SOLID CONCEPTS INTRODUCES DIRECT INTERFACE FOR SOLIDWORKS 98PLUS

New SolidView 3.2 feature enables the direct viewing and measurement of SolidWorks part and assembly data

Palm Springs, CA - February 4, 1999-Solid Concepts Inc. announced today at the 1999 SolidWorks World User Exposition that they are introducing a new direct SolidWorks 98Plus interface for their SolidView 3.2 product.

SolidView is the only integrated 2D and 3D view and markup system that lets users create and distribute free SolidPlayer software that allows anyone with a Windows PC to view 2D and 3D data and, if authorized, measure the 3D data. This unique ability has enabled SolidView customers to save thousands of dollars and countless weeks in development time by reducing or eliminating the need to use 2D drawings to communicate design changes to partners, customers, and suppliers.

"This new interface will make it easier for SolidWorks users, and their product development partners, to share design information and eliminate the use of confusing 2D drawings", said Ray Bradford, Solid Concepts' vice-president of Software Development.

This new interface, which will be distributed free of charge to all existing SolidView customers, will allow SolidView users to directly view .sldprt and .sldasm files from SolidWorks 98Plus. Once the SolidWorks data has been loaded into SolidView, it can be measured, marked up, and communicated to anyone using SolidView's wide array of measurement and communication tools. The new SolidWorks interface was developed with the assistance of SolidWorks through their SolidWorks Partner Program. Solid Concepts has been a SolidWorks Solution Partner since 1996.

In addition to reading SolidWorks files, SolidView reads STL, VRML, 3D DXF, and a wide range of 2D raster and vector formats. Optional modules for IGES and VDA import are also available. Additional direct CAD interface for other popular CAD/CAM systems, such as Pro/Engineer, Catia, and Unigraphics are scheduled for release in the near future.

About Solid Concepts Inc.

Solid Concepts Inc. is a supplier of rapid prototyping and direct digital manufacturing services. Founded in 1991, Solid Concepts is a five-facility, multiple technology company known to be a solutions provider with project management and engineering expertise. Capabilities in Stereolithography (SLA), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Advanced Cast Urethanes, CNC and FRP rapid prototypes and custom manufactured parts allows for low-volume production of plastic, urethane, and metal components directly from design data, resulting in significant time and cost savings. Tooling and Molding capabilities bring customer projects through to completion. ISO 9001 and AS9100 certifications.

• SolidView
  SolidView® software allows you to view, rotate, measure and communicate design intent with non-CAD users—starting with our free 3D CAD viewer—SolidView/Lite.
• SLA & PolyJet
  SLA® & PolyJet™ provide accurate concept models and master patterns in record time. Complete in-house finishing capability for production-like prototypes.
• SLS
  SLS® (selective laser sintering) produces rugged Nylon 11 and Nylon 12 prototype and production parts and is ideally suited for Direct Digital Manufacturing.
• FDM
  FDM (fused deposition modeling) produces both prototype and production parts from ABS plastic, polycarbonate, and Ultem materials.
• CNC
  CNC prototypes, parts and master patterns are ideal in applications where the material property or size requirements make other prototyping techniques unsuitable.
• Cast Urethane
  Cast Urethane (a proprietary advanced casting technology and advanced formula polymers) produce strong pre-production and short-run production components.
• Composites
  Composites (fiber reinforced plastic) technology produces large, rigid, accurate panels with excellent strength-to-weight ratio and surface finish. Chose between CompositeCast™, Hand Lay-up FPR and VARTM.
• Tooling
  Tooling from Solid Concepts provides quick-turn tooling options for Chinese tooling & production, export tooling from China, and domestic tooling, all with domestic project management.
• Molding
  Injection Molding from Solid Concepts brings you the best of both worlds by providing Chinese pricing and lead times along with Solid Concepts quality and domestic project management.