PropellerCode.com

The Solidworks 2009 Beta Release is now available for download through the Solidworks Customer Portal on the Solidworks website. The Beta teasing is scheduled to be shorter this year than for the previous year because Solidworks noticed people lost interest over such a long duration of Beta testing. This year’s program will shrink down from a 15 week period to an 8 week program. The Solidworks 2009 Beta test program is set up so that Solidworks users across a variety of industries can help to make the final build of the Solidworks 2009 software as good as possible when it is finally released. This year the Beta program will be available to everyone via the Solidworks Customer Portal on the Solidworks website instead of the special Solidworks Beta link. Some incentive for being part of the Solidworks 2009 beta test program is that Solidworks gives points for every glitch and bug found in their software. After, Solidworks gives away free stuff to people with a lot of points.

From Email:

Dear valued SolidWorks Customer, Please forward this email to any other interested parties within your company. SolidWorks Corporation is pleased to announce the SolidWorks 2009 Beta Program.This is an important step in our next major release — SolidWorks 2009 and we request your support and participation in Beta.

SolidWorks 2009 is open to all customers with current subscription service. Access to SolidWorks 2009 Beta 1, as well as related information, is available in the download section of the Customer Portal: https://www.solidworks.com/pages/services/downloads.html .

NOTE: To access this hyperlink, you will need your Customer Portal login. If you do not have a Customer Portal login, you may create one by clicking the “to create an account, click here” hyperlink.Or, if you do not have your existing Customer Portal login, you may:

• click the “forgot your password?” hyperlink to have a temporary password created for you
• or you may email: customercenterSR@solidworks.com.

Please note: SolidWorks 2009 Beta 1 does not support the Microsoft® Vista™x64 operating system. This will be supported in SolidWorks 2009 Beta 2 and later releases.

If you have any questions about the Beta Program, please review the Beta Reference page at: https://www.solidworks.com/pages/services/subscription/beta/reference.html (Customer Portal login required)

Regards

SolidWorks Product Management

This is a commercial email to promote the products or services of SolidWorks Corporation.

P.S. We urge you to add info@solidworks.com to your email address book now to avoid the possibility of filtering out important product updates and news! Go here for instructions.

To change the types of communications you receive, or to discontinue receiving email from SolidWorks Corporation, please use this link: http://www.solidworks.com/preferences

SolidWorks Corporation
300 Baker Avenue
Concord
MA, 01742
USA
Tel: 800-693-9000
+1-978-371-5011
Outside the US and Canada
Email: contentcentral2@solidworks.com

——————————————————–

From the Solidworks website:

Beta FAQ’s

---

• Why does SolidWorks have a Beta program?
  • To get your feedback and test drive the new features with your data.
  • Insure the new version performs well with the way your organization uses SolidWorks.

• Why would I participate in a Beta program?

• • Try the next release of SolidWorks.
  • Get feedback on your designs and how they work in the next release.
  • Get cool prizes.
  • Be recognized in the community.
  • Submit issues early during Beta.

• How long does the program and each Beta last?

• • There will be three Beta versions (Beta 1, Beta 2, and Beta 3) and will last 8 weeks.
  • Beta 1 (4 weeks).
  • Beta 2 (2 weeks).
  • Beta 3 (2 weeks).

• Is activation required? How do I find out more information about activation?
  • Yes, SolidWorks 2009 requires activation. For more information, click here.

• If I transfer the license for Beta 2009 to another machine will it affect my SolidWorks 2008 installation?
  • Yes, if you transfer the your Beta 2009 license, you will also transfer the SolidWorks 2008 license as well.

• Who is eligible for Beta?
  • All SolidWorks Customer’s that have an active subscription service contract and a Customer Portal login that is associated with their account are eligible to participate in the SolidWorks 2009 Beta program. Please select the My Products link on the Customer Portal home page for your SolidWorks Serial number.

• Should I install this on a machine running SolidWorks 2008?

• • Yes, during the installation of SolidWorks 2009 Beta you will be asked to install your Common Files (Hole Wizard and Toolbox) in a different file location than your current production Common Files (Hole Wizard and Toolbox). This process above will ensure that you do not update your current production Toolbox accidentally to the SolidWorks 2009 version.

• Should I use Beta for production?

• • No, you should use a copy of your product data for Beta testing. Per the End User License Agreement “EULA” you should not be testing SolidWorks 2009 Beta in your production environment.

• Can I submit an issue to the Beta Forum and still have Beta points applied?
  • No, only issues that are submitted through the customer and VAR portal can have Beta points assigned to them.

• Why are my Beta points not shown on my Beta home page after I have received confirmation from Beta support that I had points assigned to me submitted issue?
  • The My Beta points area of the Beta Home page is not updated until the following business day.

SolidWorks 2009 Beta Contest Term’s and Conditions

---

Terms and Conditions

NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR TO WIN. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

TERM

SolidWorks 2009 Beta (the “Contest”) will begin at 9:01 AM (EST) on June 9th, 2008, and all qualifying entries must be received by 4:59 p.m. (EST) on August 1, 2008 (the “Contest Period”).

ELIGIBILITY

The Contest is open to those who are 18 years of age or older and have a valid subscription service ID at the time of entry. Employees of SolidWorks and their immediate family members, and any persons domiciled with such employees, are not eligible to participate. Void where prohibited or restricted by laws, local and national, regarding contests (e.g., Québec, Brazil).

PRIZES

Once the 2009 Beta program concludes on August 1th 2008, all contestants’ beta points will be tallied. The beta contestants with the highest overall beta points will be awarded the contest prizes per category. Prizes will be awarded as follows:

1 Overall Point Winner: 1st Ribbon Ultimate Gift card valued at $500.00 + Prize Ribbon Treasure Gift card worth $100.00 USD

2nd Ribbon Ultimate Gift card valued at $500.00 USD

3rd Ribbon Ultimate Gift card worth $500.00 USD

4th – 6th Place Prizes Ribbon Elite Gift card worth $300.00 USD

7th – 10th Place Prizes Ribbon Luxury Gift card worth $200.00 USD

11th-20th Place Runner Up Prizes Beta Laptop bag worth $45.00 USD and SolidWorks Tumbler worth $10.00 USD

1 Top Beta Tester in Beta 1 Period: Ribbon Ultimate Gift card valued at $500.00USD

1 Top Beta Tester in Beta 2 Period: Ribbon Ultimate Gift card valued at $500.00USD

Overall Beta Point Winner for a VAR/TTM or Partner:

1st Place Prize: Ribbon Ultimate Gift card valued at $500.00USD

2nd Place Prize Ribbon Elite Gift card worth $400.00 USD

3rd Place Prize Ribbon Luxury Gift Card worth $300.00 USD

4th Place Prize Ribbon Treasure Gift card worth $100.00 USD

5thPlace Prize Ribbon Treasure Gift card worth $100.00 USD

Beta Simulation Contest Prizes:

1st Place Prize Ribbon Elite Gift worth $500.00 USD

2nd Place Prize Ribbon Luxury Gift card worth $400.00 USD,

3rd Place Prize Ribbon Treasure Gift card worth $300.00 USD

SolidWorks reserves the right to substitute prizes with a prize of comparable or greater value in the event the item listed above is not available in the country of origin of the winner. All federal, state, municipal, and local taxes, if any, are the sole responsibility of the individual winner. Winners have the option to refuse acceptance of any prizes won.

PROMOTIONAL PERIOD

The SolidWorks Beta contest will run with the start of SolidWorks 2009 Beta 1 program on June 9th , 2008 at 9:00AM (E.ST). SolidWorks 2009 Beta 1 will conclude on July 04 th, 2008 at 6:00PM (E.ST). SolidWorks Beta 2 program will begin on July 07th, 2008 at 9:00AM (E.ST) and conclude on July 18th ,2008 at 6:00PM (E.ST). SolidWorks Beta 3 will begin on July 21th, 2008 at 9:00AM (E.ST).

This contest will conclude with the SolidWorks 2009 Beta 3 program on August 1th, 2008 at 4:59PM (EST), prior to the public release of the SolidWorks 2009 Pre-Release version. All problem reports submitted prior to the 4:59PM EST closing time will be eligible for points in the contest. In Order to earn Beta points a contestant must submit an issue pertaining to the SolidWorks product and its add-in programs excluding SolidWorks partner products. Once Beta Tech support receives the reported issue we will award points based upon the severity of the issue, and the troubleshooting content that it contains.

Links:

Solidworks Beta Program

Solidworks Website

GoEngineer Solidworks Support

The Solidworks 2009 Beta Release is now available for download through the Solidworks Customer Portal on the Solidworks website. The Beta teasing is scheduled to be shorter this year than for the previous year because Solidworks noticed people lost interest over such a long duration of Beta testing. This year’s program will shrink down from a 15 week period to an 8 week program. The Solidworks 2009 Beta test program is set up so that Solidworks users across a variety of industries can help to make the final build of the Solidworks 2009 software as good as possible when it is finally released. This year the Beta program will be available to everyone via the Solidworks Customer Portal on the Solidworks website instead of the special Solidworks Beta link. Some incentive for being part of the Solidworks 2009 beta test program is that Solidworks gives points for every glitch and bug found in their software. After, Solidworks gives away free stuff to people with a lot of points.

From the Solidworks website:

Beta FAQ’s

---

• Why does SolidWorks have a Beta program?
  • To get your feedback and test drive the new features with your data.
  • Insure the new version performs well with the way your organization uses SolidWorks.

• Why would I participate in a Beta program?

• • Try the next release of SolidWorks.
  • Get feedback on your designs and how they work in the next release.
  • Get cool prizes.
  • Be recognized in the community.
  • Submit issues early during Beta.

• How long does the program and each Beta last?

• • There will be three Beta versions (Beta 1, Beta 2, and Beta 3) and will last 8 weeks.
  • Beta 1 (4 weeks).
  • Beta 2 (2 weeks).
  • Beta 3 (2 weeks).

• Is activation required? How do I find out more information about activation?
  • Yes, SolidWorks 2009 requires activation. For more information, click here.

• If I transfer the license for Beta 2009 to another machine will it affect my SolidWorks 2008 installation?
  • Yes, if you transfer the your Beta 2009 license, you will also transfer the SolidWorks 2008 license as well.

• Who is eligible for Beta?
  • All SolidWorks Customer’s that have an active subscription service contract and a Customer Portal login that is associated with their account are eligible to participate in the SolidWorks 2009 Beta program. Please select the My Products link on the Customer Portal home page for your SolidWorks Serial number.

• Should I install this on a machine running SolidWorks 2008?

• • Yes, during the installation of SolidWorks 2009 Beta you will be asked to install your Common Files (Hole Wizard and Toolbox) in a different file location than your current production Common Files (Hole Wizard and Toolbox). This process above will ensure that you do not update your current production Toolbox accidentally to the SolidWorks 2009 version.

• Should I use Beta for production?

• • No, you should use a copy of your product data for Beta testing. Per the End User License Agreement “EULA” you should not be testing SolidWorks 2009 Beta in your production environment.

• Can I submit an issue to the Beta Forum and still have Beta points applied?
  • No, only issues that are submitted through the customer and VAR portal can have Beta points assigned to them.

• Why are my Beta points not shown on my Beta home page after I have received confirmation from Beta support that I had points assigned to me submitted issue?
  • The My Beta points area of the Beta Home page is not updated until the following business day.

SolidWorks 2009 Beta Contest Term’s and Conditions

---

Terms and Conditions

NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR TO WIN. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

TERM

SolidWorks 2009 Beta (the “Contest”) will begin at 9:01 AM (EST) on June 9th, 2008, and all qualifying entries must be received by 4:59 p.m. (EST) on August 1, 2008 (the “Contest Period”).

ELIGIBILITY

The Contest is open to those who are 18 years of age or older and have a valid subscription service ID at the time of entry. Employees of SolidWorks and their immediate family members, and any persons domiciled with such employees, are not eligible to participate. Void where prohibited or restricted by laws, local and national, regarding contests (e.g., Québec, Brazil).

PRIZES

Once the 2009 Beta program concludes on August 1th 2008, all contestants’ beta points will be tallied. The beta contestants with the highest overall beta points will be awarded the contest prizes per category. Prizes will be awarded as follows:

1 Overall Point Winner: 1st Ribbon Ultimate Gift card valued at $500.00 + Prize Ribbon Treasure Gift card worth $100.00 USD

2nd Ribbon Ultimate Gift card valued at $500.00 USD

3rd Ribbon Ultimate Gift card worth $500.00 USD

4th – 6th Place Prizes Ribbon Elite Gift card worth $300.00 USD

7th – 10th Place Prizes Ribbon Luxury Gift card worth $200.00 USD

11th-20th Place Runner Up Prizes Beta Laptop bag worth $45.00 USD and SolidWorks Tumbler worth $10.00 USD

1 Top Beta Tester in Beta 1 Period: Ribbon Ultimate Gift card valued at $500.00USD

1 Top Beta Tester in Beta 2 Period: Ribbon Ultimate Gift card valued at $500.00USD

Overall Beta Point Winner for a VAR/TTM or Partner:

1st Place Prize: Ribbon Ultimate Gift card valued at $500.00USD

2nd Place Prize Ribbon Elite Gift card worth $400.00 USD

3rd Place Prize Ribbon Luxury Gift Card worth $300.00 USD

4th Place Prize Ribbon Treasure Gift card worth $100.00 USD

5thPlace Prize Ribbon Treasure Gift card worth $100.00 USD

Beta Simulation Contest Prizes:

1st Place Prize Ribbon Elite Gift worth $500.00 USD

2nd Place Prize Ribbon Luxury Gift card worth $400.00 USD,

3rd Place Prize Ribbon Treasure Gift card worth $300.00 USD

SolidWorks reserves the right to substitute prizes with a prize of comparable or greater value in the event the item listed above is not available in the country of origin of the winner. All federal, state, municipal, and local taxes, if any, are the sole responsibility of the individual winner. Winners have the option to refuse acceptance of any prizes won.

PROMOTIONAL PERIOD

The SolidWorks Beta contest will run with the start of SolidWorks 2009 Beta 1 program on June 9th , 2008 at 9:00AM (E.ST). SolidWorks 2009 Beta 1 will conclude on July 04 th, 2008 at 6:00PM (E.ST). SolidWorks Beta 2 program will begin on July 07th, 2008 at 9:00AM (E.ST) and conclude on July 18th ,2008 at 6:00PM (E.ST). SolidWorks Beta 3 will begin on July 21th, 2008 at 9:00AM (E.ST).

This contest will conclude with the SolidWorks 2009 Beta 3 program on August 1th, 2008 at 4:59PM (EST), prior to the public release of the SolidWorks 2009 Pre-Release version. All problem reports submitted prior to the 4:59PM EST closing time will be eligible for points in the contest. In Order to earn Beta points a contestant must submit an issue pertaining to the SolidWorks product and its add-in programs excluding SolidWorks partner products. Once Beta Tech support receives the reported issue we will award points based upon the severity of the issue, and the troubleshooting content that it contains.

Links:

Solidworks Beta Program

Solidworks Website

GoEngineer Solidworks Support

The Solidworks 2009 Beta Release is expected to be released soon. The Beta program for Solidworks 2009 will officially launch in early June 2008. The Beta teasing is scheduled to start later this year than for the previous year because Solidworks noticed people lost interest over such a long duration of Beta testing. This year’s program will shrink down from a 15 week period to an 8 week program. The Solidworks 2009 Beta test program is set up so that Solidworks users across a variety of industries can help to make the final build of the  Solidworks 2009 software as good as possible when it is finally released. This year the Beta program will be available to everyone via the Solidworks Customer Portal on the Solidworks website. (As of the day this was typed the Solidworks 2009 Beta is not yet released for testing) Some incentive for being part of the Solidworks 2009 beta test program is that Solidworks gives points for every glitch and bug found in their software. After, Solidworks gives away free stuff to people with a lot of points. Some of the top contributors to the Solidworks 2009 Beta test program win a free copy of Solidworks! Buying Solidworks yourself can run around $5,000 so it’s a nice prize if you ask me! More information will be released soon.

Links:

Official Solidworks 2009 Beta Information

Solidworks Beta Program

Solidworks Website

GoEngineer Solidworks Support

For those of you like me, there is always a new invention coming to mind, but these ideas usually just end up on paper and stashed somewhere or forgotten. The ideal of rapid prototyping has been around for many years with very expensive machines that could easily cost 100,000 or 200,000 for basic models, but a few years ago there has been much smaller machines that are powder based verses liquid, that cost much less. Typically there is a laser that slowly solidifies a plastic liquid, or powder that fuses together, both of which were still very expensive. However, recent technology has brought rapid prototyping 3D printers to a more realistic level for consumers. The “Fab@Home” printer is the cheapest 3d printer available today. And not only that, you can build it yourself! There are even 3D Solidworks models available online for free. All you have to do is order the parts and send some of the parts to local machine shops to make the parts and then you have you very own personal 3d Printer!

There are different Fab@Home printer models. The different personal fabrication machines come in 2 different models, a single syringe tool or double syringe tools. Currently the Fab@Home printer is limited to printing gel like substances using only a syringe tool, but future models are expected to also fabricate metallic materials. I find it amazing, but the makers of the Fab@Home printer are confident that in the future you will even be able to fabricate your own batteries, using this similar rapid prototyping technology. But by “rapid prototyping” I mean the machine will do most of the work for you and you just plug things in and get a basic rough idea of what a full production model would look like. Typically rapid prototyping is still very slow relatively speaking. Even with the Fab@Home, it could take 8 hours or more to produce something. For the Fab@Home, most of that time is probably because it has to wait for previous layers to dry first. It looks like The Fab@Home creates a much messier finish than much more expensive models of rapid prototyping machines. Personally I think it needs a lot of improvement, but it looks very cool. I’m not sure I believe it yet, but they claim it’s possible in future versions to create a small robot that would walk out of the machine, and possibly self-replicating robots!

The Fab@Home website says the Model 1 design will cost you around $2300 USD before shipping. That includes all the hardware including a USB interface that you can purchase from various vendors they have already found for you. There are also places to buy pre-assembled models if you like. Just check out the link at the bottom.

The Fab@Home Rapid Prototyping 3d Printer

I would love to have a robot arm like that! just think, it would be better than any carnival ride because you could make it do whatever you wanted and add any kind of attachment you wanted. Not only can it build and torch stuff, it also does motion simulation! I think a robot arm would make a great video game chair. It could simulate any kind of a shock or explosion or free-fall you might have.