SolidWorks add-in transforms
3D CAD models into RFQs

SOLIDWORKS WORLD 2006, LAS VEGAS – MFG.com, a marketplace for sourcing and selling manufacturing services, has introduced a new feature that lets SolidWorks 3D CAD users create and issue requests for quotes (RFQ) directly from the SolidWorks interface.

With a single click, MFG.com president and CEO Mitch Free demonstrated how designers can use the SolidWorks add-in to transform a 3D CAD model into a detailed RFQ and automatically distribute it to selected suppliers on MFG.com. The RFQ is intelligently matched to over 45,000 suppliers in over 200 manufacturing categories to find the right supplier with the expertise, credentials and capacity for the job.

Designers can then select a qualified supplier to perform the specified work. The SolidWorks add-in also enables users to review all of the RFQs, status and statistics about quotes received. The add-in converts SolidWorks models into eDrawings, meaning that recipients need only the free, downloadable eDrawings viewer to see the designs.

MFG.com has also announced a suite of online tools designed to streamline the sourcing process, automate collaboration and efficiently manage the supply chain. Buyers linked together online can securely distribute RFQs, collaborate internally with other buyers, collaborate externally with suppliers, manage supplier data, and perform advanced sourcing analysis at an individual, group or product level.

The new service is hosted and managed by MFG.com, with no software or hardware for the customer to buy or maintain.

Profitable surfing!
Mike Edwards, Editor,
DPN Magazine medwards@clbmedia.ca
Past e-LETTERs: go to dpncanada.com, then click Archives

USEFUL SITES

Enclosure hardware. J.W. Winco (jwwinco.com) has launched a site offering free 3D CAD models  in 19 different formats for over 18,000 parts.

Metals and materials. Downloadable mini-catalogs in PDF format for metals, alloys, ceramics, polymers and composites are available from Goodfellow Corp. (goodfellow.com).

JT data format. Cyon Research Corp. has posted a white paper that evaluates the sharing of design data throughout a product's lifecycle using the JT data format (cadwire.net/whitepapers).

Fluid power. Lexair, Inc. has announced its redesigned site with fluid power products, valves and machine tool accessories (lexairinc.com).
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                    DPN EXCLUSIVES

Conveyor simplifies cleaning. The 7400 series mainline sanitary plastic-chain conveyor platform from Dorner Manufacturing features a new sprocket alignment key design to simplify cleaning.

Miniaturized transformers. TransERA encapsulated power transformers provide resistance to heat, humidity/moisture and shock/vibration. The 23 x 22 mm 'mini-line' series range from 0.08 to 0.5 VA applies to a variety of primary and secondary voltages.

AS-I Profibus gateway. ifm efector has introduced the AS-i Smartlink Profibus DP gateway with a housing depth of 57 mm. The gateway is ready for operation upon connection to the AS-i system and provides diagnosis and operation status via an integrated LED display.

Profibus slave I/O module. The Phoenix Contact Inline Block I/O module ILB PB 24 D18 DIO8 is said to provide the flexibility of a modular I/O system. The module adapts to applications with eight fixed inputs and eight freely assignable inputs/outputs.

        

The Canadian Fluid Power Association has established an Eastern Chapter. Daniel Fournier of Bosch Rexroth Canada will serve as its first president. The CFPA (cfpa.ca), which also has a Western Chapter, hosts its national 2006 Annual Winter Meeting March 21 at the Toronto Airport Hilton Hotel.

 Roland S. Boreham, Jr., CEO of Baldor Electric Company from 1978 to 1981 and chairman from 1981 through 2004, passed away earlier this month. Boreham began his career with Baldor in 1947, working for his father, a Baldor grinder representative in Los Angeles.

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 29-30, 2006. Mississauga, ON. Advanced Manufacturing Expo 2006, including the Assembly Canada and Canadian High Technology shows (reedexpo.ca/assembly).

March 30-April 1, 2006. Bonita Springs, FL.
AEC Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference sponsored by the Aluminum Extruders Council (aec.org).

April 3-6, 2006. Detroit. SAE 2006 World Congress (sae.org/congress) sponsored by SAE International.

September 26-28, 2006. Mississauga, ON. Canadian Manufacturing Week, including the Design Engineering and OEM show, Weld Expo and the Plant Equipment Maintenance show (reedexpo.ca/cmw).

CLICK HERE FOR MORE EVENTS
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Coming in:
      March 2006 DPN
.


• Walter Klassen FX animatronics
   creates a Doctor Octopus

• Passion for Design:
  SolidWorks World 2006

• Threaded inserts considerations
   for Stainless Steel sheets

• Designing with Linear Motors