CircuitWorks:

This podcast covers the SolidWorks Premium tool for communicating bi-directionally to electrical CAD packages called CircuitWorks.  CircuitWorks has been a long time gold partner of SolidWorks and was acquired about a year ago.  Topics covered:

- Introduction to CircuitWorks

- Product misconceptions

- CircuitWorks Lite features (core SolidWorks)

- File format read

- CircuitWorks filters, libraries and modification tools

- MCAD <-> ECAD work-flow

I covered "SolidWorks and ECAD" in Episode 140 back about a year ago but this was before SolidWorks acquired Priware and the most current version, 2009.  With the new release the work-flow has improved and turned the focus on making this powerful, bi-directional tool intuitive.  Bringing features like an improved interface, import/export of saved filters, and comparison  has brought CircuitWorks to the next level.  As I has said before, any tool that can allow two design departments to communicate seamlessly is going to bring efficiency to the design process.  Mechanical concerns can impact the electrical system's design just as much as the electrical requirements can, therefore handing off the same design iteratively can address both concerns.

As a side note, SolidWorks has released SolidWorks 2009 service pack 3.0 last week and does come with some great new features for weldments and print scale.  Remember to take a look at the release notes for details as well as the fixed SPR list. ~Lou

Remember to check out the SolidWorks: Heard! Blog and to follow me on Twitter and THE HEaRD!

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