IMSI/Design has had pdf2CAD for Windows for a bit longer but now the company’s product is made for Mac as well. The software tool converts engineered drawings saved in Adobe PDF format into DXF files which can be opened and edited using numerous CAD tools, including the company’s own TurboCAD and its popular new TurboViewer mobile applications for Apple iOS devices.

The software can also convert to HPGL format, directly from PDF. It supports batch processing to convert multiple files at once. The software concatenates characters to form editable words and lines of text and it maps fonts. Price is usually 199.USD. To learn more visit here.

KeyShot updated to 3.1

Luxion has updated KeyShot to version 3.1. Version 3.1 features an all-new rendering and animation set of options. This release introduces a patent-pending animation system, plus a revamped user-interface and over 600 plus materials. It also supports network rendering and new compatibility with 3DConnexion 3D mice.

01 - KeyShot 3.1 now supports a next-generation support for metallic paint textures where the user can control the dispersement of individual metallic flakes. (image courtesy of Luxion.)

With version 3.1 there is a next-generation of metallic paint support that contains visible metallic flakes, whose distribution can be individually controlled. This and many new features round out version 3.1. Learn more here.

Event: Bonzai 3D Organic Modeling Webinar

AutoDesSys will host tomorrow (16 February 2012) a Bonzai 3D webinar focused on organic modeling. The event takes place online at 1:00pm EST and last one hour. You can learn more and register here.

AutoDesSys will be hosting a Bonzai 3D webinar today at 1pm-2pm EST. The free webinar is an introduction to the SketchUp competitor, a conceptual modeling tool with a Class-A NURBS modeling engine and the power of formZ’s legendary modeling capabilities, packaged into an easy-to-use conceptual tool.

Like formZ, Bonzai 3D has the ability to plug into the power of AutoDesSys’ RenderZone rendering software for photo-realistic imagery making. To register for this seminar go here now. To view previous webinars online, on-demand, go here.

Vectorworks News

Nemetschek Vectorworks, Inc., has some good news on its global CAD/BIM product line. For starters Vectorworks 2012 is now available in Japan through its Tokyo-based distributor, A&A Co. Ltd.. You can learn more about that here.

There is also some news about Vectorworks-based design firms winning awards, as in Lukas Schweingruber und Rainer Zulauf from Schweingruber Zulauf Landschaftsarchitekten.

For French-based architects and designers CESYAM is launching a Vectorworks 2012 Tour Across France.

No Autodesk Vista Support

In a surprising twist Autodesk is ending formal support for Microsoft Vista operating system-based computers with its new and currently shipping versions of its software. The new policy goes into affect January 1, 2012.

Autodesk will continue to support Microsoft Windows XP operating systems. Based on the company’s research there are a large amount of customers currently utilizing XP-based systems, while the same research reveals little reason for support of Vista. The company reports that most Vista customers have migrated up to Windows 7.

More information on this topic can be found here.

The Vectorworks folks have been a bit more quiet than usual these past few months but their latest newsletter showcases some interesting news tidbits. First off, celebrated architect, Daniel Libeskind is noted for his affect on inspiring the next generation of architects.

Studio Daniel Libeskind has offices in Zurich, Switzerland and New York City. The architectural studio has been using Vectorworks Architect for many years now as their primary design and construction documentation software tool. You can read the full profile here.

In other Nemetschek news, Vectorworks author, Janis Kent, AIA, CASp, has a new book titled, “Stepping Thru Accessible Details: A Compilation from the 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act and the California Building Code for Commercial Projects.” Architects may want to check into this invaluable aid for accessibility design.

Bonzai 3D Webinar Today!

AutoDesSys has a free bonzai 3d webinar today that showcases the modeler with the use of the Maxwell Render. The MaxwellZ plugin brings Next Limit’s superb photo-realistic rendering software technology to bonzai 3D.

01 - MaxwellZ plugin for bonzai 3d brings the power of Next Limit's amazing rendering engine to the very powerful and easy to use bonzai 3D modeling program.

This webinar starts at 1pm, July 26, 2011 and runs for 1 hour. To register go here.

FastTrack Schedule Compatible with OS X Lion

AEC Software has announced that FastTrack Schedule has passed compatibility tests with Apple’s new big cat, Mac OS X Lion (10.7). FastTrack Schedule 9.1 and higher will run on Lion. There is a blog post here about it.

Autodesk has announced that their first ever AutoCAD for Mac Facecast was so successful, the AutoCAD for Mac team has decided to do it again. On Wednesday, May 18 (today) the AutoCAD for Mac Team will host the second Facecast, a live streaming webcast within the AutoCAD for Facebook page.

The event takes place at 12:00 noon, EDT. To learn more and RSVP for the free webcast go here.

Rform at Canadian OAA Conference

The folks at Rform will be at the OAA Conference in Toronto this week and then at the RAIC/AIBC Conference in Vancouver the week after. Those interested in their easy-to-use but powerful Web-based software for construction documents and administration phases of the architectural process should stop by. They will have a booth/table at both events. Official links to each event are above.

Bonzai 3D Events

Auto-des-sys, Inc., will be presenting two late May webinars starting May 18, 2011. Rendering with RenderZone, May 18, 2011, at 3:00-4:00 EDT will help participants learn now to utilize RenderZone rendering software with both bonzai 3D and formZ. You can learn more and register for this event here.

On May 26, 2011, there will be an introduction webinar to bonzai 3D. Hear Matthew Holewinski from AutoDesSys demonstrate and explain how bonzai 3D is used to accelerate the 3D design process. That event is at 10:00am – 11:00am EDT. You can learn more and register here.

Rendering with RenderZone — You can join a webinar on April 14, 2011, at 10 – 11am EDT to learn about how to add photo-realistic rendering to your AutoDesSys bonzai 3D or formZ modeling projects. RenderZone is  the rendering engine of choice when you need full raytracing rendering. Led by trainer Matthew Holewinski of AutoDesSys you will:

• Learn about raytracing using RenderZone
• Learn how to use Sketch rendering
• Learn to easily create and apply materials to objects
• Learn techniques for applying multiple materials to the same surface
• Learn procedures to add simple but realistic lighting to your scene
• Learn how to add global illumination to your scene

To learn more and register for this webinar visit here.

Vectorworks Training – Multi-City Locations

Vectorworks classroom training is coming to various cities in the US throughout the year (2011). These courses equip you with what you need to enhance your design skills using Vectorworks. Accredited professionals can also earn CE (continuing education) credits.

• Apr 19-22 — San Francisco: Core/intermediate
• May 3-6 — New York: Core/intermediate
• May 16-19 — Columbia: Core/intermediate
• Jul 11-14 — Columbia: Core/intermediate
• Aug 22-25 — Columbia: Core/intermediate
• Sep 13-16 — Los Angeles: Core/intermediate
• Nov 8-11 — San Francisco: Core/intermediate
• Nov 15-18 — Boston: Core/intermediate
• Dec 5-8 — Columbia: Core/intermediate

Click on a link in the event above to sign up. For other Vectorworks learning resources, such as guides, visit this page.

With the new Maxwell Render plugin bonzai 3d users can enjoy the performance of the Maxwell Render rendering engine directly inside their modeling platform. Users can convert materials between the two programs as well as view Maxwell materials directly inside of bonzai 3D.

“We are excited to see this connection between Maxwell Render and bonzai 3D,” says Juan Canada, Lead Developer of Maxwell Render. “The integration is exceptional and it will offer bonzai 3D users an opportunity to produce the best quality images with Maxwell Render.”

“We are very pleased with the release of Maxwell Render plugin for bonzai 3D, as it will add some great advanced rendering capabilities to the refreshingly easy to use modeling flow of the program,” says Alexandra Yessios, VP of Sales and Marketing at AutoDesSys, Inc. “You can create imaginative forms smoothly and effortlessly and then render them with all the global illumination effects that so successfully compete with reality.”

The Maxwell Render plugin adds five new light types for illuminating your scene, including Maxwell’s Physical Sky, IES for manufacturer-accurate lighting, and a parametric ’soft box’ which works just like its photographic counterpart. These light types help you leverage Maxwell Render’s legendary Multilight feature.

To learn more and download the program and plugin go here.

The first webinar on Bonzai 3D is on 27 Jan 2011 at 12:00pm – 1:00pm EDT and is focused on a project called the Valencia Opera House. John Alexander is the host and will walk attendees through an exploratory recreation of the “Palau de la Arts” in Valencia, Spain, otherwise known as the Opera House by Santiago Calatrava.

01 - Valencia Opera House, modeled in Bonzai 3D.

This project was modeled in Bonzai 3D and Alexander will demonstrate its modeling and alternative variations on its form utilizing Bonzai 3D’s powerful NURBS modeling tools. To register for this event click here.

Next week on 2 Feb 2011, at 12:00pm – 1:00pm EDT, Matthew Holewinski from AutoDesSys will conduct a webinar on RenderZone for Bonzai 3D and formZ. RenderZone is the company’s full raytracing render software and enables photorealistic image creation. To register for this event click here.

On Dec 14 and Dec 15, 2010, there will be a two-day, hands-on training course on Core Concepts for the new Vectorworks 2011 software. The class is designed for individuals who wish to incorporate best practices into their design and documentation workflow while experiencing the Vectorworks application’s full range of capabilities.

The specific location in Boston has not been determined, but the fee for the course is 599.USD. To register click here.

On Dec 16 and Dec 17, there will be a two-day, hands-on course on Intermediate Concepts for Vectorworks 2011. This is a more advanced class. You can take both classes for 999.USD or either of the two for the price specified above. To register click here.

Rendering with RenderZone for Bonzai 3D and formZ

On October 28, 2010, AutoDesSys will be offering an online Webinar on rendering with RenderZone for both Bonzai 3D and formZ software by AutoDesSys. Matthew Holewinski from AutoDesSys will demonstrate the power of photo-realistic rendering using RenderZone software from AutoDesSys to extend the power of the company’s two leading modeling and animation programs, Bonzai 3D and formZ.

You can learn more and register here.

AutoDesSys, which has recently updated Bonzai 3D, has announced a Bonzai 3D Introduction Webinar for October 14, 2010. Matthew Holewinski from AutoDesSys will demonstrate how to use Bonzai 3D to accelerate the 3D design process using its intuitive interface and flexible modeling tools.

The event takes place on Oct 14, 2010, at 12pm -1pm EST. You can register here.

ArchiCAD Webinar on Oct 22

ArchiCAD 14: Open Design Collaboration is the title of a webinar on using the latest BIM technology from Graphisoft. The event will focus on how the architect can collaborate more affectively with his consultants and overall team using ArchiCAD 14’s collaboration technologies like IFC technology and the BIM server. As noted:

• Unprecedented Coordination – ArchiCAD 14 turns IFC technology into full-fledged workflow solutions, enabling collaboration with engineers, regardless of their discipline or preferred software
• Real Time Collaboration with Graphisoft BIM Server – enables the entire team, regardless of geo-location, to work simultaneously on the project model
• Full Control – there is a parallel process of design and documentation built into the ArchiCAD 14 workflow

To register for this event go here.

Other ArchiCAD News

Graphisoft has announced that the Spanish version of ArchiCAD 14 is now available. Earlier this month the company also announced that the Portugese version of ArchiCAD 14 was also released. To learn more about the latter visit this link. To learn more about the Spanish version of ArchiCAD 14 go here.

Bonzai 3D 2.2. – New Items

Bonzai 3D 2.2 is now available in French and Czech (as well as previously available in German, Spanish, Italian, Korean, Japanese and English). Floating licenses are now supported on networks. This allows for the software to be installed on a number of machines and simultaneous use is allowed up to the number of licenses purchased.

Also is is an included Abvent Artlantis filter for those who are rendering their Bonzai 3D models in Artlantis. Disappointingly, Google has changed its licensing and technical requirements regarding its Google 3D Warehouse and Google Earth and direct access to both from Bonzai 3D 2.2 is no longer supported. The fundamental capabilities of connection still exist they just require an extra step or two, says the company. The Add Component from 3D Warehouse button has been replaced by a new Import Component button.

You can still import images from Google Earth into Bonzai 3D 2.2 and AutoDesSys has produced a set of instructions. To learn more about version 2.2 or to obtain a license or demo visit: http://www.formz.com/products/bonzai3d.html

Holewinski will explain how bonzai 3D is used to accelerate the 3D design process with its intuitive interface, flexible modeling tools and extensive visualization capabilities.

In this webinar you will also learn how bonzai 3D can be used further down the production pipeline with worry-free geometry. This webinar will give you the insight into why bonzai 3D is fast becoming the 3D modeler of choice in all design disciplines.

Date, Time, Registration

The seminar on the Web is free and is on Thur, June 17, 2010 at 12:00pm – 1:00pm EST (GMT – 4hrs). To register visit this link.

AutoDesSys will be at the American Institute of Architects National Convention next month, June 10-12, in booth #2375. The company has recently updated Bonzai 3D to version 2.1 which includes an updated SketchUp 7 importer/exporter. Additionally, the famous developer of formZ has also introduced OpenClip technology for PowerCADD users who use formZ and Bonzai 3D. You can read that full report here.

Nvidia PhysX and CUDA News

The new Autodesk Softimage 2011 product includes the integration of two key Nvidia technologies: Nvidia PhysX and Nvidia CUDA. Recently Architosh reported on the first CUDA-based rendering GPU-driven ray tracer engine. CUDA is similar to OpenCL utilizing language that takes advantage of computational resources on graphics processing units (GPUs). The latest Softimage 2011 enables real-time simulations using Nvidia PhysX, a powerful physics application programming interface (API) or “engine” accelerated by Nvidia’s Quadro graphics cards.

T-Splines updated to version 2.3

T-Splines for Rhino 2.3 has been released this month. T-Splines for Rhino 2.3 features integration with two other products based on the Rhino platform, Grasshopper and Orca3D. Users of Grasshopper, a generative modeling program based on Rhino, can use free-form T-Spline shapes as the basis of Grasshopper-generated models. Similar integration with Orca3D, a marine architecture oriented plugin for Rhino means that naval architects can cut sections through T-Spline hulls.

“T-Splines is of the greatest value to the busiest designers, because it allows them to iterate more quickly between designs and converge on the desired shape,” said Matt Sederberg, CEO of T-Splines. To learn more visit them online here.

OpenClip

The ability to copy and paste 2D vector drawing data into 3D programs has always been difficult and required extra time, planning and sometimes work-arounds. Now with the new OpenClip technology plugin you can actually copy and paste precision vector objects from one program to another.

OpenClip technology enables seamless copy and paste of 2D vectorial data from PowerCADD on the Mac to formZ or bonzai 3D. Once inside these program you can execute a simple extrude function to generate 3D walls.

The OpenClip plugin is free and available for those who are on the Mac platform and use PowerCADD 8 and either formZ 6.7 or bonzai 3D 2.0.

To try this feature out if you do not have bonzai 3D or formZ simply download a trial of bonzai 3D here.

bonzai 3D 2.0 is the most formidable challenger to Google’s SketchUp and is based on a class-A NURBS engine and formZ technology. In the webinar you will learn how robust models created with bonzai 3D can be used further down the production pipeline with worry free geometry. The webinar will feature:

• quick overview of bonzai 3d
• overview of the intuitive interface and how it speeds up modeling processes
• the advantages of true solids modeling
• the benefits of NURBS modeling
• a sample project and workflow
• ways bonzai 3D plays well with other applications
• how to make components like doors and windows
• extensive visualization features including photo-realistic rendering with Global Illumination using the Renderzone plugin from AutoDesSys

Space is limited so hurry to register for this free bonzai 3D webinar. Click here.

To learn more about bonzai 3D go here.

New Items in formZ 6.7

Version 6.7 brings general improvements throughout the program. At the top of the list are updates to AutoCAD 2010 DWG and DXF file support and a new version of Spatial’s ACIS modeling geometry kernel which includes support for SAT r19 files.

All users of the Family Plan will receive formZ 6.7 on DVD automatically. The company expects to start sending these updates out by the end of the week. Non-Family Plan members who are current can update for a minimum fee by ordering directly through the AutoDesSys portal.

Bonzai 3D News – More Langauges

AutoDesSys would also like to inform users that bonzai 3D has now bee localized for Italian, German, Spanish, Korean, Chinese and Japanes.

To learn more visit AutoDesSys online here http://www.formz.com/

bonzai 3D 2.0 is available for Mac and Windows and there is a free trial version available for download that gives you 30-days of use. This includes self-teaching video tutorials that making learning bonzai 3D very easy.

AutoDesSys has taken a unique approach with bonzai 3D compared to their direct “sketch modeling” competitor, Google. Rather than simply produce a simple to use but powerful modeler, the company has created an optional photo-realistic rendering plugin from their RenderZone technology found in big sister application formZ. A trial version of this plugin is also available and the cost is 399.USD.

For more information visit the bonzai 3D website here.http://www.bonzai3d.com/

Bonzai 3D New Capabilities

New in version 2.0 of Bonzai 3D is dimensions, advanced NURBS modeling tools (it already had basic NURBS in version 1), a new walkthrough tool, and clipping planes (for real-time sections), to name of a few of the new features. A summary of all the new features can be found here.

Bonzai 3D is a direct competitor of Google’s SketchUp and like that program features an easy-to-use push and pull interface. However, Bonzai 3D is related to formZ and like that program has true water-tight NURBS and solid-modeling capabilities.

Renderings

You can now make stunning renderings from your Bonzai 3D models with the new RenderZone Plugin for Bonzai. This optional software is related to AutoDesSys’s formZ rendering technology and can add photo-realistic rendering capability to this sketch modeler. The RenderZone renderer provides the ultimate in photorealistic rendering with Global Illumination based on Final Gather, Ambient Occlusion, and Radiosity, for advanced simulation of lighting effects and rendering techniques. A trial version of the plugin is included with the bonzai3d 2.0 download.

To obtain the plugin you can contact your local dealer or AutoDesSys directly at: sales@bonzai3d.com or go to:

http://www.bonzai3d.com/bonzai3d_purchaseN.html

Pricing is 399.USD. Non-US pricing varies, refer to your local dealer. The RenderZone Plugin is included in the annual student edition.

Free Update Download

To download your free update to Bonzai 3D go here:

http://www.bonzai3d.com/bonzai3d_update.html

New in Bonzai 3D 2 beta 2

There are several new features in this latest beta 2 release. Here is a list summary:

• Multiple object parameters in the Parameters tab of the Tool Options palette are available
• Content groups are now embedded into project files
• Content groups can now be edited directly in the project
• Groups can now be edited
• Objects can easily be isolated when working in complex models
• NURBS curve and surface tools have been enhanced
• Control over the color of object edges has been added

Bonzai 3D 2 beta 2 offers 3D dimensions, 3D clipping planes (non-destructive sectioning), a Walk-through tool, new NURBS tools for blending, merging, and extending curves and surfaces, overhauled printing, adjustable size of tool icons, improved view navigation workflow and more.

There are also new features in the RenderZone beta 2 plugin for bonzai 3D. There is new decal support, baked textures, partial area rendering and Sketch rendering.

The RenderZone plugin offers photorealistic rendering including global illumination and ambient occlusion. It is compatible with formZ RenderZone Plus and allows the smooth transfer of rendering information between two applications. Bonzai 3D 2 beta 2 includes a watermarked version of the RenderZone plugin.

To learn more visit them here online: http://www.bonzai3d.com/bonzai3d_homeN.html

If you are a current Bonzai 3d user simply download bonzai 3d 2.0 and install it using your current license number. To download it go to:

http://www.bonzai3d.com/bonzai3d_getBeta2.0.html 

The Bonzai 3d 2.0 beta includes a watermarked version of the RenderZone plugin. If you are interested in serious testing and feedback of the RenderZone plugin, please send an email to renderzonebeta@bonzai3d.com and we will provide a license code to remove the watermark and resolution restrictions. 

Current users of RenderZone as well as other rendering experts are also invited to participate in testing the new RenderZone plugin for bonzai 3d. Please contact AutoDesSys at the email just given if you fall into this category.

The contest is co-sponsored by Shapeways, which is a 3D co-creation community. 

The Prizes

First prize is $300 3D print of your model and formZ RenderZone Plus, a prize valued at $1800.  Second prize is a $200 3D print of your model and bonzai 3D, a prize valued at $700. Third prize is a $100 3D print of your model and a bonzai 3D T-shirt. 

The Rules

All models must be created with bonzai 3D and tagged b3d. If you don’t have bonzai 3D you can download the free trial version here and create away. 

For the 3D printing part you can prepare your model by following these instructions here. You need to upload your models at: http://www.shapeways.com/register

All models will be visible in the gallery here. Executives from both companies will form a jury to decide the winners. All winners will be announced on September 30, 2009.