progeCAD 2022 Milestone AutoCAD Alternative Released on CADDIT.net

 Sydney, Australia 3 January - CADDIT Announces the release of progeCAD 2022 on CADDIT.net for Australia and New Zealand. progeCAD is an advanced general-purpose 2D and 3D CAD package with similar commands to AutoCAD but with perpetual license and lower price. CADDIT has been supporting progeCAD users in the Australia/New Zealand region for almost fifteen years.  Now, after months of thorough testing, the CADDIT team is happy to announce their official release of this milestone product version.

progeCAD 2022 from CADDIT Australia

progeCAD 2022 from CADDIT Australia offers a dramatic feature update over previous versions. 2D Drafting now includes a fully-implemented and hugely improved interface for drawing text and data TABLES, including improved cell support and a full list of FIELD types. Data cell selection now seamlessly brings up a full text editor. DIESEL fields are now properly implemented and real-time spell checking has been added for text. MTEXT likewise has new support for clear and strike-through formatting, as well as better symbol- sub- and super-script support. progeCAD 2022 now offers the much-anticipated SHEET SET MANAGER displays, publishes and manages sheet sets, a named collection of drawing sheets. Each sheet in a Sheet Set is a layout in a drawing (DWG) file.

A new geometry solver improves reliability for almost all drawing commands like Trim, Chamfer, Fillet, Hatch etc. General performance improvements have also been made to FILE open speeds, REGEN, SAVE, AUTOSAVE as well as the end user's experience in OSNAP, LAYOUT and many other commands. General interface improvements have been made to the program's START page, VIEW MANAGER, SETTINGS window, CUI customization dialog and the ARRAY command. Feature GROUP handling is now offered in progeCAD via the new GROUPEDIT command, complete with visualization grips. Several new tools will save estimators time in progeCAD, such as the new TOTALAREA command which gives the sum total of multiple selected closed entities, the new ATTSYNC command which updates attributes for all block instances (useful for updating material lists) or IMPOINT which automates the creation of new points, polylines or splines from coordinates in a text file. TPNAVIGATE has also been added for palette navigation, which can be helpful for users who create or use multiple tool palettes.

New TABLE and FIELD interface for progeCAD 2022

progeCAD 2022 now supports all new Spacemouse and CADmouse models from 3DConnexion. This can be an absolute boon for end users doing a lot of 3D design in progeCAD. 3D Solids now fully support the use of GRIPS for direct editing. a new 3D STEEL library for quick 3D weldment design in progeCAD has also been added.

A free no-obligation thirty-day trial of progeCAD 2022 can be downloaded directly from CADDIT Australia here, even if you have downloaded progeCAD before. Due to the significant improvements made to this software for this version, we need to repeat our usual call for existing users to strongly consider a low cost upgrade to progeCAD 2022 stand-alone, USB or Network licenses. We plan to publish several more in-depth reviews of the important new features in progeCAD 2022. Please contact CADDIT at their Sydney office with any questions.

Mathcad Prime 4.0 Released on CADDIT

Sydney, Australia 08 March 2017 - CADDIT announces the immediate availability of Mathcad Prime 4.0 on the CADDIT.net website. Mathcad is computational software which solves equations written in conventional textbook format, as opposed to obscure expression languages used in spreadsheets. Mathcad is the application of choice for many math-critical industries, such as mining, aerospace, chemical and laboratory research environments. Mathcad updates solutions in real time, and can also be used to visualize datasets in both 2D and 3D plots. Mathcad Prime 4.0 adds several important usability features requested by our users.

PTC Mathcad Prime 4.0 extends access control features to individual worksheet areas. Using the new Area Protection and Locking functionality in PTC Mathcad Prime 4.0, users may select specific areas of a document for password protection, making them unavailable or just read-only for other users while leaving remaining areas fully editable. This feature further protects the integrity of corporate calculations, preventing protected values from unwanted alteration.

PTC Mathcad Prime 4.0 improves document readability with enhanced equation wrapping. Equation wrapping works much like word wrapping does for a text editor. Users can now both insert a wrapped addition, subtraction, multiplication or inline division operator while typing an equation (in other words, they can wrap as they go) or they can go back to existing math and toggle the wrapping on those operators too. Wrapping does not break logic linkage to the next line, and can also be inserted as the equation is typed. Improved support for Microsoft Object Embedding is included. Linked objects can be displayed within the worksheet, and opened for real time editing in the necessary application.

Users with large worksheets will notice several overall performance improvements in Mathcad Prime 4.0. In particular, the Mathcad region display has been re-designed with far greater efficiency, with very noticeable results especially when handling extensive worksheets spanning dozens of pages. Additional improvements have been made for smoother graph editing and other optimizations.

Mathcad 4.0 is available for immediate trial download on the CADDIT website HERE. Current maintenance subscribers should already have access to the new version via their PTC web account. Additional questions about the latest Mathcad 4.0 release can be directed to CADDIT via the Contact Us information HERE.

progeCAD 2017 Released on CADDIT.net

Sydney, Australia  18 May 2016 - CADDIT announces the release of progeCAD 2017 Professional on the website for immediate download. progeCAD is a flexible general-purpose CAD drawing program that is used in a wide range of industries, including architecture and building, fabrication, landscaping, strata management, mechanical design and many more. progeCAD is the long-standing low cost alternative for AutoCAD® and AutoCAD LT® software in Australia. progeCAD 2017 still offers perpetual licenses (no rental, no annual subscription is required) and is tested for compatibility on all major Windows platforms from 7 through Windows 10, both 64-bit and 32-bit versions. 2016 marks the tenth year of progeCAD availability in Australia and New Zealand and the ninth year of their partnership with CADDIT in the region. It is fitting that for such an occasion we offer the most significant release of the program.

progeCAD has long offered low-cost CAD software with the purpose of being as highly compatible with AutoCAD as possible. progeCAD has long offered advanced AutoCAD-like functionality in the areas of 2D and 3D CAD drawing using similar commands, icons and user interface. progeCAD supports all AutoCAD-native file format DWG versions from the newest 2017 version to very old. This year progeCAD will offer a native x64 (64-bit) environment while continuing to support x86 (32-bit) processors as well. Significantly, progeCAD 2017 offers a 1.5x - 3x performance improvement through use of multicore CPU processing as well. CADDIT now offers trial users the choice between 64-bit or 32-bit CAD download versions. All progeCAD 2017 licenses from CADDIT, including single stand-alone, mobile USB and company network licenses, will now conveniently work with either the 32-bit or 64-bit versions.


progeCAD 2017 x64 still offers 32-bit version on CADDIT

progeCAD 2017 offers users other new choices as well. Users can select, on first-time start up of the software, to use either the new ribbon-UI based interface or the legacy toolbar environment. Additionally, progeCAD 2017 now supports the newer AutoCAD® CUI user interface customization format. progeCAD 2017 offers better support for Microstation users with improved .DGN file import and underlay support through use of updated libraries. progeCAD also works with more AutoCAD® applications by introducing support for Civil3D, ADT and MDT extension formats. 3D scanner point cloud data is also now directly supported in progeCAD for either the Autodesk .PCG format or the Ambercore .ISD format. Other scan formats such as LIDAR and XYZ can possibly be converted to .PCG by downloading the Autodesk ReCap 360 tool. Updated programming interfaces for developers now includes a supported .NET API.

As Mr. Damiano Croci, COO at ProgeSOFT SA, commented: “We are taking progeCAD to the next level making it native 64-bit and giving it a fresh Ribbon-look, not forgetting improved performance with multi core computers support. The main ProgeSOFT’s focus is to provide good value for money and progeCAD 2017 Professional is a shining example of that. ProgeSOFT will continue to improve the CAD application based on the demand the company receives globally”.

Current iCARE subscribers and those participating in our recent free upgrade promotion will begin to receive their progeCAD 2017 serial codes in the next several days. Users of previous versions of progeCAD can order the appropriate upgrade for them from the CADDIT progeCAD upgrade price list. There is much more to be said about the new progeCAD 2017 release, including dozens of other new commands, variables and improved functions (such as the 3D rendering) which can be explored by downloading the software for a free 30 day trial from CADDIT. We are very excited about this release and hope that many users will benefit form the hard work invested in this version of progeCAD. Any questions about general features of progeCAD can be directed to CADDIT via the CONTACT US page HERE.

progeCAD 2013 Released - AutoCAD 2013 & Windows 8 Support

Sydney, Australia 30 October 2012 - The long awaited progeCAD 2013 has been released on the CADDIT.net website. Since 2006 progeCAD has offered high-quality CAD software with distinctive AutoCAD-like features - like native AutoCAD DWG read/write (no conversion) and similar commands and toolbars. Engineers, architects, surveyors, builders, landscape designers, manufacturers and other hobbyists and professionals alike prefer progeCAD as the affordable AutoCAD alternative. progeCAD 2013 is a major new release, and the first version to include IntelliCAD 7 source code into its product.

progeCAD pricing will continue at the low $400+ level (as opposed to AutoCAD's full $6000 license cost plus Autodesk maintenance subscription, etc). progeCAD 2013 continues to offer features used in previous versions, like DWG-to-PDF and PDF-to-CAD support, the free EasyArch add-on for architectural drawing, 3D solids and rendering, advanced hatching, text and dimensioning commands, thousands of free symbols and more. progeCAD 2013 also adds new features including:

PC3 plotter configuration file support

New Print Style Manager Interface

New Printing / Plotting Interface

AEC visualization (AutoCAD Architectural Desktop objects)

STL (mesh) and DAE file export

New Dimension Style Manager Interface

Advanced Spline Editing

New wireframe "HELIX" command

New ACIS Solid "LOFT" command

CAD Underlays of PDF, DWF and DGN files

Microstation DGN File Import (selected versions, as underlay)

New LMAN (Layer Manager)

Improved Purge command

Multigrip editing

New overall GUI style

Windows 8 Support

AutoCAD DWG 2013 file format support

AutoCAD and progeCAD users alike are invited to download progeCAD 2013 free at: http://www.caddit.net/progecad/progecad.php

This is a free full version 30 day trial which will allow you to save, print, etc and experience the cost savings benefit of CADDIT progeCAD for yourself. progeCAD 2013 licenses will be available as progeCAD single, mobile USB, network NLM, academic and corporate solutions.

Please contact CADDIT International for more information about progeCAD HERE: http://www.caddit.net/store/index.php?main_page=contact_us

For technical questions and user experiences about progeCAD, visit our forum HERE:
http://www.caddit.net/forum/viewforum.php?f=3

Press Release: The Open Design Alliance (ODA) today announced the availability of a new enhancement request system

Phoenix, AZ, October 26, 2009 – The Open Design Alliance (ODA) today announced the availability of a new enhancement request system designed to improve communication between ODA Sustaining and Founding Members and ODA development.

As a member-driven organization, the ODA has consistently delivered technology that stems directly from the focus set by members through long-term development relationships and close communication. The newly implemented enhancement request system further strengthens the role of members within the organization by enabling them to enter and vote on new requests for ODA platform components, enhancements, and features. Members will also be able to collaborate on requests with each other and with ODA development.

ODA Chief Technical Officer Neil Peterson stated, “The ODA has experienced tremendous growth in recent years. As the size of our organization and the sophistication of our platform increases, we need to adopt infrastructure tools which are better suited to handling the increased communication load. The new enhancement request system will play a key role in future growth by providing an organized framework for expressing and prioritizing new ideas and development goals. It’s a strong addition to the membership infrastructure of the ODA.”

More information about the ODA and its members is available at http://www.opendesign.com/.

Autodesk Mergers Continue; Buys Algor FEA

When I posted several days ago that economic downturn was a good time to invest in new technology, I didn't exactly have serial corporate takeovers in mind. Despite its fallen share price, Autodesk continues its series of acquisitions with its takeover of Algor. In business since 1974, ALGOR, Inc. is a long-standing provider of finite element analysis software.

It was announced on Tenlinks today that Autodesk is to buy Algor "for approximately $34 million". Similar announcements have been made on Yahoo Biz and Reuters.

According to the announcement in Reuters, "Upon completion of the acquisition, Autodesk's current intent is to integrate ALGOR into its Manufacturing Solutions business unit and to continue developing and selling ALGOR's core product line. Autodesk plans to continue developing the ALGOR products with an open approach, allowing direct data exchange between ALGOR products and multiple computer aided design software offerings."

Algor currently integrates their base static stress FEA "Designcheck" solution with several CAD CAM industry solutions, including Rhino, Cadkey, SolidWorks and Autodesk Mechanical Desktop. Several of Algor's strategic business partners were not anticipating the Autodesk takeover.

IntelliCAD 7 Release Announced by ITC at Athens Conference

October 29, 2008 Athens, Greece - Today the IntelliCAD Technology Consortium (ITC) announced the release of IntelliCAD 7 to its members in Athens, Greece. The IntelliCAD 7 code base has been rewritten from the ground up to include objectARX-DRX compatibility, faster graphics and better maintenance. Apparently the goal is to start having end-user releases shipped to the public by June or July 2009.

The rewrite of the original IntelliCAD code base has been long in coming. Stability and speed issues have plagued some of the vendor releases. Additional support for ODA DRX will also mean more vertical applications for architecture, electrical, HVAC, land survey and engineering. An additional tool for porting legacy SDS applications to DRX was announced by the ODA just prior to the ITC conference.

For a while now the new IntelliCAD 7 code base will still need to run through an end-user testing cycle before it can be considered by many to be robust for commercial use.

Users can download and trial a current tested end-user release of IntelliCAD here.

CADDIT is a professional CAD and CAM software consulting company based in Sydney Australia. The full version of this article can be found here.

Will Autodesk Moldflow Merger Help Plastic Simulation Software Users?

On June 25 2008 Autodesk, Inc.(Nasdaq: ADSK) completed its acquisition of Moldflow Corporation, partly made possible by means of "Autodesk's existing revolving credit facility with Citibank N.A." What the press release didn't mention was the removal of several directors from the Moldflow board. Not Autodesk's. Of course not. And now I am guessing that "merger" is the psychologically-correct way of saying "takeover"... a way that doesn't make end users want to run away quite so fast. Like the "merger" of Cimmatron and GibbsCAM, right?

Autodesk mentions a "Safe Harbour" statement as part of their press release concerning "the impact of the acquisition on Autodesk's earnings per share, business performance and product offerings; Autodesk's commitments to Moldflow customers; and the impact of the combined product capabilities." One always wonders if and how the working class end user will benefit. On one positive side, it could result in some free version release similar to Maya. No doubt Inventor will enjoy enhanced integration, but will other platform users (i.e. SolidWorks) continue to enjoy the same benefit?