AutoCAD on the iPad? Online?

Web-based CAD! If you have an iPad or an iPhone, you can use AutoCAD WS to view data online (btw ... you do not require an "iProduct" ... just internet access!). It is free and is useful for people who:

• Need to access their drawings anywhere (you will need internet access).
• Need the ability to edit drawings online.
• Share drawings with anyone via the internet
• Make changes online with others in real-time. By the way, the site will maintain versions of files if you need to go back to an unedited version of the data
  

Based on discussions with many people, they have not heard of this application. Feel free to check out the following youtube videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzhclcSWtdQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-Rul9BVeyY&feature=related

Just a heads up ... AutoCAD 2012 has further integrations with AutoCAD WS.You can check out more information on the following link (be sure to check out the links on the right side of the stream):

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/index?id=15697418&siteID=123112

Batch Processing Files in AutoCAD

Have you ever had the need to batch process a large number of files in AutoCAD?  There is the Action Recorder which is very useful for helping with repetitive tasks, but there is some interaction required in most cases.   What if you want to be able to fire up AutoCAD and have it do something to a bunch of files without you, the user, needing to interact with the software.  Think about it, running a large task overnight, come back in the morning and its done.  It's easier than you think.  Autodesk Labs posted a utility that does just this thing.  It is posted under their "Plugin of the Month" and called "ScriptPro 2.0 for AutoCAD".

ScriptPro is a utility that allows you to specify a script file that will be run against a selection of files that you choose.  If you have never used a script file in AutoCAD, think of it as a set of directions that tell AutoCAD exactly what you want it to do.  It is simply a text file that emulates what you, the user, would type at the command prompt.  For more information on script files, do a search in the AutoCAD Help System.

ScriptPro provides a very clean and simple user interface that allows you to specify what script file you want to run, you can then add files individually, or by selecting a folder.  By the way, it will run on both DWG and DXF files.

What kind of scripts you ask, how about one that converts a DXF to a DWG, or back.  How about one that Zooms, Purges, and makes sure that all the layers are set right for delivering DWG's to a customer.  How about on that inserts a block at a specific point on all the drawings...The possibilities are endless.  Best of all...It's Free.

To get you copy of "ScriptPro 2.0 for AutoCAD", click the link below:

Download ScriptPro 2.0 for AutoCAD

Manufacturing Webcast Series: Learn to design, visualize and simulate your products digitally

If any of you have had the pleasure of attending on of Daryl Corelli's presentations then you will know what I mean when I say, "you don't want to miss this". Daryl is hosting another live event at the end of this month.  Details for the event as well as a link to register are below.

DIRECT MODELING WITH AUTODESK INVENTOR

Date: Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Time: 1:00PM EST

Attend this webcast and discover the benefits of Autodesk® Inventor® 2011. Learn how you can use Autodesk Inventor Fusion Technology preview to augment your digital prototyping solution. In this webcast, Daryl Corelli will demonstrate basic use of the heads-up modeling interface, import and edit of 3D data from many CAD systems, and the ability to bidirectionally edit Inventor parametric data.

Here's a little background on Daryl.
Daryl Corelli has a bachelor of engineering degree in mechanical engineering from McMaster University in Ontario. He is an expert in design validation using FEA software on 3D CAD designs. Daryl educates manufacturing companies across North America in person and through his webcast series about the unique advantages Autodesk® solutions offer to manufacturing customers.

To attend this webinar, click the link below.

Register Now... 

While you are on the registration page, make sure you take a look at all the archived presentations he has given.  You can register for these as well and take advantage of all the knowledge Daryl has to share.

Is Your Vault Up To Date

There have been a number of updates to Vault 2011 since Vault 2011 Update 2 was released back in October of last year.  Below is a list of the hotfixes and patches:

Number	Title	Release Date
TS15707592	MSG File Property Extraction	Nov 5, 2010
TS15898239	Move File Hotfix	Nov 30, 2010
TS15770173	Multi Issue Update	Jan 26, 2011
TS16119829	Autoloader Hotfix	Jan 26. 2011
TS16158490	Property Hotfix	Jan 26, 2011
TS16172215	Multi Issue Hotfix	Feb 22, 2011

To make sure you are getting the most efficient use of the Autodesk Vault, you'll want to review the updates and follow the proper installation procedures.


It is important to look at the readme file before installing.  If there are any special instructions, they will be given there.