Conference kepnut::euclid

    We are using the solid modeler and just starting to use the sheet
    metal package. So far the sheet metal looks real good. We are having
    a formal training session for our users in January so we should
    have a much better idea by the end of February.
    
    We have found the basic solid modeler excellent for complex geometries
    and complex assemblies.
    
    We are now starting an entire product design [ an advanced development
    effort ] in Euclid to better understand the tool.
    
    Thanks Charlie

    We are currently using the boolian modeler and the sheet metal
    package.
    
    We are still gaining experiance with the sheet metal package
    but it looks real good so far.
    
    Since we are an engineering design organization we will not be
    looking at the MRP or related packages of interest of manufacturing.
    
    Thanks Charlie

	I am one of the members of LEMSB who are currently working with
 EUCLID full time, on a project to be done in solids from front to back.  My
 computer background with Mechanical design is: 8 years of 3-D UNIGRAPHICS; 2
 years of 3-D MEDUSA (Prime, not CV); familiarity with: AUTOCAD, Pro-Engineer. 

	I was not one of the members of my group who evaluated the relative
 merits of Pro-Engineer vs. Euclid.  But it was done by people whose opinions I
 respect, and done with no partiality toward one package or the other.  It was
 done using real life parts and situations.  Overwhelmingly, the product of 
 choice was EUCLID. 

	I'll state up-front that, as an expert UGII user, I was skeptical of
 the value of Solids in the sheet metal/plastic environment that I work in.
 (Charlie B. will back that up!).  However, with the advent of the EUCLID
 Sheet Metal package, I have been proselytized.  It is an easy package to
 learn and once the materials tables have been entered, it makes it virtually
 impossible to create a part that will be difficult or impossible to 
 manufacture.  Automatic (and practically instantaneous) unfolding of bent
 parts, automatic bend radii and reliefs make this a very attractive package 
 to the sheet metal designer and fabricator.  A modest estimate is that,
 even after only learning the rudiments, a complex EUCLID SM part can be done
 in 50% of the time needed to do the same part in UG.  Some molded or cast
 parts cannot be truly represented in anything but Solids.  For me, the
 Sheet Metal Package tipped the scale in favor of Solids.

	As with any new tool, a learning curve exists and its length is 
 pretty much "desire dependent".  I know nothing of the politics involved in
 the choosing of one software package over another.  I do know of the
 day-to-day, real life use of a tool, and it's apparent to me that many
 choices were implemented at DEC without the input of the people who will be
 using the tool for a living. 

	I believe a light will be dawning soon.

							--Mike

< Note 3.4 by TRITON::OLSON >


< Note 3.0 by 31324::BOYACK "Here today. Gone to Maui!" >
                            -< Euclid applications >-

    I am interested to know what applications users are using and what
    "reviews" they can give. For example, if you have used the MRP
    application or the Sheet-metal bending application, how are you
    using it and what have you learned about it, etc.
    
    Steven
    
    Hi Steven, 
 
    I'm a Hardware Engineering Supervisor working for LEMSB in BXB2.  I have
    about 10 years experience with Unigraphics and 1 year with Euclid-IS.  
    I was also involed in the CTC evaluation of Solid modelers for are design
    group in LEMSB (BXB2). 

    I'm responesible for a new product design which is committing to being 
    completly done Solids (Euclid-IS).   So far we have been very pleased 
    with Euclid, it's the first time that a conceptual design has been up
    to data with thinking of the design team.  Changes have been very easy
    which leave more time for do real engineering.  The conceptual design 
    is then used directly in the real design work. 

    We are using the following applications: 

    Sheet Metal Package

    Sence 80% of what we do is sheet metal design we give the sheet metal 
    package a try.  So far everything seen, it's an excelent application 
    for our needs.  The mechanical properties of the material being used have 
    to enter in to the system first before the starting the design.  The 
    package then checks bends, twists, dimples, half shears and etc. to 
    verify that the mechanical properties have not been violated.  The 
    package puts in bend allances, holes, contours or add/subtrack bends or 
    contours.  The part can be show as a contours or volume and bent up or
    in flat.  The package will also create a solid from the sheet metal 
    parts or bring a solid into the application.   The complete sheet 
    metal part can be design and changed within the sheet metal package.
    The increase proformance over UG is about 5 to 1.   The sheet metal 
    package made believers out the people working directly for me.

    MRP, MECHANISM, MOLD FLOW

    We have interest in the MRP, MECHANISM, MOLD FLOW.  We just haven't had
    the time to go off to training.   I have seen Demo's of all of the obove 
    applications and there are quit impressive and would enhance are design 
    process and time to market.  

	    
    3D Drafting 
   
    We are starting to use the 3D Drafting package and finding it is as 
    good if not better than UG.   Its dose the hinden line remove views 
    automatically.    With the speed of creating the geometry and the
    enhanced drafting package in 2.1.  Documentations of the product is 
    going to allot faster and easier.   

    The only problem we see is with large assmeblies, because of the limited
    data structure.  Euclid's way around this is to use large assemblies.  
    Which should work OK to create large assembly drawing.  However by the 
    Fall time frame Matra has committed to introduce a unlimited data 
    structure.   This we solve the problem with creating assemblies of which
    we do allot of.

    Manufacturing/Tech. Publication

    We believe that with a solid model generation of process will easy.  The
    solid model assembly can be viewed from any point and broken down to show
    the assembly any way desired.  

    Rick   

< Note 3.4 by TRITON::OLSON >


< Note 3.0 by 31324::BOYACK "Here today. Gone to Maui!" >
                            -< Euclid applications >-

    I am interested to know what applications users are using and what
    "reviews" they can give. For example, if you have used the MRP
    application or the Sheet-metal bending application, how are you
    using it and what have you learned about it, etc.
    
    Steven