Uncategorized2014 Emulate3D User Group Meeting (UGM) Review by Laura Gleeson

Image for bannerOur very own Laura Gleeson attended the 2014 Emulate3D User Group Meeting (UGM) in the US earlier this month.

There were some exciting new features for the full range of software which includes Demo3D, Emulate3D and Sim3D.

Here, Laura gives her personal review of the key new features plus 3 user top tips acquired at the conference.

New Features

.raw3d

This is a very interesting way of recording a model as a 3D animation as you can use it to get multiple views of the same model without having to worry about repeatability e.g. if physics is on Volumetric, you don’t need to worry about a load falling over during a video and having to start again. You can also add the animation to an existing model.

WebGL

Can be used to share raw3d files via a website or embed them in your own website.

3D pdf

Another way of sharing layouts easily without losing the 3D effect.

C# Native Scripting

This looks like a great way to increase the run speed for models bottlenecked by unoptimised script substantially. Definitely worth learning, and it does not look too scary, although the syntax is different. A sample model was >30x faster with native scripting compared to the previous JScript.

Demo3D Layout3D Professional

This is a new product that can serve as a simple way of creating layouts, and can also be used to record and look through a model without needing a full Demo3D Professional license. It has the new quick video, which allows you to quickly set up a circular or freehand camera track through the model.

This will be a great product for users wanting to create a fully-3D layout quickly and easily using the standard or company-specific catalogues, and can be used to quickly produce videos for presentations or “show” clients around a layout directly.

NB Models do not run in Layout3D, but Layout3D models can be opened and modified in Demo3D, Sim3D and Emulate3D Controls Testing.

QuickScript – Textual QuickLogic

Compiles to C# rather than JScript. For those that use QLP a fair bit, it will be nice to be able to “write” it more quickly – and easier copy/pasting – just text!

Component Store

A very useful way of getting components that are not really suitable for the QuickStart catalogue, but are still useful e.g. a load distribution slider panel, motor-building catalogue and flight conveyors.

CSG Constructive Solid Geometry and BoxTube visual

A new way of using the primitive shapes to do cut-outs and similar – this would be useful for complicated mezzanines for example. The BoxTube visual is a very robust visual which can do more complicated shapes and cutaways e.g. a doorway.

Hytrol Importer

Cool! You can now import HYCAD (Hytrol’s add-in for AutoCAD) files into Demo3D and it automatically places all of the conveyors from the Hytrol catalogue as well as dieback sensors, load creators etc.

This isn’t just a drawing – it actually pulls in and positions the conveyor visuals. If the conveyor type is not in the catalogue it will use the next closest type.

LAURA’S NEW TOP TIPS FROM THE CONFERENCE!

My new favourite 3 top tips gleamed from the UGM are:

  1. Use a camera with a point light attached to it when making videos – you don’t have to worry about shadows obscuring your view, and you can even turn off the other lights to make rendering POV-Rays faster (idea courtesy of Dematic).
  2. Check the component catalogue – it might just contain what you are needing.
  3. A good way to move through a model for demonstrations or presentations is with an Xbox controller – it is wireless and intuitive to control.

 

Laura would be happy to chat through any of the new features mentioned above in more detail and provide demonstrations where relevant.

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