ANNUAL CONFERENCE FOR MECHANICAL DESIGNERS USING AUTOCAD ADDS 3D
COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN CERTIFICATION

Second Annual MechanCAD Conference Features Comprehensive Program For CAD
Users At All Levels

San Francisco -- Increased computing power and advanced software
applications are dramatically changing the way mechanical designers and
engineers develop new products. MechanCAD, the AutoCAD Mechanical Design
Conference, running from April 29 - May 1, 1996 at the Fairmont Hotel in
Dallas, Texas, will help attendees learn to use "next generation"
technology to deliver new productivity in the workplace. 

For the first time, the conference features a certificate program for
three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design skills. To receive
certification, attendees must complete nine of the eleven specially
designated classes, covering everything from basic concepts to advanced
modeling techniques. 

"3D modeling and rapid prototyping technologies have emerged as tools for
maintaining competitive advantage in the CAD/CAM/CAE industry," says
Kathleen Maher, editor-in-chief of CADENCE magazine. "It's a crucial time
for companies to invest in training, and the new certificate program
provides a comprehensive curriculum to bring participants up to speed
quickly." 

MechanCAD is a three-day conference featuring 53 different technical
courses taught by a faculty of leading CAD users, consultants to the
mechanical CAD community, and employees of Autodesk. Subjects range from
basics for improving day-to-day AutoCAD productivity to advanced
explorations of visualization techniques, rapid prototyping, and
programming with AutoLISP. Classes that qualify attendees for the 3D
certificate program include: 

* "Wireframe Modeling," an introduction to building 3D models with
  small file sizes. 
* "AutoCAD Designer," a two part session that presents the principles
  of parametric solid modeling and demonstrates AutoCAD Designer's
  capabilities. 
* "Surface Modeling," a presentation of the principles of 3D surface
  modeling using AutoCAD release 13 and AutoSurf, including NURBS
  technology for more complex and accurate surfaces, and rendering
  surface models for photorealistic presentations. 

In addition to the 3D program, sessions will be offered to introduce
participants to finite element analysis (FEA), including two panel
discussions comparing the various applications currently on the market.
Other classes cover subjects such as setting standards for a mechanical
design department, the internet for AutoCAD users, and moving to a
networked system. 

An exhibition of products and services for mechanical engineers and
designers accompanies the technical conference. A select group of hardware
and software vendors will display their products on Monday evening, April
29, and Tuesday afternoon, April 30. Additionally, throughout the
conference, attendees can try out their new skills at the
Intergraph-sponsored test-drive center, equipped with 24 Intergraph TDZ
workstations running Autodesk Mechanical software products. 

A new one-day conference option is offered this year for those unable to
attend the full three-day conference. One-day registration includes all
technical sessions and special events on any of the three days, and a
complete set of the conference proceedings. 

MechanCAD is designed specifically for AutoCAD users, to address the
important changes occurring in the mechanical design industry. The
conference is produced by Miller Freeman, Inc., one of the nation's
largest trade show producers, and publisher of CADENCE, AUTOCAD TECH
JOURNAL, and 3D DESIGN magazines. Other shows presented by Miller
Freeman include: Autodesk University, the 3D Design Conference, the
Embedded System Conferences, Surface Mount International: Advanced
Electronics Manufacturing Technologies, Software Development,
Communication Design Engineering Conference, and the PCB Design
Conferences. 

Exhibitor Contact: 
Jackie Kleips
Miller Freeman, Inc.
415/905-2486 

Attendee Contact: 
Yolanda White-King
Miller Freeman, Inc.
415/905-4994 

Press Registration:
FS Communications
415-691-1488

Miller Freeman, Inc.
600 Harrison St
San Francisco, CA 94107
415-905-2354,  fax 415-905-2220
 
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