Category Archives: CAD-CAM-CAE

Bluebeam to Unveil New AI Features for Early 2024

Launches Bluebeam Labs

PASADENA, CA, Jan 24, 2024 – Bluebeam, a leading developer of solutions and services for architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) professionals worldwide, is introducing two new AI features in the works for early 2024 and Bluebeam Labs, a collaborative, co-creation workspace in Bluebeam Cloud.

Bluebeam has invested in AI for more than a decade in its flagship product Bluebeam Revu and has a rich history of delivering innovation for AEC professionals. These newest AI innovations build on existing features like visual search, text recognition and batch processing to elevate how Bluebeam solutions increase productivity, augment creative problem-solving, and automate tedious tasks for its customers.

“For more than 20 years, Bluebeam has pioneered paperless transformation for many in the AEC industry, fundamentally changing how teams create, collaborate and communicate information,” said Frank Sarno, VP of Construction Process and Technology at Adolfson & Peterson Construction. “Today, demand for new and innovative ways of designing and building is accelerating. The industry is being asked to deliver higher quality work faster, more sustainably and at a lower cost. Through their commitment to innovation, involving their customers into the process, and solving for real world challenges, Bluebeam is helping companies like ours meet these demands.”

Bluebeam’s latest product release planned for April 2024 will include two new AI-enhanced features.

Auto Align for drawing overlays and comparisons in Revu 21: Auto Align will reduce the tedious, error-prone steps of manually aligning three points on each drawing revision, so users can understand the differences between them faster. Bluebeam customers currently use the Overlay and Compare features more than five million times a year. While powerful, the process takes several clicks and up to two minutes per drawing. With the Auto Align option and a revamped feature interface, this can be streamlined to as little as 15 seconds, helping users understand the differences up to 80 percent faster.

Automatic title block recognition when importing drawings to Bluebeam Cloud: The title block of a drawing holds valuable information that users shouldn’t have to waste time or risk mistakes entering manually. Aided by AI, Bluebeam Cloud instantly extracts the key drawing information as metadata that can be leveraged throughout the project, saving time and increasing accuracy.

Bluebeam Labs Allows Customers to Co-Create on AI Innovations

A key factor that sets Bluebeam apart from competitors is a passionate user base that has historically helped determine the company’s product roadmap. To harness that more directly, Bluebeam is introducing Bluebeam Labs. Built to involve customers in the company’s development of new solutions, this cloud-based, collaborative workspace offers the ability to demonstrate and validate ideas and technologies before they are launched and available to all customers. Bluebeam Cloud users are invited to shape the future of early concepts before they are integrated into production software.

“We believe that AI should be about pragmatic innovation that enhances the customer experience, productivity and value they get from Bluebeam,” said Usman Shuja, CEO of Bluebeam. “Through Bluebeam Labs, we invite customers into our innovation process earlier, to co-create our solutions with much more engagement and feedback. This is how we’ll continue to lead the industry for many years to come.”

The first AI-based feature showcased via Bluebeam Labs will be 3D Drawings. 3D Drawings uses AI to position up to hundreds of 2D drawings in 3D space. Like digital origami, the program intuitively understands where to make the folds for the highest quality 3D visualization and increased understanding of the project. The Bluebeam Labs waitlist to test the 3D Drawings technology is currently available for sign-up via www.bluebeam.com/Bluebeam-Labs.

To learn more about Bluebeam’s history of innovation and its latest AI developments, visit www.bluebeam.com/AI.

About Bluebeam, Inc.

Bluebeam pushes the boundaries of innovation, developing smart, simple project efficiency and collaboration solutions for design and construction professionals worldwide. Since 2002, Bluebeam has made desktop, mobile and cloud-based solutions for paperless workflows that improve project communication and streamline processes across the entire project lifecycle. Trusted by over 3 million individuals in more than 160 countries, Bluebeam’s solutions advance the way professionals work, manage and collaborate on projects digitally. Founded in Pasadena, CA, Bluebeam has grown to include seven additional offices globally. Bluebeam is part of the Nemetschek Group.

About the Nemetschek Group

The Nemetschek Group is a globally leading software provider for digital transformation in the AEC/O and media industries. Its intelligent software solutions cover the entire lifecycle of building and infrastructure projects and enable creatives to optimize their workflows. Customers can design, build, and manage buildings and infrastructures more efficiently and sustainably and develop digital content such as visualizations, films and computer games more creatively. The software provider is driving innovations such as digital twins as well as open standards (OPEN BIM), and sustainability in the AEC/O industry, constantly expanding its portfolio by also investing in deep-tech startups. Currently more than seven million users worldwide are shaping the world with the customer-focused solutions of our four divisions. Founded by Prof. Georg Nemetschek in 1963, the Nemetschek Group today employs around 3,600 experts globally.

DFRobot to Present ‘Carbon-Neutral and Sustainable City’

at Bett 2024

SHANGHAI, China, Jan 22, 2024 – DFRobot, a global leader in STEM education solutions, will showcase its IoT-enabled ‘Carbon-Neutral and Sustainable City’ Solution at Bett 2024 from January 24 to 26. This solution combines the principles of ‘Carbon-Neutral and Sustainable City’ design with IoT technology to provide a hands-on learning experience for students and teachers. By integrating programming, hardware control, data acquisition, and IoT platform skills, it enables them to effectively monitor and instruct ‘Sustainable City’ intelligent systems. This initiative aims to enhance IoT education in schools.

The ‘Sustainable City’ Solution creates a low-carbon, sustainable city with energy-efficient homes, green power factories, and climate smart greenhouses. The homes have decorative light strips that mimic sunrise and sunset, with sensors controlling shades and indoor lighting for energy savings. The factories utilize wind and solar power, storing energy in batteries and displaying solar energy production on the SCI screen. The greenhouses have sensors to monitor environmental conditions, and all data is transmitted securely to an IoT platform via the micro:bit Obloq module.

At the forefront of programming, robotics, and AI EdTech, DFRobot also displays its BOSON kits and projects that cater to learners at various levels, starting from non-coding to coding with micro:bit. One such project is the BOSON kit designed for conducting conductivity tests on salt solutions. By utilizing the conductivity sensor, students are able to observe and compare the data levels of pure water and salt solutions.

Using the Maqueen Plus and Maqueen Mechanics – AI-enabled robotics kits – visitors will have the chance to see scientists no longer need to personally transport soil, water, or specimens. By simply placing a QR code, the vehicles will automatically transport them back to the warehouse. Moreover, DFRobot will showcase innovative projects centered by Unihiker – IoT Python Single Board Computer with Touchscreen like Intelligent vehicle system and fruit classification.

Ricky Ye, CEO of DFRobot, said: “We are excited about our offerings at Bett this year, featuring innovative products and engaging displays. Our goal is to inspire young minds in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. With our dynamic and innovative products, we provide students and teachers with an exciting opportunity to explore coding, programming, and AI.”

Pop by Stand NJ72 to speak with any of the DFRobot team to know more and advise on which resources would be the best fit for your school.

For more information, visit DFRobot website.

Fictiv Expands Global Manufacturing Network

Fictiv, a global manufacturing company, announced expansion of its production manufacturing capabilities, adding sheet metaldie casting, and compression molding to its global network and AI-powered quote-to-order platform. With these new capabilities, Fictiv offers engineering and supply chain teams a path to streamline sourcing for all metal and plastic parts in a product’s bill of materials, from prototype to low-volume production, through a single global company.

Fictiv has launched three new manufacturing capabilities, including sheet metal fabrication, pictured above.

In total, Fictiv now offers seven primary manufacturing technologies—injection molding, 3D printing, CNC machining, urethane casting, compression molding, die casting, and sheet metal—as well as hundreds of material and finishing options across four global regions, providing customers with an extensive range of custom manufacturing services and production capacity. As a result, customers can simplify their sourcing strategy for all types of mechanical parts, reducing risk and overhead on global supply chain management and accelerating go-to-market timelines.

“With the rollout of these new capabilities, we are making it even easier for our customers to source the mechanical parts they need for an entire product, with the speed and quality they have come to trust and rely on from Fictiv,” said Dave Evans, CEO and co-founder of Fictiv. “As manufacturing leaders seek to expand margin, decrease BOM costs, and reduce supply chain risk in 2024, Fictiv is fully-stacked and well-positioned as a strategic custom manufacturing partner to help them realize their goals.”

“With Fictiv, we know our mechanical parts are with a safe pair of hands,” said Michelle Kim, CEO of m’Chel, an innovative haircare product company. “We choose Fictiv because of their commitment to quality over everything. They are a true partner for us, and so the prospect of being able to source and produce a wide variety of the mechanical parts we need through Fictiv is reassuring.”

About Fictiv

Fictiv is the operating system for custom manufacturing that makes it faster, easier, and more efficient to source and supply mechanical parts. Its intelligent system, supported by best-in-class operations talent, orchestrates a network of highly vetted and managed partners around the globe for fast, high-quality manufacturing, from quote to delivery. To date, Fictiv has manufactured more than 30 million parts for early-stage companies and large enterprises alike, helping them innovate with agility and get products to market faster.

To learn more, please visit Fictiv’s website.

3DCrawler Launches Comprehensive Repository

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, Jan 18, 2024 – 3DCrawler, a leading platform for 3D printing enthusiasts, is excited to announce the official launch of its website, https://3dcrawler.com. This platform aims to reshape the 3D printing landscape by offering a centralized repository for all available 3D print models on the internet, including both free and premium options.

Amidst the surging popularity of 3D printing, 3DCrawler emerges as the ultimate destination for enthusiasts, creators, and innovators. Functioning as a comprehensive index of 3D print models, the website caters to a diverse audience ranging from hobbyists to professionals.

With an extensive collection spanning various categories and themes, 3DCrawler empowers users to explore a universe of possibilities. Whether you’re a novice seeking inspiration or an experienced creator in search of specific models, 3DCrawler provides a user-friendly interface for effortless navigation through its offerings.

Key Features

  • Diverse Repository: Access a wide range of 3D print models covering various categories and themes.
  • Free and Paid Options: Choose from an extensive collection of both free and premium 3D print models.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Navigate the platform effortlessly and find the perfect 3D print model with ease.

In addition to its repository, 3DCrawler introduces its blog section, available at https://3dcrawler.com/blog, offering the latest updates on 3D printing news, industry trends, and expert insights. The blog serves as a knowledge hub for enthusiasts, providing valuable information on the ever-evolving world of 3D printing.

“We believe in making 3D printing accessible to everyone. Our platform is designed to be a central hub where enthusiasts can discover, create, and innovate.” founder of 3DCrawler said.

Explore the blog for articles on cutting-edge 3D printing technologies, interviews with industry experts, and in-depth analyses of emerging trends. 3DCrawler’s blog is not only informative but also a community hub for sharing ideas and experiences.

About 3DCrawler

3DCrawler is a leading platform that indexes all available 3D print models on the internet, providing users with a diverse and comprehensive repository. 3DCrawler invites 3D printing enthusiasts, hobbyists, and professionals to join the community and explore the limitless possibilities offered by the platform.

For more information, visit https://3dcrawler.com.

Sigmetrix Partners with E-SOFT

MCKINNEY, TX, Jan 12, 2024 – Sigmetrix, a global leader in mechanical variation and tolerance analysis software, is thrilled to announce the partnership of E-SOFT France, its new subsidiary based in Paris. This strategic development marks an intensified collaboration with EnginSoft across Europe, aiming to enhance the accessibility of cutting-edge engineering software solutions and dedicated support services for clients in the region.

EnginSoft, a prominent Italian multinational with a robust global presence in engineering simulation and complementary technologies, joins forces with Sigmetrix through the creation of E-SOFT France. This joint venture serves as a central hub, pooling the combined expertise of Sigmetrix and EnginSoft to offer a comprehensive range of solutions tailored to the specific needs of the European market. The strengthened partnership ensures a more localized and comprehensive approach to serving clients across Europe.

E-SOFT France, supported by EnginSoft, will provide products and services focusing on technology transfer. Offerings include consulting, software solutions, training, and research. Stefano Odorizzi, founder, and CEO of EnginSoft, highlights, “The opening of the French subsidiary allows us direct access to the second most important market in Europe for our specific offerings, enabling us to better serve existing and future customers.”

Patrick Martinez, CEO of E-SOFT, expresses enthusiasm about leading the French subsidiary, emphasizing EnginSoft’s unique ability to add genuine value to the companies it serves. Martinez states, “I enthusiastically welcomed the opportunity to lead the French subsidiary of EnginSoft. Having come from this industry, I knew EnginSoft as an international group uniquely able to add genuine value to the companies it serves. I have always worked with this spirit and intend to continue to do so in E-SOFT France. Sigmetrix solutions will provide an excellent solution for Geometric Dimensioning and tolerancing analysis for customers who must reduce the cycle development of their solutions. I sincerely believe that the richness and efficiency of EnginSoft’s strongly cohesive network that allows us to access and deploy all the different expertise required, makes EnginSoft a partner of excellence for companies undergoing the process of digital transformation”.

“We are excited about the expanded partnership with EnginSoft and the launch of E-SOFT France. We enjoyed working with other EnginSoft partners in Europe and are excited to see how this new partnership will grow, states Ed Walsh vice president of global sales & marketing of Sigmetrix.

Clients in Europe can now expect even greater support and training opportunities, leveraging the joint capabilities of Sigmetrix and EnginSoft through E-SOFT France.

About Sigmetrix

Sigmetrix has been helping companies produce better products for over 20 years through a combination of software solutions, training, and consulting services that focus on managing the impact of mechanical variation.

For more information, visit their website at www.sigmetrix.com.

About EnginSoft

EnginSoft is a leading technology transfer company in Simulation Based Engineering Science (SBES). Since its foundation in 1984, through its expansion in the sector in the mid-Seventies, to today with a global presence, EnginSoft has always been at the forefront of technological innovation. The company is present in Italy, France, Germany, the UK, Türkiye and the USA and partners closely with synergetic companies in Greece, Spain, Israel, Portugal, Brazil, Japan, Korea, and the USA.

For more information, visit their website at www.enginsoft.com.

WEF, McKinsey Publish Report on Circularity, CO2 Emissions

A new report published in partnership between McKinsey & Company and the World Economic Forum reveals that the construction sector’s carbon dioxide emissions – from building to real estate to infrastructure – can be reduced by up to 75% or 4 gigatons of carbon dioxide by 2050 through the establishment of a circular economy.

The report has found that circularity also presents substantial economic advantages, with the potential to yield an annual net profit gain of up to $46 billion by 2030 and $360 billion by 2050.

As the population grows and urbanization accelerates, 30 billion square meters of new buildings will need to be constructed in the next 40 years – similar to building the equivalent of New York City every 40 days. Most of this growth will occur in emerging markets including Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Creating a sustainable and resilient built environment is crucial for people’s well-being and to stay within safe planetary limits. “The construction sector is a crucial industry for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the long term,” says Sebastian Reiter, partner in the Munich office of McKinsey and co-author of the study. “One-third of material consumption and 26% of global carbon dioxide emissions come from this sector. At the same time, this sector employs 7% of people globally and accounts for 13% of economic output.”

The report considers the potential for carbon dioxide abatement and potential net value gain for six key building materials: cement and concrete, steel, aluminium, plastics, glass and gypsum.

Key findings include:

  • Circular loops could abate up to 4 gigatonnes of CO2 (Gt CO2) in 2050.
  • In 2030, recirculation of materials and minerals and CCS/CCU are each expected to contribute around 40% of total abatement.
  • Circularity in cement has the potential to create the highest value pool across materials, with an estimated net value gain of $10 billion in 2030 and $122 billion in 2050.

In conclusion, Jukka Maksimainen, senior partner in the Helsinki office of McKinsey and co-author of the report notes: “Our analysis of the construction sector shows an extraordinary potential for circularity – not only through carbon dioxide savings but also on a financial level. Nevertheless, we see hardly any solutions in the market that address this issue at scale yet – this makes it even more essential that we identify scalable solutions and make them visible.”

To download the report: Circularity in the Built Environment: Maximizing CO2 Abatement and Business Opportunities, please see here.

About McKinsey & Company

McKinsey & Company is a global management consulting firm committed to helping organizations create Change that Matters.

In more than 130 cities and 65 countries, our teams help clients across the private, public, and social sectors shape bold strategies and transform the way they work, embed technology where it unlocks value, and build capabilities to sustain the change. Not just any change, but Change that Matters—for their organizations, their people, and in turn society at large.

Learn more at: https://www.mckinsey.com/about-us/overview.

SprutCAM X 17.0.11 Announced

SprutCAM Tech has unveiled SprutCAM X 17.0.11. The update introduces a host of enhancements, compatibility with MOKA robots, and bug fixes.

Key Features of SprutCAM X and SprutCAM X Robot 17.0.11:

Enhanced .dxf format support

Enhanced .dxf Format Support: SprutCAM X enables users to import sketches in .dxf format and seamlessly convert them into sketches within the build-in 3D CAD module. This enhancement facilitates the creation of 3D models of parts for machining projects based on imported sketches.

added MOKA robots

Expanded Compatibility: They added MOKA industrial robots to MachineMaker, the application for creating digital twins of equipment in SprutCAM X Robot. Wuhu Moka Robot Technology Co., Ltd. has more than 10 series of industrial robot products, including hollow welding robots, handling robots, loading and unloading robots, special robots for die-casting and grinding, stamping robots, etc. The SprutCAM X Robot Components Library now includes the following MOKA robot models: MR07S-930, MR08-1840, MR10L-2050, MR10Z-1440, MR12-2010, MR12Z-1550, MR20-1800, MR20E-1840, MR25ED, and MR30-1700.

Improved Smart Hints: Updates to roughing waterline, finishing waterline, 2D contouring, and pocketing operations with enhanced smart hints for a more user-friendly experience.

Configuration Enhancements: They updated the list of operations for the 2.5D milling configuration and added chamfering and 2.5D Contouring operations to the Cutting configuration for robotic machining.

User Interface Improvements: The font size in the CLData Viewer (post processor debugging application) interface has been updated for improved readability. Updates to the Approach/Return tab in G-code based operations.

The SprutCAM X 17.0.11 release includes a comprehensive set of bug fixes and addresses issues of the software stability, reliability and performance enhancements.

Users with an active software maintenance contract (SMC) have already received notifications about the new release and are encouraged to proceed with the update. For those without notification, please contact your nearest SprutCAM X Reseller for assistance.

For more information about SprutCAM Tech, visit website.

Christopher Dawson Joins BuildClub’s Advisory Board

PALO ALTO, CA, Dec 19, 2023 – BuildClub, a Silicon Valley startup revolutionizing the building materials delivery sector, is thrilled to announce the addition of Christopher Dawson to its Advisory Board. Christopher, a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in tech startups with successful exits such as StorageNetworks, AppIQ and Desktone.  In addition to his high-tech experience, Christopher is a leader in the electrical construction and communications industry, and brings a deep understanding of the construction sector, particularly in the New York City infrastructure domain.

A New Era of Expertise for BuildClub. Christopher’s illustrious career spans significant roles, including his current position as President of TC Electric, a key player in the NYC infrastructure sector. His expertise is in overseeing large-scale projects, including over $1BN worth of work for the MTA and NYCT, with a focus on the signal system, aligns seamlessly with BuildClub’s mission of streamlining the supply chain in the construction industry.

Strategic Growth and Expansion. With BuildClub’s recent expansion into 15 additional metro areas and a track record of over 72,000 registered users, Dawson’s addition to the Advisory Board is timely. His experience in managing complex projects and leveraging technology in construction will be invaluable as BuildClub continues to disrupt the traditional home improvement and wholesale warehouse markets.

Stephen Forte, founder & CEO of BuildClub, expressed his enthusiasm: “Having Chris on our Advisory Board and as an investor is a game-changer. His profound experience and innovative mindset are exactly what we need to propel BuildClub forward in our quest to revolutionize the building materials space.  There are few executives with such an extensive background in both technology and construction, and we are honored to have him on our Board.”

About BuildClub

BuildClub is a pioneering startup leveraging AI and machine learning to modernize the building materials supply chain. In addition to offering instant sourcing and 2-hour jobsite delivery in most cities, BuildClub is creating digital tools enabling a more efficient and transparent supply chain.  With its mission to liberate contractors and homeowners from the inefficiencies of sourcing building supplies, BuildClub is set to redefine the landscape of the construction industry.

For more information, visit BuildClub website.

PraSaga Foundation Becomes Member of Digital Twin Consortium

BOSTON, MA, Dec 15, 2023 – The Digital Twin Consortium (DTC) announced that PraSaga Foundation has become a member of the Consortium. A non-profit organization, PraSaga developed the SagaTech Stack architecture and SagaChain, a layer-one blockchain designed to address the critical challenges existing blockchain networks face. PraSaga will lead a newly formed DTC FinTech Tiger Team.

The DTC FinTech Tiger Team will consist of members from the Consortium representing some of the most vital industries in the world. The member companies are leaders in their respective spaces and work together to solve industry-wide problems. As a first step, the DTC FinTech Tiger team will work on developing open standards requirements benefiting every major industry.

“We are thrilled to be a part of the DTC and to lead the DTC FinTech Tiger Team,” said PraSaga Foundation CEO Michael Holdmann. “The Tiger Team will use PraSaga’s SagaTech Stack architecture to define process flows and create application-specific use cases for implementation across industries for real-world testing.”

“We’re excited to have PraSaga as a member and leading the DTC FinTech Tiger Team,” said Dan Isaacs, GM & CTO of the DTC. “We look forward to including value-based use cases in our DTC Technology Showcase. The development of these use cases and enabling development environment further accelerate digital twin adoption.”

About PraSaga Foundation

PraSaga operates as a Non-Profit and is the custodian of the SagaTech Stack. It is poised to transform the blockchain landscape with the upcoming launch of SagaChain, a groundbreaking layer-one blockchain designed to address the critical challenges faced by existing blockchain networks. With a strong emphasis on scalability, security, and sustainability, the object-oriented SagaChain empowers developers to build high-performance decentralized applications (dApps) that cater to real-world needs and drive widespread adoption.

Please visit website at www.prasaga.com.

About Digital Twin Consortium

Digital Twin Consortium is The Authority in Digital Twin. It coalesces industry, government, and academia to drive consistency in vocabulary, architecture, security, and interoperability of digital twin technology. It advances digital twin technology in many industries, from Healthcare and Lifesciences, Aerospace to Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Health. Digital Twin Consortium is a program of Object Management Group.

For more information, visit www.digitaltwinconsortium.org.

Hexagon’s Volume Graphics Wins 2023 3D Printing Industry Award

HEIDELBERG, Germany, Dec 14, 2023 – Hexagon’s Volume Graphics CT data analysis software was voted the leader in the 3D scanning or metrology category at the 3D Printing Industry Awards ceremony held in London earlier this month.

Staff from all departments of Hexagon’s Volume Graphics celebrate their win of the 2023 3D Printing Industry Award for 3D Scanning or Metrology Company of the Year. Seated on center-left red cube at the Heidelberg, Germany headquarters is Dr. Daniela Handl, general manager of Volume Graphics.

While the focus of this particular annual award is on additive manufacturing, Volume Graphics is used across the automotive, aerospace and defense industries by manufacturers seeking better ways to inspect parts and improve designs—whether 3D printed or produced via other technologies.

Engineers exploring novel materials and manufacturing methods are increasingly turning to industrial CT scanning for highly accurate, non-destructive evaluation of product robustness and performance. Volume Graphics is a leading developer of visualization and analysis software technology that interprets data from CT scans, of almost any material, to detect structural and design deviations that can affect part quality. This in turn informs engineers as they adjust design-engineering strategies to optimize their products.

Celebrating with staff at the global company’s Heidelberg, Germany headquarters, Volume Graphics general manager Dr. Daniela Handl said, “I want to express my deepest gratitude to those who voted us 3D Scanning or Metrology Company of the Year! What an amazing testament to the work of our incredible team—their commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration has been the driving force behind our success. While this award is a momentous achievement, it is also a reminder that our journey is far from over. We stand at the forefront of innovation, and there is so much more to explore, create, and achieve together.”

About Hexagon’s Volume Graphics

Volume Graphics, part of Hexagon, is a global leader in the development of software for non-destructive testing based on industrial computed tomography (CT). Customers around the world across all manner of applications and industries use our software for quality assurance in product development and production.

Visit volumegraphics.com to learn more.

Hexagon is a global leader in digital reality solutions, combining sensor, software and autonomous technologies. Hexagon has approximately 24,000 employees in 50 countries and net sales of approximately 5.2bn EUR. Learn more at hexagon.com.