Autodesk Inventor

[#1]

this method would also have the added benefit of accurate representation on
hidden line IDW, but the drawback is that you cannot use mass properties to
automatically calculate weight or CoG...

Using transparent texture on a material with appropriate density allows us
to get good approximation for weight calculations, but the drawback is
requires manual hatching of non-shaded views in IDW.

Ideally, there would be a way to project transparent texture "edges" onto a
sketch or drawing view, but I don't think this is possible now or in the
future...

[#2]

It sounds like "shared" projects might help. That is what we used in the past for multi-user projects. Each user checks out/in certain files from within IV (IV only sets a flag similar to Excel). All the users are working with the same networked files, and workgroups under the same/similar projects. The users don't have local copies, and only one person can work on a file at a time, but any one can view it. if someone is sick for a day and left their work checkout out to them IV also included a steal checkout option, which is very nice. CBliss also has a check in/out utility called "unreserve" to clean things up if needed.

Pete.

[#3]

Now, build it from that fancy picture...what's the point?

[#4]

Ummm... marketing of your company and services. Toss a fully annoted 2D
layout at a less technical buyer or show them a nice rendering to help them
understand your design. Which will be more effective?

wrote in message news:5594535@discussion.autodesk.com...
Now, build it from that fancy picture...what's the point?