TechSoft UK Ltd., Falcon House, Royal Welch Avenue,
Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire, LL18 5TQ
Tel: 01745 535007 ~ Fax: 01745 535008
Introductory tutorials, training sessions or demonstrations are a great way to get started with SolidWorks but, a bit like driving a car, the learning only really gets going when you get behind the wheel. SolidProfessor is a comprehensive series of video files that give students the help and information they need as and when they need it. SolidProfessor includes a SolidWorks Add-In, which means students can watch training videos and get answers directly inside SolidWorks without having to launch another application or waste time searching the web. Most tutorials show how to produce a given model in a given way, but SolidProfessor takes things much further. Like the best teacher, SolidProfessor explains the principles involved, illustrates where errors can occur and clearly demonstrates the most appropriate techniques. Unlike the best teacher (however), Solid Professor is available on the student’s desktop 24 hours a day and can deal simultaneously with any number of diverse learning needs. Lessons are clear, concise and to the point so the time it takes students to get answers is minimised. It really is like having (at least!) one extra member of staff on your team. SolidProfessor covers the full spectrum of SolidWorks skill levels—from beginner to advanced.
SolidProfessor builds SolidWorks skills through understanding as students develop their own projects so is ideally suited to the individual project approach that characterises modern practice in Design Education.
Further information and free trial
Metal working in schools and colleges can be quite a challenge and has become more important with the new emphasis on Engineering for Diploma courses. Our larger CNC milling machines are quite capable of machining suitable alloys, but rapid CNC cutting of steel has remained the preserve of expensive, complex machines that do not easily find a place in the school workshop. Sticking to our philosophy that CAD/CAM has to be an enabling tool, rather than an end in itself, we reckon we have found the answer in PlasmaCUT. Using a high-energy plasma torch at the business-end, PlasmaCUT accepts files from 2D Design in just the same way as any of our other machines, but can then cut-out the design in up to 12mm steel plate. Launched at the 2009 D&T Show, interest in the system has been extraordinary and the first machines have now been installed.
Global print-solution providers Hewlett Packard have entered the Rapid Prototyping field to deliver a neat in-studio 3D printing solution - the HP Designjet 3D, and TechSoft are proud to have been appointed UK educational re-sellers for these ground-breaking machines. Rapid Prototyping using a Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) system in ABS gives the ideal solution for student projects. The process is clean, parts are easy to produce and are strong enough to do a real job. Using the well-proven Dimension/uPrint technology, the HP Designjet 3D has the benefit of HP’s global support network and considerable penetration into the design studio market. This brings economies of scale that have enabled even more attractive pricing and the development of studio-friendly support removal systems. The HP Designjet 3D has a 203 x 152 x 152mm build-envelope which is probably large enough for most individual schools. The HP Designjet Color 3D has a bigger (203 x 203 x 152mm) build-envelope and can build using coloured ABS. It also has options for quicker output and for reducing the amount of support material needed.
The larger build-envelopes of Dimension 3D printers will probably remain first choice for hub-centres, but the HP Designjet 3D brings affordable high quality Rapid Prototyping a step closer to being standard equipment for a modern D&T department.
The new Product Guide 2011-2012 shows the range of machines and equipment that we can now supply. We have supply partnerships with most major manufacturers. Supply is primarily intended for New Builds but not exclusively so, if you need to add a new vacuum former or replace an old bandsaw then please get in touch. We can offer advice and a full installation and commissioning service too.
The MDX-40AE has its origins as a design collaboration between TechSoft and Roland DG to meet the needs of UK education. The original TS-30 machine was an instant success and was pretty soon taken up by Roland for its worldwide commercial markets as the perfect in-studio 2D and 3D modelling machine. Re-named the MDX-40, the machine was enhanced with faster, more powerful drives, a stiffer chassis and the ability to accept a 4th axis and contact scanner. In short, everything a designer could possibly need in a medium duty, low-cost desktop modeller.
Large-scale routing, lasers and even plasma-cutters are fantastic resources, but the MDX-40AE is rightly still the machine of choice for masses of schools in the UK and now Australia and the USA. Roland’s reputation for excellent build-quality, coupled with TechSoft’s software, support and educational expertise, provide an unrivalled package. Alongside its rivals, the MDX-40AE is in a class of its own for performance, versatility and ease of use. Many schools and colleges have found their ideal CNC milling solution to be several MDX-40AE machines rather than a single larger resource.
TechSoft Primary Design is well established as the ideal introduction to ‘proper’ vector-based CAD for Primary Schools, so we set ourselves quite a challenge in making it even better but without making it too complex. Launched at the 2009 D&T Show, 2D Primary keeps all the simplicity of Primary Design but adds in just enough tools from 2D Design V2 to make it the ideal package to fuel creativity for graphic design using photo-images alongside ‘technical’ drawing. Why not download a free demo and see for yourself? If a group of Primary Schools needed a full live demo then why not get in touch?
TechSoft continue to offer a range of courses at various locations throughout the U.K. We mail-shot schools within about an hour of each venue, but do click on the Training tab above to see what is currently on offer. We are keenly aware that getting time-out for CPD (Continued Professional Development) is becoming increasingly difficult for many teachers. Quite a few courses now run in twilight time or even Saturday mornings.
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