SolidWorks Updates 3D ContentCentral 2008 Website

March 12, 2008

SolidWorks Corporation has unveiled the 3D ContentCentral 2008 software service, the latest update of its online community that allows engineers to download and share content globally. 3D ContentCentral is free to registered engineers and designers who use it to share design information across geographies, sharing 3D models and 2D drawings with other design teams, regardless of their CAD system.

Key enhancements in 3D ContentCentral 2008 include:

• Support for more content types, including parts/assemblies for almost all CAD tools, as well as 2D blocks, SolidWorks software macros, and library features;
• Community features, including content search, user ratings, and tools to request content from the community all give engineers more information about content creators;
• Personalization features, such as “My3DCC,” enable users to create their own area of the site to help focus on their particular needs;
• Improved content upload tools that let engineers upload content by simply dragging and dropping.

3D ContentCentral’s network of designers continues to grow, with more than 360,000 registered users around the world. The site averages more than one million model views and downloads combined per month. In the past six months, the site has logged more than 16 million page views and 600,000 3D model or 2D drawing downloads.

Engineers can streamline product development with 3D ContentCentral by finding and configuring the part they need from online catalogues. They can then check form and fit by downloading the model or drawing directly into their designs, ensuring the parts they’re buying work with their design. 3D catalogues save product designers valuable design time they would otherwise spend searching through paper catalogues or talking on the phone with the supplier’s sales support staff to find and configure a supplier component.

The 3D-enabled catalogues available on 3D ContentCentral showcase everything from sensors to large motors. Components from global suppliers such as SMC Corp. of America, Misumi USA, Inc., CarrLane, Omron and Bimba Manufacturing Co. are among those featured on 3D ContentCentral. All 3D components can be conveniently accessed for free via SolidWorks’ 3D ContentCentral service.
www.3Dcontentcentral.com