.RLS in
Library 9, What's New!.
Ok, here is the $1000.00 question, I just got the AME 1 extensions on
2/11/92 for 2 packages that I have. Do I have to shell out another $150.00
or is there a "grace period" where I will get the AME 2 upgrade for free?
Geez just when you think you have the latest….Thanks.