CONVINCING 2D CAD users to move across to 3D has been an undying challenge for modelling software providers over the last decade. Now Autodesk is telling customers moving to 3D doesn’t have to be such a big step after all.
Amy Bunszel, Director of Autodesk CAD/CAE Product Management was recently in Australia to talk about transitioning to 3D via Inventor LT — the company’s new free version of Inventor part modelling software.
“One of the key things we communicate is the fact that it’s not necessarily a switch from 2D to 3D but an addition of 3D processes. A lot of our customers use a combination of 2D and 3D tools,” Bunszel told FEN.
Bunszel encouraged companies to start small and grow into a full 3D digital prototyping solution incrementally. The starting point for each company will vary according to their biggest needs, Bunszel said.
“For some industries, simulation is one of the biggest initial problems because they have to deal with compliance or regulatory issues. For others, it’s more about trying to differentiate competitively by doing more upfront industrial design and collaborating with customers.
“Then there is the whole notion of using the 3D CAD model for exchange of information. That’s where Inventor LT comes in. That will enable a small manufacturer to read and write Inventor and a whole host of Inventor files so they can better serve their customer; plugging them into the 3D ecosystem in a low risk way.”
Bunszel observed that the skills shortage is pushing Australian manufacturers along the path of 3D modelling.
“Low unemployment in Australia is making it really difficult for companies to find and keep good talent. They need this software because they have got to get things done faster but they have difficulty hiring more people,” she said.
Using Inventor, companies can streamline things which were difficult to communicate in the past, becoming more productive, Bunszel said.
“When you are able to build a model that is so rich with information, it will serve as a communication vehicle between the conceptual design team, engineering team and manufacturing team.”
“When I talk to customers I always say, ‘Look at where the communication bottlenecks are in your business and see if there is a software solution that can help enrich the way your teams are communicating with each other.’”
To customers already using 3D, Bunszel recommended using simulation capabilities earlier on in the design process.
“By introducing simulation earlier, engineers can test out a lot of different options, so they end up being more creative and also more productive. The result is better products — whether they are less expensive, more environmentally friendly, or weigh less for the shipping costs.”
Think of it as exploring automation, and trying out new capabilities. It’s much less risky than change.
www.autodesk.com.au
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