SolidWorks Labs expands emerging technology offerings

January 10, 2008

SolidWorks Labs Gallery is one of the many experimental bits of code SolidWorks Laps has added to its web site in the past year.

SolidWorks Labs, the technology sandbox for SolidWorks 3D CAD software users, has more than doubled the amount of free experimental software since its February 2007 launch, the company says.

New offerings include:

A SolidWorks Labs Gallery showcases creations generated by SolidWorks Labs visitors using the modeling and rendering tools on the site.

iPhone support for Drawings Now, the online sharing service for engineering drawings. Users can use their Apple mobile devices to locate, zoom and pan engineering drawings with their fingertips.

CB Model Pro, a 3D modeling program that lets anyone, CAD user or not, develop 3D graphical models by virtually squeezing, pulling, flattening organic shapes.

A Showcase Widget that lets users create slideshows of their SolidWorks designs simply by pointing to a folder of designs.

A WatchIt Widget, a kind of mini-PDM, lets users keep track of which files are changing on a system, drive, or folder.

SolidWorks Island in Second Life, the 3D virtual world, offers opportunities for learning, entertainment, networking, collaboration, virtual surfing, virtual Formula 1 racing and events like simulcast real-world robotics competitions.

3D ContentCentral Search tools, which embed a part search into users’ Web browsers.

SolidWorks Labs was launched in February 2007 as an online destination that lets product designers and engineers behind the curtain of SolidWorks R&D. They can tinker with emerging technologies, test-drive new SolidWorks functionality through their Web browser and weigh in on the company’s product direction. All services and software are free. The site invites comments through a feedback link. Comments go directly to SolidWorks R&D.
http://labs.solidworks.com