Is this YOU? – It is not working as expected, now what?

All too often you and your design teams run into challenges. Sometimes you are fortunate enough to catch that while it is still in your hands. At other times it is YOUR CLIENT who is in PAIN and needs help NOW…What do you do?

D3 has the resources to help you. Here is feedback where our client needed to bring the tools in house to solve the problems; however, they had an immediate need addressing some issues for their client and could not wait to get trained. We were able to work with them, so that they could get the information they needed into their clients' hands. After the crisis was solved, we then got them the training they needed to continue down the road…Do YOU need help?

"The speed at which you've been able to run these simulations has really helped us reassure our customer that we are doing everything we can to get them up and running correctly" Kansas City - Engineering Manager

Join Us on May 13^th - 15^th for a "Hands On" Simulation CFD Level 1 Class (2 days) and/or Advanced CFD Level 2 Class (1 day).

If you need help or would like to know more about software training, contact us.

 

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Status Update – HSMXpress for 2.5 axis has been available now for free download and is proving to be a fit. Now, Inventor HSM is about ready for Beta and is expected to have a very short window before full release. Why is this exciting?

• Because with our Adaptive Roughing, conservatively we can cut tool wear by more than 25% and reduce roughing time by the same. Results like this for the Solidworks users built a client base that had former Mastercam clients making up roughly 35% of the user base. Now it's Inventor's turn.


• The user interface is so easy to use that clients normally don't need training beyond the available on-line tools.


• And it is built on a modern software architecture, unlike every other CAM out there. Even though it is considered new, the core software was developed by a company that made CAM for other companies (Including the High Speed Performance Pack for Mastercam) for 11 years before writing HSMWorks. So, the developers are some of the most experienced CAM people in the industry.

All of this leads to some very exciting advancements for CAM and the Inventor user. Stay tuned, more to come. To discuss more or address questions, contact us.

Watch the video below for a quick preview of the Inventor HSM Express tool:

Autodesk Inventor HSM Express CAM Solution Video Preview

Which is Best: iLogic, .NET, or ETO?

Of late, regarding automating workflows, I have seen several discussions play out around what tools are best and for what tasks they are best for. Below, I will try to outline, at a high level, what we have seen and have experienced. My qualifier is that we use all three approaches and fully understand the upside and downside of each. We have a team that is fully dedicated to Quote-to-Design Automation.

• Good for small to medium size assemblies in the product configuration process for BOM
• Configurations for all potential scenarios must be accounted for in the table structure
• Is not good with integration needs to other systems
• It can do drawings but does not have the flexibility for complex drawings
• It cannot be used for Web frontends or Mobile Apps for Sales
• Not an enterprise solution

• Good for small to medium size assemblies for outputting BOM
• Large files will choke the system
• It can integrate to other systems tools like ERP
• It can do drawings, but does not have the flexibility for complex drawings
• It does require a very large amount of code development, thus cumbersome and costly to maintain
• There are lots of programmers, very common platform

ETO – Web based and Mobile app solutions. Specifically designed to drive 3D design tools:

• Nothing is too large because it is Instance driven – creates only what is needed, as it is needed to pass along
• Only the templates for the product family need to be created – rules drive the creation of each instance
• Fully integratable – can drive external tools or systems, can feed data and process returned data
• Fully customizable User Interface
• Capable of very complex drawing outputs or any other output needed
• The easiest to scale with new product families or make edits to program – generative, meaning it uses the new code in the next instance it is called out
• Requires the least amount of resource to support and maintain for enterprise solution

The other choice to make is whether to take the cheaper up-front solution (.NET) or the one with the least total cost of ownership (ETO)…

Contact Daryl Price if you would like more information.

Daryl Price is the lead interface to D3's Automation team and serves our consulting teams, other Autodesk partners and Autodesk's sales teams in providing solutions around the world.

2-Minute Video Sample of One of D3's Automation Approaches

Need quicker access to your vaulted files at a remote location?

There are a couple of different ways to configure remote servers depending on your environment. Ranging from Fastest (most complicated) to Lightweight (easiest to manage).

Autodesk Data Management Server (ADMS) otherwise referred to as your Vault Server is required at one location. Note that all of the scenarios listed below are scalable so that you can add multiple sites mixing the methods described.

Scenario 1 – Includes 2 full ADMS Servers, 2 Full SQL servers each with identically replicated information on both. This Option would be used when you have equally heavy users at both sides and collaboration is common between each site. It provides the fasted end user experience on both sides, but also requires the most administration.

Scenario 2 – Includes 2 full ADMS Servers, with only 1 SQL Server in this option the only thing that is replicated is the File Store, it does allow for configuration to happen from either Site. This requires more administration that Scenario 3, and is largely replaced with the release of Autodesk Vault File Server

Scenario 3 – Autodesk Vault File Server it is available on the subscription site for Autodesk Vault Professional users. ADVS is a much lighter weight installation, and relies on a full ADMS at a remote site for its configurations. The ADVS set up is much quicker and still has the capabilities for full replicate the files store and optionally manage its own set of licenses.

Contact your local D3 Solutions Consultant for help planning and optimizing your Data Management system.

Click Here to download the PDF tutorial.

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D3 Recently welcomed to Inside Account Representatives, Chris Cox and Derek Messer, to the team.

Chris Cox works out of D3's headquarters in Springfield, Missouri. Here are some quick facts about Chris:

Education:
Chris has attended Evangel University and Ozarks Technical Community College where he received an Associate of Arts Degree. In addition, Chris graduated from Naval Submarine School.

Work History:
Chris previously worked for Expedia.com, Strategic Fundraising, East Valley Consulting, and recently got out of the Navy in 2013.

Position at D3:
As an integral part of the sales team, Chris will be working as an Inside Account Representative (IAR) out of D3's Springfield, MO headquarters. Chris will be working closely with assigned Solution Executives (SE), outside sales role to meet and exceed company revenue and customer satisfaction objectives.

Derek Messer works out of D3's Springfield, Missouri headquarters. Here are some quick facts about Derek:

Education:
Southwest Area Career Center - Drafting & Design - 2004
Ozarks Technical Community College - Web Design - 2010

Work History:
Derek started his career with EFCO Corporation doing shop drawings for commercial windows, doors, curtain walls, and storefronts. He then moved on to Miracle Recreation where he was a Proposal Draftsman/Engineering Support Specialist. His main duties were to create 3D renderings of commercial playground equipment. He later switched to work for Boyd Aluminum where he started as a draftsman but was quickly promoted to Project Engineer. His main duties included product testing & design, customer service, and project management.

Position at D3:
As an Inside Account Representative (IAR), Derek will be assisting Solution Executives in managing some of the day-to-day activities to secure stronger relationships with their clients while prospecting for new business opportunities.

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Meet Kim Hendrix, Solution Consultant at D3's Tulsa, OK office and training center. Kim started working at D3 Technologies in September of 2008 and specializes in Autodesk Inventor, Plant & Data Management.

Click Here to learn more about Kim Hendrix and read the interview.

Transform the way you work. Upgrade now and get a free year of Subscription. When you add Autodesk Subscription, you will always have the very latest software at your fingertips as well as many other enhanced benefits to help you stay competitive:

• The most advanced tools
• More powerful capabilities
• Technical support
• Flexible licensing
• Autodesk 360 cloud services
• Future software upgrades

If you have any questions about the upgrading your software and receiving a free year of Subscription, please contact your local D3 representative.

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As of February 1^st, 2015, upgrades from previous releases will only be available on Subscription. Get current and subscribe before April 25^th 2014 to save up to 30%* on your upgrade price.

If you have Autodesk 2008 software, be sure to take advantage of the Global Field Promotion mentioned above, as 2008 version products will only be eligible to upgrade until March 31, 2014. After that date, it will be necessary to purchase a new license.

If you have any questions about the upgrade discontinuation or Autodesk pricing policy changes, please contact your local D3 representative.

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Make sure you don't miss out on the chance to renew an expired or expiring Subscription contract before prices increase on March 28, 2014. If you have previously expired contracts or contracts within 90 days of their end date, you are eligible to renew under current Subscription renewal pricing before the increases are effective.

Enjoy these exclusive benefits with Autodesk Subscription:

The design department at Hankook Tire recently invested in a ProJet 660 3D printer by 3D Systems to create perfect full color models that can be used to assess form and function. 3d printing has become a key part of Hankook Tire's concept design process and has helped the design team deliver better communication between departments, save on costs, and improve design data security.

Myungjoon Lee, CAD professional at Hankook Tire, has found that a significant benefit of 3D printing is that it reduces many communication errors with the engineering departments. There can be a lot of friction between the design and engineering departments during the decision-making process. Now, with detailed, realistic 3D prints on hand, to touch, review and observe, communication and decision-making in this process has noticeably improved, with meeting time for this part of the process being about 70% shorter than before.

See Full Article

ColorJet 3D Printing Process Video

To learn more, please contact Barbara Miller-Webb or visit the 3D Systems website.

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On February 20^th, D3 opened their doors for their Grand Opening event in their new office and training center in North Kansas City, MO. The entire solutions team from D3 was in attendance along with several Autodesk executives including, Tom Kopinski, co-developer of Autodesk's Digital Prototyping Story, and Geomagic Solutions' Evan Fader who was available to discuss the capabilities of 3D Systems' new 3D scanner.

The event was, by all measures, a HUGE success!!…There was not an empty seat in the house! We had over 100 total people in attendance with 24 competitors in the Ultimate Inventor Warrior Challenge.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive on everything: the presentations, the Warrior Challenge, the food, the prizes, the venue, the new D3 office and training center…It really was a fantastic night!…Here was the format:

Who's D3: D3's Daryl Price kicked off the night by communicating who we are at D3 Technologies, how we were founded by manufacturing engineers & designers, and how we've evolved into who we are today.

What's Digital Prototyping: Autodesk's Tom Kopinski presented on how Autodesk's solution to Digital Prototyping can help you design better products, reduce your development times, and get to market faster. Click here to learn about Autodesk's Digital Prototyping.

Why D3: D3's Troy Beck discussed the many reasons why D3 is your best choice in an Engineering & Design Technology Partner for the success of your manufacturing business. Click here for our "Why D3" flyer

Following the presentations, we had a time for networking and demonstration of 3D Systems' 3D scanner and 3D printed parts.

Go to our Facebook page (and Like us) to see our Ultimate Inventor Warrior and the other winners and congratulate them!

Inventor Warrior Challenge in process: 3-person teams face-off to
recreate the part on the screen down to the exact dimensions


Daryl Price, D3 Technologies, discusses the upcoming Automation
Lunch & Learn in North Kansas City


Ryan O'Neal from Muyang USA, Scott Lucas from LSI, and Brad Bland
from KCI competing for the grand prize

See the rest of the pictures on our Facebook page!……Don't forget to Like us!

D3's new office location is at the following address:

D3 Technologies
1321 Burlington St., Suite E
North Kansas City, MO 64116

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We are excited to announce our recent acquisition of a local machine shop which included two CNC Lathes and two CNC Mills. The plan is to add this equipment to our existing 3D Printing and 3D Scanning capabilities to form D3's Prototyping Solutions Division.

Along with this acquisition, D3 has hired a 21-year veteran machinist and CNC programmer, Dane Wilgus, to oversee the operation, as well as, two other CNC Operators/Programmers.

"Adding CNC machining capabilities fits perfectly into the direction we are going to best support our clients," said Kevin Schlack, President of D3. "During the validation phase of the design process, many of our customers have the need for physical prototypes to be machined to check fit, form, and function. Not only will we now be able to provide those physical prototypes, but we will be using Autodesk's Integrated CAM Solutions to create all the G-Code to make it happen."

Kevin further stated, "Along with the acquisition of two CAM companies, Autodesk has made it clear that they have every intention of revolutionizing the CAM industry by integrating their solutions directly within the design tools giving machinists, engineers, and designers the ability to adapt to real-time changes and instantly update tool paths. So naturally, as the leader in Autodesk Manufacturing Solutions, D3 will be the leader in providing their CAM solutions, as well."

Read the Full Article

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D3 is excited to announce they have been named Autodesk Channel Partner of the Quarter. D3 was presented with this top seller award during a quarterly wrap-up call on March 3, 2014. The Autodesk Channel Partner of the Quarter award is the most coveted title given out by Autodesk each quarter.

Channel Partner of the Quarter Awards are given to those Autodesk resellers who demonstrate overall strength & performance over the previous quarter along with working as a cohesive partner with Autodesk. D3 achieved this special recognition due to their outstanding numbers in both overall growth and revenue. This is the third time D3 has received Partner of the Quarter recognition; the first time was in the third quarter of fiscal year 2007, and the second time was in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2008..

Read the Full Article

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Due to the success with automating the Quote-to-Design process for tank manufactruers across North America, we will be at the STI/SPFA Annual Meeting March 16^th. The meeting will take place at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort, San Diego, CA. As a Platinum Sponsor, D3 will be giving a short presentation and will be available at the booth to meet, greet, and answer questions around the solutions we are bringing to this industry.

If you plan on attending the conference, please respond to Daryl Price for a special dinner invite.

View the Program Agenda

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Simulation CFD Webinar

If you are interested in learning more about this webinar, please contact Kevin Marchant.

Simulation CFD 2-Day Public Class

Register Now for the Autodesk® Simulation CFD 2-Day Public Class on May 13^th - 14^th.

Click here to request more information about this event.

Simulation CFD - Advanced Class

Advanced CFD Topics to be covered:

• Transient simulation - Best practices and considerations for time dependent analysis
• Motion - Linear, angular, combined; rotating / turbo machinery; flow driven
• Scalar Mixing
• Miscellaneous advanced topics (time permitting / group relevance) - Height of fluid, turbulence models & applications, advanced meshing, external aerodynamics

Register Now for the Autodesk® Simulation CFD Advanced training course on May 15^th.

Click here to request more information about this event.

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Now you can get trained in a virtual classroom setting without having to leave the office!

D3 Technologies has recently formed an alliance with three other Autodesk Channel Partners and Authorized Training Centers for the delivery of online, live, interactive Autodesk solutions training.

This alliance will provide best-in-class online learning opportunities to users of more advanced and specialized Autodesk design and simulation tools.

Upcoming classes:

• Factory Design Suite Fundamentals - March 31^st - April 2^nd
• AutoCAD Plant 3D Essentials - April 7^th - 8^th
• Inventor iLogic Essentials - April 15^th - 17^th
• Inventor Tube & Pipe - April 21^st - 23^th
• Inventor Sheet Metal - May 6^th - 8^th
• 3ds Max for Manufacturing - May 27^th - 30^th
• Intro to Autodesk Simulation - May 28^th - 30^th

Register now for a 3D Systems 3D Printer Seminar near you:

• Springfield, MO - Headquarters - March 27, 2014
• St. Louis, MO - St. Louis Community College - Florissant Valley - April 9, 2014
• Wichita, KS - Wichita State University Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering - April 24, 2014
• Fayetteville, AR - Courtyard Marriott - May 15, 2014
• Tulsa, OK - Tulsa Technology Center Broken Arrow Campus - June 19, 2014

If you are interested in attending or learning more about this event, contact Barbara Miller-Webb.