Design And Analysis Software

Modern Machine Shop, August, 2001 by Elizabeth M. Gruber

The company and three of its partners have joined forces to create ElectronixWorks, a software suite for designing and analyzing electronic products' outer shells and internal component fittings. ElectronixWorks combines SolidWorks software as the platform and SolidWorks Certified Gold products, including Zeal Solutions' CircuitWorks, NIKA's Flo-Works and Linius Tcchnologics' EMbassyWorks.

ElcetronixWorks answers the growing industry demand for rapidly developed, newer and smaller products such as computer cabinets and electronics enclosures (for such items as network routers, fax machines and copiers) by letting electronics manufacturers create realistic 3D CAD faster, more efficiently and more affordably than with other CAD technologies.

The ElectronixWorks suite includes three different software packages integrated with SolidWorks software:

CircuitWorks, which enables users to easily import 2D designs of printed Circuit boards generated in electronic CAD (ECAD) software into SolidWorks, enabling users to convert these ECAD designs into 3D CAD; FloWorks, which enables designers to conduct comprehensive air flow and heat transfer analysis to ensure the units they design don't overheat and fail; and EMbassyWorks, which allows engineers and other users to create 3D solid models of detailed wire harness designs, so they can ensure no wires are too close to heat sources and that the wiring doesn't interfere with other areas of the unit.

Electronix Works is a solution to the demand for new, smaller products to be developed quickly and cost effectively. Industries designing electrical enclosures, including those for telecommunications, computer and office equipment, power generation equipment, and medical equipment, are said to benefit from a high level of integration and functionality.

The program enables design engineers to perform a variety of functions directly within the SolidWorks software environment, so they can easily create the 3D solid models they will use for their electronics packaging designs. Using CircuitWorks, designers can quickly turn 2D files into 3D printed circuit boards. SolidWorks lets designers create additional 3D model data, including sheet metal enclosures, assemblies and drawings. Designers can then use FloWorks to study and optimize the effects of heat transfer and ventilation. EMbassyWorks then enables users to design wire harnesses that will transmit the power and data within the assembly.