Online library imports components into CAD

Feb. 1, 2004
Traditionally, engineers who needed to add information concerning an optomechanical component into a computer-aided-design (CAD) program have had to look at mechanical drawings, at plan drawings in the catalog or on the web, or actually have a physical part in front of them...

Traditionally, engineers who needed to add information concerning an optomechanical component into a computer-aided-design (CAD) program have had to look at mechanical drawings, at plan drawings in the catalog or on the web, or actually have a physical part in front of them so that they could measure it, take it apart, and measure again for internal part dimensions. They would then have to enter the data into their CAD program as if they were designing the piece from scratch. This approach has begun to change, however.

Click here to enlarge image

In December, Newport (Irvine, CA) announced online access to a library of two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) CAD models for its optomechanical components and certain motorized and manual positioning stages. Consequently, users are now able to download files representing more than 900 different positioners, mounts, and other optomechanical products from the company's web site and then use them directly in virtually all popular CAD, computer-aided-engineering, and solid-modeling programs, according to David Rossi, Newport marketing director, who described the online library as a first in the photonics industry. An online viewer allows users to examine rendered 3-D models through their browsers and to rotate, zoom, and pan using mouse movements.1

In addition to providing exact component dimensions directly into a design program, the online library also includes dimensions for all internal components. For instance, if a library user zooms in past the surface of a translation stage, the user would find himself virtually inside the component, looking at bearings and other internal workings.

Rossi noted that the large number of downloads that have already occurred indicates that the service is filling a strong need in the mechanical-design community.

REFERENCE

  1. www.newport.com/store/3d/.

Sponsored Recommendations

Manufacturing thin films with tailor-made electronic properties

Dec. 5, 2023
Unlock the future of optoelectronics as researchers at Leibniz IPHT in Jena, Germany unveil an innovative technique for precision deposition of thin organic semiconductor films...

Quantitative Microscopy with Deep Learning

Dec. 5, 2023
Explore the untapped potential of deep learning in video microscopy with our cutting-edge software, DeepTrack 2.2. Overcoming the steep learning curve, this innovative application...

Stimulated Brillouin scattering enhances CMOS chip for microwave signal processing

Dec. 5, 2023
University of Sydney Nano Institute researchers are pioneering photonic silicon chips and helping spur growth in Australia’s semiconductor industry.

Current Trends in Laser Absorption Spectroscopy: More than Just Beer's Law

Dec. 5, 2023
Dive into the cutting-edge world of absorption spectroscopy in our upcoming webinar, exploring groundbreaking techniques such as cavity ringdown spectroscopy, photoacoustic spectroscopy...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Laser Focus World, create an account today!