SAN JOSE – Adobe Systems Inc. introduced a free download for Adobe Acrobat 3D software that delivers updated 3D CAD translators. With this update, Acrobat 3D now supports many of the latest versions of major CAD file formats, enabling users to convert 3D models from those formats to more secure and widely adopted PDF - regardless of whether they have CAD software. The updated translators use technology Adobe gained as part of its April 2006 acquisition of privately held Trade & Technologies France (TTF), a company whose technology is used by many leading CAD, CAM and CAE developers.
"Acrobat 3D and PDF continue to gain significant momentum in the manufacturing and architecture, engineering and construction industries, as well as praise from customers and influencers who see the technology as a means for addressing long-standing communication and collaboration issues by leveraging a ubiquitous, trusted file format," said Tom Hale, senior vice president, Knowledge Worker Business Unit at Adobe.
Among the updated file formats supported are those for Dassault Systemes CATIA, PTC Pro/ENGINEER, SolidWorks, and UGS NX and I-deas. After converting 3D models from those formats to PDF, extended project teams can leverage Acrobat 3D to more quickly, securely and cost-effectively drive to completion critical communication processes that require 3D visualization and collaboration
Acrobat 3D V8, a major upgrade announced in Sept. 2006, will include the CAD translators provided as part of this update. The upcoming version is said to deliver enhanced capabilities for producing highly compressed PDF documents with precise geometry from large, complex CAD assemblies.
SANTA CLARA, CA – Agilent Technologies Inc. has released Process Control Software to help customers reduce costs and improve production quality. This defect-prevention software package is said to offer manufacturers statistical process control and charting package capabilities designed for operators, technicians and engineers.
With real-time production monitoring tools, the software can be used by the Agilent Medalist SJ50 automated optical inspection (AOI) system and the Medalist SP50 solder paste inspection system for paste, pre- and post-reflow trends and defect analysis.
The software can reportedly monitor component and paste measurements taken by the Agilent AOI systems and supply users at all levels of the manufacturing process with relative data to help them make more informed decisions, improving the production process. Some of the highlights include user-defined charting and alarming, historical and live-data analysis, production summary reports, and worst-feature analysis. Historical and live images are embedded into the charts to provide operators and engineers more visibility into what is really happening on the manufacturing line.
RICHMOND, VA – Albemarle Corp. has developed and is commercializing SAYTEX 102HP flame retardant, a high-assay form of decabromodiphenyl ether (DecaBDE). Patent applications covering both the high-assay product and the processes for its manufacture are currently pending.
This new product is designed to help users meet the strictest interpretation of the European Union (EU) Restriction on the RoHS Directive and related EU Commission Decisions regarding the use of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE)s.
SANTA CLARA, CA – Agilent Technologies has introduces four new Genesys EDA software configurations priced under $10,000. The packages support linear, nonlinear, and electromagnetic RF system simulation and RF synthesis. The new suites begin at $3,995, and configurations include: • Genesys Core, which provides the schematic environment as well as layout, linear simulation, optimization, Monte Carlo analysis and data post-processing; • Genesys Designer Pro, which adds eight passive and active circuit-synthesis modules for RF circuit design; • Genesys Nonlinear Pro, which adds harmonic balance and planar EM simulation to Genesys Core to enable true nonlinear transceiver design; and • Genesys Comms Pro, which adds the Spectrasys and WhatIF RF architecture tools to Genesys Core to allow high-performance RF system design. A fifth new suite, Genesys Integrated, combines all the Genesys environment and simulation modules into one software platform.
All the new configurations include 12 months of software maintenance, including technical support and such software upgrades as the next Genesys release, planned for March 2007.
"Customers have told us they want smaller, more application-focused bundles that are easy to use but powerful enough for RF engineers to accomplish their design goals," said Daren McClearnon, product marketing manager with Agilent's EEsof EDA division. "These new Genesys configurations are affordable because they are tailored to fit specific RF design applications, such as microwave amplifier design or RF system design.”
WATERBURY, CT – MacDermid Electronics Solutions has released MicroCat, a fully additive circuit formation process. MicroCat is the result of high-resolution catalytic imaging and high productivity additive metallization.
The two step MicroCat process results in solid copper circuit traces at a fraction of the cost of etched aluminum foil, etched copper foil, or silver PTF pastes and has demonstrated proven capability in RFID, smart card, membrane switch and various other additive circuit applications.
With its wide operating window, MicroCat can be used in either manual or automated process equipment and on various flexible and rigid substrates. All printing technologies are suited for MicroCat processing.
CHANHASSEN, MN – The Bergquist Co. has released Gap Pad 2000SF, a silicone-free insulating material. This fiberglass-reinforced gap filling material combines electrical isolation with thermal performance of 2 W/mK. The material is reported to stay exceptionally soft and more compliant than other silicone-free materials.
Gap 2000SF has a natural inherent tack on both sides, eliminating the need for additional adhesive layers that typically inhibit thermal performance by increasing interfacial resistance.
It is offered in thicknesses of 10 to 125 mils and is available in sheet form or as die-cut parts of any shape or size. Custom thicknesses are also available upon request.