Students Use 3-D Software in Classroom, Competition

CONCORD, Mass., August 13 -- Students at Germany's Albert-Ludwig University of Freiburg's Institute for Microsystems are using SolidWorks 3-D mechanical design software to learn solid modeling fundamentals and how they apply to microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) designs.

IMTEK is teaching students how to design, test and build microsystem technology, which it says is being used increasingly in breakthrough microelectronic and biomedical products. Some of these products are machines that deploy auto airbags, regulate ink in printers, direct fiber optic network data, analyze DNA and administer drugs.

Students receive 3-D mechanical design training before they design, test and construt a microsystem project. They use SolidWorks' e-mail-enabled design collaboration tool to share designs and exchange ideas about their project; the software also allows them to generate photorealistic or animated images of their product designs.

SolidWorks, based in Concord, Mass., also announced this week it has donated more than $70,000 worth of its 3-D mechanical design software to more than 350 contestants in the SkillsUSA Championships.

SkillsUSA is a national organization serving high school and college students who are pursuing careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations. The SkillsUSA Championships took place in June in Kansas City.

McCann Technical High School in North Adams, Mass., dominated the championships' automated manufacturing technology category, winning the gold medal for the second straight year.

SolidWorks sponsored winners in five SkillsUSA categories: technical drafting, computer numeric control (CNC) milling, CNC turning, automated manufacturing technology and robotics and automation technology.

For more information, visit: www.solidworks.com