Some of the capabilities MCAD users now take for granted, such as interference checking, CAM and parametrics seem to be cutting edge in AEC. Here are examples from the Bentley user conference:
- A sheet metal flat pattern of ductwork was created on CAD and sent to to a NC machine. "No paper." The audience applauded. This is the CAM 101 exercise given to MCAD users.
- An electrical raceway through a industrial building showed a "soft" interference. Most MCAD programs have automatic interference detection.
- Bentley Generative Components, due September, will allow parametric 3D design. The audience oohed and ahhed when they saw a building change shape as a few parameters were adjusted. Haven't these people seen Pro/E? SolidWorks? Bentley is so protective of this "new" technology, it won't even let you have it unless you have taken a 2 day course.
reminds me of how Steve Jobs gets his audiences to ooh and ahh. All he does is first give an impossible measurement (such as stating categorically that leather cases for iPods cost as much as $500), and then gets the audience into Amazement Mode by showing them Apple's with a cost of "just" $99.
Posted by: ralphg | May 23, 2006 at 04:41 PM