The process starts when users download the application directly to their desktop computers. Using the service, designers can visualize how the injection molding process and materials affect a part. Users have access to an extensive material database and can also run software to help them estimate the cost of producing a plastic part. PowerFLOW can perform many types of fluid analysis such as liquids through pipes or the aerodynamics around a vehicle, as seen in Figure 4. This program from Alibre, Inc., of Richardson, TX, was the first MCAD program to be built from the ground up as an MCAD ASP with collaboration in mind.
Users start by downloading the application, and installation is fairly simple.
The CAD portion of Alibre Design is fairly robust, but more importantly, it doesn't cost anything. Communication during collaborative sessions has been made easier in Version 2.0 with the addition of redlining, as seen in Figure 5, as well as the ability to send voice notations via the Web to others. Integrated into the program is full Web-based project and people tracking, meaning at any time someone with proper access can see who is working on which project. Users are notified of updates, which take place automatically. Recently CollabWare redesigned the user interface, as seen in Figure 6, to be fully Windows compliant.