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Kubotek USA Announces KeyCreator Direct CAD with XMD-S Automated Mold Design Software

November 12, 2011 in CAD, Kubotek


KeyCreator Expert Mold Designer Bundle is a fully integrated package that Simplifies Mold Design – Introductory Pricing Available

Marlborough, Mass.— Kubotek USA and Cornerstone Intelligent Software announce the immediate availability of Expert Mold Design – S (XMD-S) with introductory pricing.

XMD-S is built from the original Expert Mold Designer product used by hundreds of mold makers throughout the US and Canada. Built to handle a solid geometry environment, XMD-S is fully integrated into the KeyCreator Direct CAD environment. XMD-S automates many of the tedious tasks involved in mold design. It provides smart components, automatic job management, automatic hole design, as well as many other smart mold design tools.

Ed Michener, Engineering Manager at Fineline Mold & Design states, “I cannot say enough what a time saver it is to develop and design in 3D using XMD and KeyCreator. We can now change with our customer’s demands and improve the design as it develops to completion. The ability to work directly on the solid model opens up a whole new world.”

The new solids-based XMD-S package runs within KeyCreator 2011 and is available as part of the KeyCreator Expert Mold Designer Bundle.  Through a recently signed agreement between Kubotek USA and Cornerstone Intelligent Software, KeyCreator Expert Mold Designer Bundle is now available throughout the Americas, and will soon be available worldwide.

In celebration of the new package and agreement – Kubotek and Cornerstone are offering very generous discounts though December 30, 2011.

More information on XMD-S Mold Design Software for KeyCreator Direct CAD is available online.

About Kubotek USA

Kubotek USA—Masters of Geometry – leads the direct modeling revolution by providing CAD technology to easily create, edit or manage changes to model data.  Kubotek USA develops core technologies that can recognize, or even infer, the geometry’s attributes to facilitate interoperability in what might otherwise be unusable data.  Kubotek USA produces software products and tools that can work with geometry, no matter where it originated, for use throughout the manufacturing supply chain in order to speed time to market, reduce costs and improve quality.  Kubotek USA products include:  KeyCreator 3D Direct CAD, Kubotek Validation Tool and Kubotek ECO Manager for precise model comparison/validation and visual change reports to easily manage design changes, KeyMachinist, and Kubotek Spectrum CAD viewer.

Kubotek USA is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kubotek Corporation (7709.T Tokyo Stock Exchange).  Kubotek Corporation was founded in 1979 and is headquartered in Osaka, Japan.

For more information please visit www.kubotekusa.com.

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Manufacturing is changing in the United States

December 6, 2009 in CAD, Kubotek

We all know that recessions can be devastating to companies and more so to the people, but there are some good things that come out of it as well.

  • Businesses become more creative and efficient
  • People become more creative and efficient
  • New opportunities appear
  • Survival mode kicks in and we make it past the tough times

Manufacturing in the United States has seen plenty of devastating events during this recession, but I see some hope.  There are new companies sprouting up in the manufacturing world that are taking advantage of our strengths.  Much like the wave of micro brewers, we are seeing micro manufacturing companies.  Check out this company (www.local-motors.com), they have the right idea.  Of course, I think they should use our KeyCreator 3D Direct CAD software and other engineering tools, but that’s not my point.

I see a great future for manufacturing in this country, but we need to work real hard to get there.  Let’s fight our way outside the normal business habits of today and inspire new and better ways of doing things.  Here’s a hint, think about humanity and not about profits, and a better world will follow.

Don’t forget to come visit us at www.kubotekusa.com and we’ll show you some engineering software that will blow you away!

Source: CAD Freedom and Precision – Views and News from KubotekUSA – Manufacturing is changing in the United States
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Direct Versus History Based Modeling

November 7, 2009 in CAD, Kubotek

 This is an article written by John Groener of Edge Data.  He is a reseller of both AutoDesk and Kubotek CAD software.  I hope you enjoy his perspective and find it informative and educational.  His contact information follows.

Direct
Versus History-Based Modeling

In 1985 History-Based Modeling was implemented in Pro/Engineer® and quickly
imitated by several “Me-Too” CAD products such as CATIA®, SDRC IDEAS®, and
UniGraphics®. Then came the “Mini-Me-Toos” such as SolidEdge®, SolidWorks®,
IronCAD®, and Inventor®.

History-Based modelers require the CAD user to define parameters and
constraints when designing a part. The parameters provide relationships to
other features in the 3D part, and constraints allow that part to be
constructed unambigously.These parameters, features, and constraints are stored
in the order they were built in the history tree and must be accessed through
that tree to be changed.

History-Based Modelers have shortcomings.
 •    Engineering changes can be a difficult, painful
process. A new user has to decipher and untangle the history tree so that he
can make changes.
 •    Each CAD software package has its own proprietary
file format so parts are not easily interchangeable.
 •    Assemblies can be time consuming to set up and
manipulate.
•    There is no stand-alone 2D drawing capability.
•    Surface models are not easily interchanged with solids.

KeyCreator uses Direct Modeling to create and edit 3D Models. NO
user-defined history tree is needed. Why? Because KeyCreator creates the
feature tree and KeyCreator allows direct dimension driven editing.  In
other words parametric, feature-based editing of all geometry.

KeyCreator has Comprehensive 2D drafting. KeyCreator produces complete
2D drawing sheets associated to the 3D model. KeyCreator uses levels (aka
layers) to manage 2D information, so 2D drafting can be standaone if desired.

KeyCreator Reads Native CAD Files from other CAD software like Pro/E,
Solidworks, Unigraphics, CATIA, Parasolids, ACIS, STEP, IGES. No fixing, no
healing, just read it in, edit, and GO!   Wait … how about the
parametrics? That’s KeyCreator’s job. No need to use the import as reference
geometry and re-parameterize it. Just go to work.

KeyCreator incorporates surface modeling. With KeyCreator you can create
a free-form surface model and then convert it to a solid model to facilitate
operations like shelling and fillets. Excellent healing tools insure that the
part is completely contiguous and accurate. KeyCreator is therefore a TRUE
Hybrid Modeler (a hybrid of solid and surface models).

KeyCreator’s assembly modeling features can manage all data in a single
file. It does this by using level management – that same invaluable 2D tool
which is noticeably absent in the other Solid Modelers. For very large
assemblies, KeyCreator can export parts in the assembly to multiple part files
and then reference those parts as entities.

KeyCreator is a complete Mechanical CAD solution with a unique ability to read
any CAD data format and then easily manipulate geometry, making it an
invaluable resource for any engineering design and manufacturing application.

KeyCreator and Edge Data

Did you know that …
… KeyCreator®, formerly known as CADKey®,  was introduced in 1984 as a CAD
Package with 3D Digitizing capabilities.

… Kubotek Corporation purchased CADKey in 2003, renamed the software
KeyCreator, invested heavily in R&D, added advanced 3D, CAM, and universal
CAD translation.

… Edge Data, one of the first AutoCAD dealers in the country, has been
providing New England with CAD products and training since 1983
…Today Edge Data is an Authorized Kubotek Service Center, and provides CAD
training for KeyCreator and other software.

John Groener
Edge Data Corp.
authorized kubotek service center

www.edgedata.com

978-537-9800
john@edgedata.com

Source: CAD Freedom and Precision – Views and News from KubotekUSA – Direct Versus History Based Modeling
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What about a Hand Shake

October 27, 2009 in CAD, Kubotek

It is interesting to see how positive Social Media networking and marketing has impacted Kubotek.  I am a true believer that our voice is being heard more than ever.  From Deelip and Kenneth Wong to a customer contacting Cadalyst Magazine to write a review of our upcoming release as a result of a discussion on our user forum.  This is the center of a grass roots movement by Kubotek and we are having fun doing it.   

I received an interesting newsletter yesterday titled Nowhere To Run, Nowhere to Hide and it stated that your ability to separate the business you from the personal you is going away.  This made me think.  Are we going so far that a good old fashion face to face meeting is becoming a thing of the past?  I remember my father teaching me how to shake a person’s hand and look into their eyes with firm a grip.  He said you can learn a lot about a person with your first hand shake.  Trust your gut! 

We are all busy and it is often much easier to plug into twitter, Facebook or Linkedin to get instantly connected, travel is expensive and goto meetings have changed the way we show our software, but when things really count, I still like to look someone in the eyes and trust my gut. 

I like my personal life personal and my business life to be business.  Through my work I have met a great deal of people and many have flowed into my personal life(read the newsletter above and you will know what I mean).  I believe to be successful isn’t so much about tweeting that you are off to the dentist or to login to Facebook and read your salesperson’s wife has a friend who visited their in-laws in Italy, but to provide solutions, develop trust and serve your customers. 

In ending, let’s get together for a beer and talk things over! 

Jason

 

Source: CAD Freedom and Precision – Views and News from KubotekUSA – What about a Hand Shake
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How Important is Speed in CAD Software?

October 27, 2009 in CAD, Kubotek

For version 9 of Kubotek’s KeyCreator 3D Direct CAD modeler we just increased the speed over version 8.5 for many functions by doing some serious under the hood changes.  In terms of computing, I think its safe to say that faster is pretty much always better than slower. 

And in general, I believe its also true that 3D Direct Modelers, like KeyCreator have an inherent edge over history based modelers in terms of speed.   Since we don’t store all of the steps required to build the model in history, we don’t have to go back through and update each of those steps when changes are made to our models.  They are just updated directly. You will never see  “rebuilding” on your screen while you wait for your model to update.

Additionally the KeyCreator program itself is much smaller than large and complex history-based, constraint-based modelers.  For KeyCreator, the intelligence is kept in the file, not by the program.  So, we are not the memory hogs that our history-based friends can be. KeyCreator is delivered with one DVD with everything on it.  (KeyCreator alone could be on a CD.)  Other CAD programs are delivered on multiple DVDs. Just the documentation alone for one CAD program is four DVD’s and another 2006 version of a popular history-based CAD package is delivered on 4 DVDs. The point is, that by taking up less space in memory, it is freed for computations required for modeling.

But how important is speed to CAD users?  Most people don’t want to sit and wait for their computer to crunch through data. Many studies show that we are less and less tolerant of this.  But other than the frustration of the wait time I would like to understand the average amount of time people actually lose as a result of sitting and waiting for the CAD programs to either start up, rebuild or complete their operations.

To answer this question I have developed a simple one question survey on Linked-In. And if you are a CAD user, I encourage you to take this poll and view the results. 

Click here to View or Take the poll: Time lost due to waiting for your CAD program 

Thank you for participating. 

Scott

Source: CAD Freedom and Precision – Views and News from KubotekUSA – How Important is Speed in CAD Software?
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Direct Modeling in Today's Manufacturing World

October 8, 2009 in CAD, Kubotek

I’ve been hearing a lot of discussions out on the blogs about how the manufacturing world thinks the vendors (like Kubotek) need to provide better tools to help them compete on a global market. I wonder how serious the manufacturers really are about adopting change to make their businesses stronger and more competitive on a global scale.

The Direct Editing and Direct Modeling tools that are available today are a tremendous help to any manufacturing company. Time to market is important, right? Altering the design to improve the product is important, right? Being able to use any geometry of any model is important, right?

Manufacturers are probably the most ingenious and effective businesses in the world. So how can we help them understand that there are tools out there today that can make them better.

Source: CAD Freedom and Precision – Views and News from KubotekUSA – Direct Modeling in Today’s Manufacturing World
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A blast from the (Aerospace) past…

October 2, 2009 in CAD, Kubotek

B-17 Flying FortressTwo exciting things happened this week (exciting to those of us who have a love for old aircraft). A B-17 flew directly over my house on Tuesday night! I stood in my front yard and marveled at the sight and listened to that wonderful roar of the engines…it couldn’t get any better. But it did. On Wednesday afternoon, a B-24 flew over our office building. We’re located on the top floor of a building situated on top of a hill. I could watch the bomber until my eyes were simply too strained to follow it. To see the planes on the ground is one thing, but to see them in the air is fantastic! The aircraft were part of a Wings of Freedom tour that flies the historic planes into local airfields. In addition to the B-17 and the B-24, a P-51 Mustang was also part of the tour. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see that one in flight. But trust me, I kept looking for it!

Enter a little factoid I discovered when doing some web searches on the planes (you know, because I just had to see more). Did you know the P-51 was designed and built AND airborne in 117 days. (Thanks to Wikipedia for that info.) 117 days! 117 days? Can you imagine doing that today? Think you could? Oh, and by the way, you wouldn’t be able to use CAD to create your drawings. And forget about using 3D CAD models.

So that brings me to this thought. Even though today’s aircraft are so much more complicated, why does it take so long to get these state of the art programs into production? Especially when so many sophisticated tools exist and are available to the engineers of today. Could it be the tools are actually complicating the process? Do the aerospace OEMs need simpler and more flexible tools?

What do you think?

Source: CAD Freedom and Precision – Views and News from KubotekUSA – A blast from the (Aerospace) past…
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Commentary on 8 reasons Engineers should spend their free time in the Machine Shop

September 29, 2009 in CAD, Kubotek

8 Reasons Engineers Should Spend Their Free Time In The Machine Shop

I found this recent post by T. Brian Jones very interesting. We meet with hundreds of engineers every year, maybe more. We hear the “old-timers” lament about the lack of practical skill that many “CAD programmers” have in designing products that are manufacturable.

I think this is closely related to the need for Engineering and Manufacturing to spend more time understanding each other.   It is also closely related to the ability of OEMs and suppliers to collaborate effectively.

I found the 3rd reason very applicable:

3. You can draw a lot of things in Pro/E and SolidWorks that you can’t make in the real world.

Kubotek software – KeyCreator CAD, our Validation Tool our Spectrum Viewers are designed for ease of creation/editing, comparing, validating and viewing of 3D/2D models, drawings and PMI.  Our KeyCreator CAD direct modeling software allows you to work using solid, surface, and wirefame, as your workflow dictates. This allows engineering, manufacturing and quality the flexibility and precision necessary to make decisions and collaborate to make manufacturable and cost effective designs and products.

Do you have stories about receiving manufacturable designs from manufacturing, we’d love to hear them.

Nice list T. Brian Jones!

Thank you for you insights.

Scott

 

Source: CAD Freedom and Precision – Views and News from KubotekUSA – Commentary on 8 reasons Engineers should spend their free time in the Machine Shop
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For tracking purposes

September 28, 2009 in CAD, Kubotek

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Source: CAD Freedom and Precision – Views and News from KubotekUSA – For tracking purposes
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Direct Modeling, Explicit Modeling, Kubotek KeyCreator CAD

September 19, 2009 in CAD, Kubotek

I want to say that whatever you want to call it, and I certainly don’t want to call it Explicit modeling (whoever coined that term – didn’t want to get any emails through spam filters!). Let’s call it Direct Modeling, we are certainly receiving some great accolades from the press as of late.  I’d like to share one of those articles with you.

WorldCAD Access – Kubotek V9

If you have you’d like to try direct modeling for yourself – you can easily download a free 30 day trial of our KeyCreator CAD from our website or just click on KeyCreator .

Thanks again for reading.  If you want to keep tabs on us, you can easily subscribe by email by just entering your email address to the right of the webpage.

Scott

Source: CAD Freedom and Precision – Views and News from KubotekUSA – Direct Modeling, Explicit Modeling, Kubotek KeyCreator CAD
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