World of CAD IX — Dassault Systèmes, MultiCam CNC Routers, SolidWorks World Speakers, and More

Updated Oct 4, 2023
CAD News Monthly

Welcome to World of CAD, Scan2CAD’s monthly roundup of CAD-related news. This month, we’ll be covering Dassault Systèmes‘ takeover of Next Limit Dynamics, a move with big implications for their 3DEXPERIENCE platform. We’ll also be taking a look at the new APEX3R line of CNC routers from MultiCam, as well as discussing the upcoming SolidWorks World conference.

Finally, we’ll look at the creative side of CNC. We’re focusing on aeroMorph, a new CNC-machined way of creating complex inflatables, and a cool new project to create a CNC skull ring. Read on to learn more!


Dassault Systèmes purchases Next Limit Dynamics; enhances 3DEXPERIENCE

Our first story this month comes from 3D CAD giants Dassault Systèmes, who announced their takeover of Spanish software company Next Limit Dynamics. The Madrid-based firm produces fluid-flow simulation software for numerous industries, including aerospace, defence, energy and transportation. The company have been developing their flagship software—XFlow, a computational fluid dynamics program—for almost a decade, enabling it to encompass a number of industrial applications.

XFlow

A screenshot of Next Limit Dynamics’ flagship CFD software, XFlow

The acquisition will enable Dassault Systèmes to incorporate XFlow’s CFD capabilities into their 3DEXPERIENCE platform. By integrating these capabilities into CAD software, engineers will be able to focus on design evaluation, and avoid “the highly time-consuming preparation tasks typically required by traditional CFD approaches”, according to Next Limit Dynamics’ general manager David Holman. With Next Limit’s existing customers including NASA, Toyota, and Google X, this new development is sure to have a big impact.


MultiCam introduces new line of CNC routers

Dallas-based CNC firm MultiCam rounded off the year by introducing their new line of APEX3R routers. The machine, described by MultiCam as “next generation”, began shipping worldwide in Q4 of 2016. An extremely versatile CNC router, the APEX3R is targeted towards customers in the sign, woodworking, tooling and aluminum extrusion markets.

MultiCam APEX3R CNC Router

One of the new APEX3R line of CNC routers from MultiCam

MultiCam’s unique manufacturing process allows the APEX3R to offer a number of features as standard that would normally be associated with more expensive routers. Benefits to the new machine include reduced vibration, improved routing quality, and the EZ Control operator interface, which provides for minimal interruption. Check out the APEX3R product page to learn more.


Speakers announced for SolidWorks World

One of the biggest conferences in the world of 3D CAD is just around the corner: SolidWorks World 2017. The event, which will host more than 5,000 attendees, will feature a wide range of talks and training sessions, with the chance to connect with some of the leading lights in the 3D CAD industry.

Now, with just weeks until the event kicks of in Los Angeles, CA, the featured speakers have been announced: Anousheh Ansari, the first female private space explorer who spent eight days aboard the ISS; and Jason Silva, host of National Geographic’s Brain Games and creator of Shots of Awe. The Customer Mash Ups portion will see Paul Reed Smith and Jon Wasserman from PRS Guitars joining Mark Tremonti, guitarist of Alter Bridge and Creed, to share the story of how they collaborated on the Mark Tremonti Signature Guitar.

For more information about the event, check out the SolidWorks World 2017 website.


From flat sheets into complex origami—thanks to CNC

We’ve all seen performers creating balloon animals at the fair—but this is a totally different ballpark. Tangible Media Group—part of the MIT Media Lab—have been working on aeroMorph, a new project that creates complex, origami-like structures using various types of inflatables.

Whilst most pouches would simply inflate into a spherical shape, like a balloon, aeroMorph is different. The team at Tangible Media Group devised a universal bending mechanism, in addition to a software tool that generates this mechanism for a given geometry. Once this geometry has been created, it can be applied to flat sheets of paper, plastics and fabrics. The sheets are machined using a custom heat-sealing head that can be mounted onto a standard 3-axis CNC machine, creating an inflatable pouch. To see aeroMorph in action, check out the video below:

Tangible Media Group envision the technology being used “for designing interactive wearables, toys, and packaging industry”. This innovative project is definitely one to watch!


CNC machining a skull ring

Finally, we’ve decided to feature one of the coolest CNC projects we’ve come across this month. Just a couple of weeks ago, Mirock’s Woodshop posted a video in which he created a stunning brass skull ring. Check out the video below to see him take this on-trend piece from its initial CAD design, through CNC machining, to finally adding those finishing touches that make it ready to wear.

We always love seeing the creative ways people are using CNC machines! If you’re feeling inspired, why not check out our tips on how to take your ideas from design to CNC fabrication?

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