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Rajiv Raghunath
Three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design (CAD) systems are not new to Indian industry. However, a question mark remains on how these systems have been utilised so far. Expert opinion has it that though a large number of mechanical engineering designers in the country have adopted the 3D CAD systems, their general mode of designing continued to be in line with two-dimensional (2D) systems, or even the drawing-board pattern. More than 70 per cent of mechanical designing in the country is done on 2D systems, leaving 3D systems vastly underutilised. Apparently, in certain cases, users even experienced a slump in productivity when they attempted to migrate to the 3D system.
To overcome some of the problems that confront users of 3D CAD systems, CSC Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, Singapore, a wholly-owned subsidiary of IBM Kawasaki, Tokyo, developed a hybrid CAD software called Helix Design System. The Helix system combines the features of both the 2D and 3D CAD systems. The advantage with this facility is thatdesigners can use the 2D and 3D systems as per the specific requirements of the jobs to be accomplished.
The Helix design provides companies with computer-assisted tools to increase productivity of their mainstream mechanical design and manufacturing activities. It offers cost-effective, production oriented, easy-to-use products for the tasks of data management, design/drafting, bill of material generation, parametric surface and solid modelling, analysis, numerical control, sheet metal design and fabrication, and systems administration.Helix Modelling incorporates an extensive suite of geometric editing tools to enable designers and engineers to do the following:
IITDelhi recognised the inherent strengths of this hybrid system and has set up a state-of-the-art CAD classroom to train mechanical engineering students on the Helix system. The classroom was set with the aid of a loan of Rs 1.2 crore provided by ICICI. The software was provided free of cost by CSC.Prof. V S Raju, director, IIT Delhi, plans to use the classroom facilities for building a durable interface between the students and industrial users. ``We are planning workshops for CAD users to build their awareness about the Helix system,'' he said.
That apart, the director is also planning to introduce short-duration training programmes for CAD users. ``These programmes can be conducted on campus during the summer vacation and participants from all across the country can come and attend these programmes,'' he added.
``We are also planning to engage in specific applications of the Helix system for industrial users. These will be commercial in nature and we will get the licence for the purpose from CSC. Thiswill broaden CSC's market in India as well,'' the director said.
``We have to think about the returns on the investments. After all, IIT Delhi has to repay the loan taken for setting up the facilities,'' he said.
Both Raju and Vernon F Halliday, managing director, CSC Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, Singapore, view the setting up of the classroom as a partnership. Halliday was at the IIT campus to introduce to the students the finer aspects of the Helix system. ``What we recognise today is the need for a sound education base. IIT Delhi provides us that plinth. The time lag between the developer and the user of technology is narrowing. But to get the best out of technology, say in designing, a change has to come about in the way designers think. This is shaped by educational institutions,'' he said.
``IIT Delhi will be a good training and reference centre. They have been using highly sophisticated CAD systems, getting them to practical level,'' he added.
``The Helix systems will find ready application in theassembling of industrial machinery, designing of buses and trucks, styling of consumer products, etc,'' Halliday informed.
``Essentially, Helix seeks ease of use, high productivity and seamless migration from 2D application to 3D application,'' he observed.
Kapil Gupta, an alumnus of IIT Delhi, who is now business manager with CSC, observed that ``India will be a big market for Helix. With liberalisation, state-of-the-art technology will be much in demand.''
He summed up that the advantage with this system is that ``you can migrate to 3D at your own pace''.
IIT Delhi, in association with CSC, could become the nodal training point in 3D CAD for the entire South Asian and South East Asian region. ``This is possible if connectivity is established. We could then provide the lessons on the distance mode,'' Raju observed.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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