Vistagy and Beta CAE Systems SA have announced a technology partnership that will enable manufacturers to leverage the value of composites by closely integrating analysis and design. The companies will integrate Vistagy's FiberSIM composites engineering software and Beta CAE Systems' Ansa CAE pre-processing software.

The FiberSIM suite of software supports the design and manufacturing methodologies necessary to engineer innovative, durable and lightweight composite products and parts. Ansa is an advanced multidisciplinary CAE pre-processing tool that provides all the necessary functionality for full-model build up, from CAD data to ready-to-run solver-input files, in a single integrated environment.

Variohm EuroSensor has launched a range of potentiometric linear position sensors for precision measurement from 10 to 300mm that are supplied in open housings. The PTP series from Novotechnik is a robust two-part design including a multi-fingered wiper assembly and separate, open-sided, extruded aluminium housing containing a conductive plastic track.

This design facilitates straightforward mounting to equipment where sealing against dust or fluid is not necessary, or where customers are able to integrate these component parts within their own sealing arrangements. The PTP series also allows for a variety of feature customisation suited to high-volume applications. The extruded housing has a cross-section of 13 x 9.6mm and includes longitudinal slots for mounting with optional fixing clamps or alternative fixing available via pre-drilled holes. The inner profile provides a rigid, low-friction bearing surface for the wiper assembly that includes threaded hole, follower pin and rod driving options - allowing complete design flexibility within the customer's application.

The conductive plastic resistance elements comprise multiple printed layers using Novotechnik's conductive inks in combination with multi-fingered precious-metal wipers featuring an elastomer damping mechanism to maintain complete contact under demanding working conditions. The PTP series specification includes a typical life of 50 million movements, with a vibration rating to 20g at 2000Hz and shock to 50g. With a speed capability to 10m/sec, repeatability to 0.01mm and linearity to +/-0.05 per cent, these sensors are aimed at high-accuracy, high-reliability position measurement in clean-environment applications or within customer-sealed housings.

The Open Design Alliance (ODA) has announced the first production release of DGNdirect, available to ODA members globally. DGNdirect includes a comprehensive feature set for DGN files, including the ability to load V7 and V8 files, convert V7 to V8 files, save V8 files, access data, edit data, render data and export to PDF and SVG file formats.