Autodesk Labs - Project Chronicle

If you have a need to capture interface workflows from within Autodesk products for the purposes of training or as webinars for your clients, Project Chronicle is now available on the Autodesk Labs website.

It combines video and audio capture with a timeline which displays the specific command clicks, dialogue box, file, and product used at each point in time, in sync with the video's playback.

There is a site dedicated to publicly available user created Chronicles here which already has around 600 uploads already, but users can also upload private Chronicles to keep their information and know-how to themselves and their organisation.

Project Chronicles will be available as a free download until 1st February 2014.

LABS - DesignScript for AutoCAD 2013

DesignScript is a unique language. It is intended to help designers build and analyse complex geometric models that would be difficult to model with interactive techniques. This type of exploratory design is best served by a scripting language that is designed for exploratory programming. Additionally DesignScript is intended to be used by designers with little previous programming experience. It is much less rigid than conventional programming languages, and it is completely integrated into the host geometry application (currently 64-bit AutoCAD).

DesignScript introduces the distinction between a generative description of a design (as a script) and the resulting generated model. The designer no longer directly models the resulting design: instead he develops a script whose execution generates the model. This enables a completely different kind of design model to be created. The design process is also different. An apparently minor edit to the script could have a profound effect on the generated model, and this enables the exploration of a vast array of alternatives, with much less effort than manual interactive modelling.

The free technology preview of DesignScript application includes:

• the language,
• an IDE (interactive development environment) for editing, debugging and executing scripts,
• a geometry library to generate geometry, initially within AutoCAD,
• analysis and simulation tools.

Availability:

The technology preview will operate until March 31, 2013.

You can find the download on Autodesk Labs at:

http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/designscript

Project Hydra for Autodesk Simulation Multiphysics/Mechanical 2013

Project Hydra is a free technology preview that is compatible with Autodesk Simulation Multiphysics 2013 and Autodesk Simulation Mechanical 2013 software.

The features of the Project Hydra technology preview include:

• Improvements to the Parametric Design Studies (PDS) feature
  Some improvements to the previously released (in Technology Preview Project Scout) PDS include the ability to export results as a CSV file and the support for CAD additions such as bolts/joints as well as remote loads and boundary conditions.
  
• Import temperatures from Autodesk CFD
  Temperatures from Autodesk CFD can be imported to linear, thermal, and MES analyses. Both steady-state and transient Autodesk CFD results can be imported as appropriate. To use this feature go to the respective Thermal tab in the Setup->Parameters dialog and choose "Simulation CFD file" as the "Source of Temperature."
  
• New fast Subspace with AMG solution of dynamics analyses
  For larger dynamics (modal, natural frequency) analyses with relatively small numbers of needed frequencies, a faster solution option is available: Subspace-AMG. The dynamics analysis solver will automatically switch between this new solver and the pre-existing one depending on the size of the model and the number of frequencies requested.
  
• Inquire results by part
  A new capability that allows the user to inquire the displayed result of any analysis on a per part basis has been added.
  
• Improvements to the Drop Test Wizard (DTW) feature
  The DTW from Project Scout has also been improved in Project Hydra.
  
• Rerelease of the GPU-enabled AMG Solver (AMG-MF)
  The Project Scout AMG Solver (AMG-MF) is being rereleased in this Tech Preview. This solver is faster than the original AMG solver for a class of well-conditioned and bulky models. Additionally, this solver can utilize a supported NVIDIA video card if requested.

Availability:

The technology preview will operate until April 1, 2013.

You can find the download on Autodesk Labs a:

http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/hydra

123D Catch for iPhone Released

Autodesk launched the new free Autodesk 123D Catch app for iPhone on the App Store. Complementing the iPad, desktop and web app versions, the app lets users take photos from their camera on iPhone and upload them to the cloud where the photos are converted into a 3D model.

The Autodesk 123D Catch app for iPhone and iPad allows users to capture the world around them in 3D anytime, anywhere. The app features a capture window that includes familiar iOS camera controls to help manage focus and exposure while taking the photos. Users can then review the photo thumbnails before submitting them to the Cloud where the photos are transformed into a 3D model. The Autodesk 123D apps tap into Autodesk’s rich 3D design software heritage for professionals yet are easy enough for everyone to experiment and enjoy the creative process and make their designs real.

The connected workflow between the Autodesk 123D family allows captures made in the 123D Catch app to later be fabricated as a 3D printed object, or to be used as the foundation for further 3D modeling and 3D animation. To enhance the workflow, Autodesk has implemented new editing tools in the Autodesk 123D Catch web app that make it simpler to prepare catches for 3D printing. The new editing capabilities helps users to seal up holes within 3D models, smooth out surfaces, delete portions of the model they don’t want to print and create a flat surface as a stable base for 3D printing. Currently users can also access the My Corner feature to access files across 123D apps, including 123D, 123D Catch, 123D Make, and 123D Sculpt.

The Autodesk 123D Catch app is exclusively available for iPhone and iPad through the App Store at www.itunes.com/appstore. The Autodesk 123D Catch web app can be found at http://www.123Dapp.com/catch.

LABS - Project Scandium for Autodesk Simulation Moldflow 2013

Project Scandium for Autodesk Simulation Moldflow 2013 software is a free technology preview that extends simulation capabilities by offering new capabilities to try out and provide feedback.

LABS - Simplify your Inventor models for BIM

Inventor Simplification is a free technology preview of a new and easy way to simplify parts and assemblies for downstream consumption. The shrinkwrap feature was added to Autodesk Inventor software several releases ago. Since that time we’ve collected feedback on various ways to improve the workflow. We think we have a much better way to simplify models and wanted to share it with you as soon as possible.

Whether you need to simplify a fully detailed model to import into Revit or remove intellectual property (IP), Inventor Simplification can help. Inventor Simplification is intended to be very interactive with greater flexibility than current tools.

• Visual selection of components to keep/remove
• Replace fully detailed components with resizable primitive shapes
• Fill holes with greater control

Availabilty:

This new Inventor Simplification Technology Preview is now available as a free download and trial so please download it and let us know what you think. The technology preview will operate until July 1, 2014.

You can find the download on Autodesk Labs at:

http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/inventor_simplification

LABS - Augmented Reality for Autodesk Showcase 2013

Augmented Reality allows the ability to overlay semantically in context information (graphics, text, video, sound) on to a live video feed of the real-world in real-time.

Autodesk Showcase is already a gold standard for photorealistic high quality interactive 3D real-time rendering. With the Showcase 2013 Augmented Reality plug-in, it is now easier than ever to visualize Showcase 3D models in the real-world as viewed through your web or video camera. With the Augmented Reality plug-in, Showcase scene environments can be more dynamic, allowing you to Imagine Design and Create in context to the world around you.

Availability:

The Showcase software add-on will operate until October 31, 2012.

You can find the download on Autodesk Labs at:

http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/showcase_ar

LABS - Inventor Fusion for MAC

The free Autodesk Inventor Fusion Technology Preview showcases intuitive direct manipulation capabilities for unrivaled ease of use, provides direct modeling for rapid design changes without limitations, and unites direct and parametric workflows within a single digital model created in Autodesk Inventor.

This updated technology preview of Inventor Fusion offers two new exciting capabilities:

• Surfacing support - Users can now work seamlessly between solids and surfaces, expanding their confidence and capabilities to tackle design changes. By enhancing the existing translators to read surface data and adding new Parasolid, Rhino, IGES and AliasDesign .wire file import capabilities user have access to an even larger number of design formats.
• Simplification wizard - Simulation users now have one button simplification of designs. This makes simplifying common geometry fast and easy and ensures that mesh and solves times are as fast as possible.
• Ease of use improvements - New marking menus, sketch ease of use and modeling ease of use, make this release of Inventor Fusion the easiest to use yet. Did we mention it was easy?

Inventor Fusion Technology Preview 2013 is fully interoperable with AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor software, enabling customers to choose the modeling approach that is right for the task at hand.

Availability:

• The Microsoft Windows compatible technology preview executable expires on April 1, 2013.
• The Apple OS X compatible version of the technology preview expires on January 1, 2013.

You can find the download on Autodesk Labs at:

http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/fusion/overview/

Project Factory.Modz() for Inventor

Traditionally machine line layouts in a factory are created with pen and paper or in the form of 2D drawings. Using these means, it is extremely difficult to explain the working intent of the machine lines toclients or internal stakeholders. Using 2D workflows, it is very challenging to account for movement of material, people, and material handling devices and show them interacting with each other inside the facility. The inability to clearly articulate the working intent often results in losing bids to competition and the inability to sell ideas to stakeholders.

LABS - Project Simulus Technology Preview

Project Simulus is a free Technology Preview that showcases a number of innovative approaches to mechanical simulation. This Technology Preview offers powerful geometry modification capabilities through embedding Autodesk Fusion along with a very intuitive simplification environment to prepare various CAD models for different simulation studies. In addition, it provides you with easy and quick ways to set up and run many simulation studies, exploiting the power of Cloud computing that leaves your desktop free of much of the computational burdens.

LABS - Feature Recognition for Inventor 2013

Use this application to convert neutral 3D CAD (STEP, SAT, or IGES solids) models into fully featured Autodesk Inventor models.

Feature mapping can be executed automatically or interactively as needed to maintain design intent.

You can find the download on Autodesk Labs at:

http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/feature_recognition/

LABS - Material Profiler for Inventor

This plugin is a design tool that allows users to visualise information concerning the various materials used inside an assembly. The materials from top level assembly to all of its sub-assemblies and their components are listed by the plug-in interface.

Visit the Material Profiler for Inventor website to find out more, or download to try for yourself.

LABS - Inventor Simplification

Inventor Simplification is a free technology preview of a new and easy way to simplify parts and assemblies for downstream consumption. The Shrinkwrap feature was added to Autodesk Inventor software several releases ago. Since that time we’ve collected feedback on various ways to improve the workflow. We think we have a much better way to simplify models and wanted to share it with you as soon as possible.

Whether you need to simplify a fully detailed model to import into Revit or remove intellectual property (IP), Inventor Simplification can help. Inventor Simplification is intended to be very interactive with greater flexibility than current tools.

• Visual selection of components to keep/remove
• Replace fully detailed components with resizable primitive shapes
• Fill holes with greater control

Visit the Inventor Simplification website to find out more, or download to try for yourself.

Availability:

 

This new Inventor Simplification Technology Preview is now available as a free download and trial so please download it and let us know what you think. The technology preview will operate until July 1, 2014.

LABS - AutoCAD Isometrics WS

The AutoCAD Isometrics WS free technology preview is an Autodesk Cloud service for creating, storing, viewing, and sharing isometric drawings. You can design and collaborate on isometrics across multiple platforms - desktop, web, and mobile devices - with full DWG reliability and compatibility. Simply upload PCF files from AutoCAD Plant 3D, Autodesk Inventor, or 3rd party applications, and then generate isometric drawings without running any desktop software for isometric generation. You can then easily share and view the isometrics with your colleagues through the AutoCAD WS web and mobile applications.

Autodesk 123D Catch Released

Turn ordinary photos into extraordinary 3D models with Autodesk 123D Catch. Take photos of your favorite people, places and things and let the power of the cloud magically transform them into detailed 3D models.

123D Catch is free beta software. Try it out and share your projects with us in our gallery.

How it works:

• Snap - Take multiple digital photos of stationary people, places or things with any standard digital point-and-shoot camera.
• Submit - Powerful photo stitching technology operates in the cloud, generating high-quality 3D models. Add or remove photos to adjust the results.
• Share - Save your project as a movie and share it via email or post it to YouTube. Export the model to .obj or .dwg to use it in other 3D tools.

Visit the 123D Catch website to find out more, or download to try for yourself.

LABS - LaunchPad Technology Preview

The LaunchPad Technology Preview accelerates design efforts by providing a single portal into Product Design Suite applications, project data, and workflows. The LaunchPad’s one-click workflows prepare your design data in the Suite environment that is most appropriate to your task so you can quickly start designing, engineering, simulating, and visualizing your design. The LaunchPad is intended for users who already have Product Design Suite installed.

LABS - PointLinker for Inventor

Inventor can import point data from an Excel file, but once the data has been imported, the link with the Excel file is not retained. If the user then updates the point data in the Excel file, the data must be manually re-imported and the associated model re-constructed. This is a time consuming and isnefficient exercise. The Point Linker for Inventor tool allows Inventor users to import points from an Excel file, and retain a link to that file. Users can import data (as with the existing command), update with new data, or resolve to another Excel file.

This tool is available for Inventor 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

You can try the PointLinker for yourself at:

http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/ADN_plugins/catalog/

LABS - Inventor ThreadModeler

The ThreadModeler tool allows Inventor users to more easily create realistic modelised threads based on an existing Inventor thread feature. Users select an existing thread feature in the model and ThreadModeler generates a realistic thread based on the feature properties.

This tool is available for Inventor 2011 and 2012.

You can try the ThreadModeler for yourself at:

http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/ADN_plugins/catalog/

LABS - Factory Layout Optimisation for AutoCAD

A Factory consists of a number of machines and other production equipment. The raw material flows through these machines where certain operations are performed to convert the raw material into the finished product. The location of these machines is very critical in determining the overall efficiency of the Factory, if they are not located in an optimal way, the Factory could be operating way below its target.

Many times decisions regarding the location of machines and other production equipment inside the Factory are done simply as best guesses, resulting in an inefficient layout. In some cases, layout studies are carried out either by hand or using spreadsheet tools, which are disconnected from the layout drawing making it extremely difficult to analyse the impact of multiple what-if layout scenarios on the layout.

LABS - Inventor Fusion Technology Preview 4 Released

Autodesk Inventor Fusion Technology Preview 4 has been released!
The Autodesk Inventor Fusion Technology Preview showcases intuitive direct manipulation capabilities for unrivalled ease of use, provides direct modelling for rapid design changes without limitations, and unites direct and parametric work flows within a single digital model created in Autodesk Inventor. This updated Technology Preview of Inventor Fusion offers some exciting new capabilities:

• Surfacing support: Users can now work seamlessly between solids and surfaces, expanding their confidence and capabilities to tackle design changes. By enhancing the existing translators to read surface data and adding new Parasolid, Rhino, IGES and AliasDesign .wire file import capabilities user have access to an even larger number of design formats.
• Simplification wizard: Simulation users now have one button simplification of designs. This makes simplifying common geometry fast and easy and ensures that mesh and solves times are as fast as possible.
• Ease of use improvements: New marking menus, sketch ease of use and modelling ease of use, make this release of Inventor Fusion the easiest to use yet.

The Inventor Fusion Technology Preview is fully interoperable with AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor software, enabling customers to choose the modelling approach that is right for the task at hand.

You can try the Inventor Fusion Technology Preview 4 for yourself at:
http://labs.autodesk.com/technologies/fusion/