SpaceClaim must be getting old, 'cause there's a new group of developers who want to do MCAD fresher:
We are a small group of mechanical engineers and software developers working on a fesh [sic] approach to how mechanical design is done on a computer. Our backgrounds are firmly planted in the industry, and chances are that you've used products that we helped bring to market or develop; However we are not affiliated with any existing CAD company.
They figure that there're four areas in which current MCAD systems are lacking, and for which MysteryCAD has the solution:
Design
How to get to the 3D model:
- Problem: Modeling parts and assembling them is modeling, not designing.
- Problem: Drafting 2D sketches and then converting to 3D models is an extra step.
- Problem: Higher-level 3D systems are expensive and hard to learn.
Their solution: Our electronic napkin is a core part of our 3D design system.
My comment: Many "start with a napkin" systems have failed in the past, probably because most designers don't start their ideas with napkins. I, for example, work it all out in my head, first.
Recordkeeping
A.k.a. PDM, product data management:
- Problem: PDM systems act like traffic cops.
- Problem: You need to carry out paperwork just to get and save files.
- Problem: PDF for dispersed teams gets complicated.
Their solution: Rename PDM as "recordkeeping," and eliminate file copying, versioning, accidental overwrites, and have no software to install.
My comment: This sounds like the file storage is on the cloud.
Collaboration
- Problem: Mostly the same as above with Recordkeeping.
Their solution: Start collaboration with a button pick, a message, and a couple of notifications.
My comment: Just about any client I work with prefers collaboration by email, even giant book publishing houses. (Sole exception is Bricsys, who want me to use their Vondle system for depositing completed projects.)
Accessibility
Here the new MCAD vendor lists the attributes of their new software:
Their solution: So easy that "anyone who can sketch their idea on a napkin" can use their software after an hour of training. Priced at $50/ month for the professional version, and a free version for everyone else. Runs on "any" desktop computer or mobile device, independent of operating system, no installation or add-ons.
My comment: From the description, MysteryCAD definitely is a Web browser-based MCAD software package. I can't, however, see browser-based MCAD working, because it is just plain too slow.
Source:
www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22F5F75TCH4
{h.t. Matt Lombard}
Updates
The company Web site is www.to3dnow.com. You can give them your email address to get more information when they send it out. {h.t. Deelip Menezes}
On Matt Lombar's DezignStuff blog, the company revealed itself. Jim Foster writes:
I’m responsible for the survey. Some of you might know me from my PDMWorks days and then as a SolidWorks/DS employee after PDMWorks was acquired.
It was not meant to be a mystery; we sent an email to many people asking them to respond to the survey. My name was in the body of the email message, but I neglected to add contact names, etc., to our site or in the body of the survey. Sorry for the confusion.
We’ll be adding more information to our website http://www.to3dnow.com in the next several weeks.
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