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MCAD Review
CADALYST
A CAD industry leader continues to set the pace.
Unigraphics V1 8 is the core of a diverse array of products and services offered by UGS. Unigraphics' base modeling package provides more than enough modeling power for your needs, whether you produce jet engines or toasters. The optional software modules available from UGS are staggering-for a listing, see our online review at mw.cada".com/reviews. If you need CAM, finite element analysis, large assembly, PDM, industrial design, or rendering capabilities, UGS has something for you (figure 1).
We have all heard the saying, "You get what you pay for." This is just as true for 3D mechanical CAD software as any other tool you buy. As Unigraphics prices have dropped due to pressure from midrange CAD platforms, its breadth and power continue to expand. An example of getting what you pay for is Electronic Data Systems' (parent company of UGS) proposed acquisition of SDRC (Structural Dynamics Research Company). See www.cadalyst.com/news/ for details.
After this merger, EDS will own some of the most flexible and powerful MCAD and CAE technology available. UGS customers include General Motors, Kodak, General Electric, and Pratt & Whitney, and SDRC's include Boeing, Ford, and Samsung. Some serious companies buy and use both software packages. EDS is banking on getting its money's worth-the $950-million deal could make UGS the market leader in MCAD and CAE.
With Unigraphics V18 you definitely get a lot for your money. In CADALYST Labs' review of Unigraphics V 16 (June 2000 issue, p. 36, or www.cadalyst.com/reviews) Steven Weisberg and I covered some of the program's capabilities. However, we quickly ran out of space trying to cover the entire package in detail. This time, I concentrate on the new developments between V16 and V18.
Windows interface
V16 introduced a Windows-compliant interface, and V17 and V18 continue to improve that interface. V18 now offers dialog boxes with some built-in intelligence. Some of the dialog boxes expand and contract automatically as you choose options. This makes life easier because you don't have to wade through a dizzying array of irrelevant possibilities when creating something simple.
Toolbars and icons are now more customizable, further enhancing the Windows look and feel.
Industrial design
Unigraphics Shape Studio ($24,900...