This is a dual-role position with both support and sales components. The successful candidate will be a highly motivated, technology savvy individual with excellent communication skills. Dedication to customer service and the ability to figure out complex technical problems quickly is essential.  You must have a willingness to go the extra mile to make each customer happy and show the value of our products and services.

In return, you will receive an excellent compensation package with sales based bonuses, a fun, dynamic work environment and significant growth opportunities. Our US operations are growing quickly and this position is ideal for someone who wants to grow into a technical sales or more senior support position with a financially stable, successful software company.

Responsibilities include:

- Process incoming orders, including recording the order, creating licenses using our web-based system, burning DVDs and packaging and shipping orders to customers.
- Maintain our license and customer maintenance databases, keeping them up to date
- Answer emails and phone calls from customers experiencing licensing/installation problems
- Troubleshoot problems and clearly explain solutions to customers
- Escalate advanced tech support questions to our application engineering team in the U.S. and Korea
- Track maintenance agreement expirations and sell maintenance renewals to existing customers
- Call new prospective customers (leads) and schedule demonstrations with our application engineers as necessary

Skills:
- BS or BA with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering preferred
- Familiarity with networking, including firewalls and LANs
- Excellent communication and phone skills required
- A friendly personality and an interest in sales

About Rapidform Inc.
Rapidform Inc provides the most advanced 3D scanning software to customers throughout North & South America.  Rapidform allows users to turn physical objects into 3D models for CAD, inspection, simulation and analysis.  Leading organizations like Honda, Oakley, Honeywell, Yamaha, Kenworth, the US Air Force, Howmet, Harvard University and the Smithsonian all use Rapidform for research, design, manufacturing engineering and quality control.  Our software empowers engineers and designers to leverage existing real world geometry for new design concepts and to verify that parts are manufactured to spec.  For more information, visit www.rapidform.com.

To apply, please send your resume with accompanying cover letter to us.careers@rapidform.com. No calls, please.

One such interface is for Pro/E Wildfire. With the Pro/E interface, you can open the PRT files from Pro/E directly. The advantages of this are the high fidelity of opening the exact data, right from Pro/E. When a CAD file is saved in a neutral format, some information can be lost or miswritten. To avoid the possibility of these common errors, XOV can open the PRT files directly, thus removing any chance of file interoperability issues.

Pro/E Wildfire uses a numbering convention to store revisions to it’s files. An example would be a file named: Example_Part.prt.1. This would be the first revision, hence the number one. As changes are made to the part, Pro/E stores each revision with a accending numerical identifier. Such as Example_Part.prt.2 and Example_Part.prt.3

This revisioning is very useful, however, XOV can not process the file with the indentifier at the end, as it is treated like a file extention. Much like Windows does not think a *.1 file is a Pro/E file, neither does XOV.

The solution to this inconveniance is simple. In Pro/E, Save a Copy of the part you want to inspect. Perhaps save it in a directory with the scan data and XOV file. After the file has been saved, use the Windows Explorer or comperable program to navigate to the file, and rename it to *.prt from *.prt.1

Now, XOV can open the Pro/E file directly using the Pro/E interface.

Rapidform XOR/XOS can create a body on a mesh using “Auto Surfacing” command. This method can quickly and automatically wrap the mesh and create a surface/solid body with just one click of a button, but it might be possible for gaps to be created between patches on complicated and sharp areas of a mesh. So in such cases if you want to export the created model from XOR/XOS to other CAD system such as CATIA, UGS NX or PRO/E Wildfire, you need to perform additional processes to heal the gaps after transferring to other CAD system.

This technical tip is useful when you export a surface / solid body as neutral format (IGES or STEP) into CATIA to create a complete watertight solid model.

As you see the model tree as shown in the image above, the patches are broken after importing a body into CATIA. If you want to create a complete body, you need to use healing Process in CATIA such as heal and join in Healing Assistant.

Method

This method is used in the Healing Assistant Workbench or Part Design Workbench. If created model has many patches and curves, this model has highly possibility of error occurrence. Therefore it needs to be healed for broken patches.

In Assistant Workbench
1. Click Start > Mechanical Design > Healing Assistant in the menu and click the (Heal) button in the Tool bar. Select all imported surfaces and click OK button as shown in the image below. If CATIA cannot heal some edges, these edges are displayed in green. In that case, increase the tolerance value little by little (max. 0.1) and try to heal again.

Note
The Heal command improves surface connection condition. If adjacent surfaces are completely connected and closed within the given allowable tolerance, then you can skip this stage.

Note
If you skip the above healing process, you can create a combined body by clicking the (Join) button in the tool bar as shown in the image below. Click the OK button.

In Part Design Workbench
1. Click the Start > Mechanical Design > Part Design in the menu and click the (Close Surface) button in the Tool bar and select the joined body in the Model Tree as shown in the image below. Click the OK button.

2. This command transfers the surface body to a solid body and registers it in the model tree. Finally, you will obtain a Closed Solid body.

]]> http://www.rapidformsuccess.com/how-to-get-a-watertight-solid-model-in-catia-2/feed http://www.rapidformsuccess.com/how-to-extract-real-scaled-section-profile-from-the-cad-data-and-scan-data http://www.rapidformsuccess.com/how-to-extract-real-scaled-section-profile-from-the-cad-data-and-scan-data#comments Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:00:37 +0000 Som Valliyappan http://www.rapidformsuccess.com/?p=174

In the Application, you can obtain several inspection results such as deviation map, section profiles, result image etc during the inspection process. However the results will be recorded as captured images. In case if you want to print sections out in its original scale, you can export sections as *.dxf file format.

Method
First of all, you can create a section profile from the CAD data and the Scan data using a Ref. Plane as shown in the image below. (Design > Section)

Click the File > Export in the menu and select the CAD’s section and the Scan’s section as shown in the image below.

Click the OK button, and then select AutoCAD DXF (dxf file format) as saving file type and check the 2D section in the Export Section As option as the image below.

Import the file in AutoCAD and you can make a draft or print it out with scale option.

When you create a mesh, Mesh Buildup Wizard is typically used. If scan data consists of line type point clouds, then it is not easy to maintain the original shape of its boundaries while generating the mesh.

If you use the manual way of using 3D triangulation command in the Addins menu, you will get better result than the automatic way of using Mesh Buildup Wizard as shown in the image below.

Results from Mesh Buildup Wizard (image above)

Results from 3D triangulation in Add-ins (image above)

Method
1. When you apply triangulation with line type scan data which is already aligned by a scan device, accurately align scan sets again in the software. Select the Align button in the bottom pallet menu, or Click Tools > Scan Tools > Align in the menu.

Use the Global And Fine method with Apply Only Small Transform option as shown in the below image. This option considers that initial alignment is already done and accurately aligns scan shots removing gaps among scan shots by small transformation. And also if overlapped regions have planar shape, its alignment may slide along the planar area. This option prevents featureless scan shots from sliding during alignment.

2. Apply Addins > Combine command to make a single scan data.

3. Click the Addins > 3D Triangulate in the menu and check Assume Vertices Are Densely Placed Along A Direction option. Especially, when you try to triangulate line type point cloud, this option is appropriate for keeping edges or boundaries as it is as shown in the below image.

4. If necessary, execute the Enhance, Global Remesh and Fix Normal command in Mesh mode to get a mesh which is well optimized and featured.

The application has no command to convert a mesh to poly-vertices.

So, you may easily think that you need to import the existing mesh data using the “Point Only” option in the Import dialog box or export the existing mesh data by point type file format and import it again.

Through this technical tip, you will understand how to copy poly-vertices from a mesh without any data transporting process.

Method1 – Copy Poly-Vertices from Whole Meshsuch
First of all, Copy a mesh (Ctrl+C) in the Default mode.

Enter the Point Cloud mode (Insert > Point Cloud) and paste it (Ctrl+V). The copied mesh will automatically convert its property to a point cloud as shown in the image below.

Method2 – Copy Poly-Vertices from Partial Mesh
Double click the mesh to enter the Mesh mode.

Select a partial region from the mesh or select a region of interest by dragging and copy it (Ctrl + C) and exit the Mesh mode.

Now enter the Point Cloud mode and paste it (Ctrl + V) which is registered on the clip-board. You can get poly-vertices as shown in the below image.

How to transfer XOR model, which is applied Boolean operation, to UGS NX

CAD system has own kernel and specific interface. So, sometimes, liveTransfer may not perfectly forward a redesigned data to CAD system because of the difference between Rapidform and CAD system.

Of cause, if liveTransfer cannot perfectly forward all information, you can model in CAD system manually and apply transfer again by interactive method. But, if you want to transfer all information without any interruption, you need to understand difference in modeling process between Rapidform and UGS NX to use liveTransfer in first. And you have to adjust the modeling process as you do modeling in CAD system to successfully forward all information to CAD system.

In this document, it is explained through an example how you can successfully forward a model data to UGS NX.

Boolean operation is one of functions that are mainly used in the modeling process. If user applies Boolean operation to several bodies by setting the selecting body as Tools and run liveTransfer to forward a modeling data to UGS NX, transferring might fail and the warning message will appear as shown in the image below.

You can set any multi bodies for Tool bodies or Target Bodies in Boolean operation in Rapidform. But, you cannot do in UGS NX. Target Body has to be set only as a single body in UGS NX as shown in the image below.

And if you select several tool bodies and apply the Boolean operation, it will be performed multiple times and registered to the model tree as the number of the selected tool bodies as shown in the image below.

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So, you need to adjust modeling process in Rapidform to successfully forward whole modeling history by liveTransfer without any interruption for the above said reasons.

Follow the steps to understand how to successfully transfer models into USG NX.

Method
Adjust the Boolean method in the application as follows.
1. Apply the Boolean operation in order to create bodies as shown in the below image.

Note
If you set multi bodies as Tool bodies in Boolean operation as shown in the image below, liveTransfer may not forward all modeling history to UGS NX. And transferring will be interrupted at this step.

Then, switch working window to Rapidform and roll-back the step in the Feature Tree. Separate the registered Boolean operation.

After separating Boolean operation, execute the liveTransfer command again. Select the Resume From Selected Feature option as method and select the Boolean operation that is registered first in the feature tree. Click the OK button.

Note
The Boolean command supports several methods such as Merge, Cut, and Intersect just as in CAD system. But, you need to consider a modeling process to use liveTransfer with other CAD system because CAD system has specific interface for feature modeling.

Note
?: support, but not exact same parameters
Unsupportable: downstream CAD software doesn’t support the related API

Transferring with UGS NX using liveTransfer does not completely support several methods of Boolean operation as shown in the above table.

If all selected tool bodies are not overlapped with a target body and when you run Boolean operation using intersection method and then when you try to transfer this modeling history to UGS NX, it does not allow the transferring process.

In case of Cut method, selected tool bodies must be connected to a target body.

2. The liveTransfer will be completed without any interruption and you can see transferred model as shown in the image below.

]]> http://www.rapidformsuccess.com/how-to-transfer-xor-model-with-boolean-operation-to-ugs-nx/feed http://www.rapidformsuccess.com/job-opening-applications-engineer-for-inspection http://www.rapidformsuccess.com/job-opening-applications-engineer-for-inspection#comments Thu, 25 Sep 2008 22:24:01 +0000 Tom Charron http://www.rapidformsuccess.com/?p=170 Rapidform Inc. has an opportunity for a talented applications engineer with experience in metrology to join our team.

The applications engineer plays a key role in the sales of Rapidform 3D Scanning Software to customers throughout North America. The successful candidate will be highly motivated, technically-savvy and be confident to take on sales responsibility. He or she will be comfortable meeting with prospective customers, demonstrating Rapidform software, helping our account managers close sales and providing post-sales technical support. In return, he or she will receive an excellent compensation package, a fun, dynamic work environment and significant growth opportunities. Our US operations are growing and this position offers a great ‘ground floor’ opportunity with a financially stable, successful software company.

Responsibilities include:

- Demonstrate Rapidform to prospective customers throughout North America, via online and onsite meetings
- Assist sales team in achieving assigned revenue targets through a combination of direct sales and reseller sales support
- Build and maintain customer and partner relationships to foster sales
- Investigate and understand the needs of potential customers to present and demonstrate Rapidform products effectively
- Provide post-sales technical support to existing customers
- Provide training on Rapidform products to end-users and resellers
- Represent Rapidform at trade shows and conferences
- Interact with INUS Technology globally, especially our HQ staff in Seoul, Korea

Skills:

- Metrology experience required (using CMMs or 3D scanners)
- In-depth understanding of GD&T and inspection processes required
- Professional sales experience required
- Excellent presentation and communication skills required
o Experience in using CAD/CAM software preferred
o Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering preferred

Location: Metro Detroit is the target location for this position. Highly qualified candidates in other geographies will be considered. Employees will work from a home office.

Travel: Travel will vary throught the year, with average travel 30-50%.

Compensation: Competitive, based on experience and performance. Benefits include 401K with company matching, health and dental insurance and paid time off.

To Apply: Email a cover letter and your resume to us.careers@rapidform.com. Please do not call to inquire about any job openings.

About Rapidform Inc.
Rapidform Inc markets, sells and supports advanced 3D scanning software to customers throughout North & South America. Rapidform allows users to 3D scan any object and create CAD models or inspect parts for quality control purposes. Honda, Ford, Oakley, Alcoa, Yamaha, Kenworth, the US Air Force, Howmet, Harvard University and the Smithsonian all use Rapidform with a variety of 3D scanning devices. For more information, visit www.rapidform.com.

When you create a mesh, you typically use the Mesh Buildup Wizard. If scan data is constituted by line-type point clouds, however, boundaries are not easy to maintain in their original shape while you generate the mesh.

If you manually triangulate using the 3D Triangulation command in the Addins menu, you will get better a result than the automatic Mesh Buildup Wizard method, as shown in the image below.

Method:
1. Before you apply triangulation on line-type scan data which is already aligned by a scan device, we recommend that you accurately align the scan sets again in the software. Select the Align button in the bottom pallet menu, or Click Tools > Scan Tools > Align in the menu.

Use the Global And Fine method with the “Apply Only Small Transform” option as shown in the below image. This option considers that the initial alignment is already done and accurately aligns scan shots, removing gaps among scan shots via small transformations. Plus, if overlapped regions have a planar shape, the alignment may slide along the planar area. This option prevents such featureless scan shots from sliding during alignment.

2. Apply the Addins > Combine command to make a single scan data set.

3. Click Add-ins > 3D Triangulate in the menu and check the “Assume Vertices Are Densely Placed Along A Direction” option. Especially, when you try to triangulate line type point cloud, this option is appropriate for keeping edges or boundaries as shown in the below image.

4. If necessary, execute the Enhance, Global Remesh and Fix Normal commands in Mesh mode to get a mesh which is well optimized and featured.

This technical tip is useful when you export a surface or solid body as a neutral format (IGES or STEP) into CATIA to create a complete, watertight solid model.

As you can see in the model tree as shown in the image above, the patches are broken after importing a body into CATIA. If you want to create a complete body, you need to use healing processes in CATIA, such as heal and join in the Healing Assistant.

Method:
This method is used in the Healing Assistant Workbench or Part Design Workbench. If the model has many patches and curves, it has a higher probability of producing errors. Therefore, it needs to be healed for broken patches.

In the Assistant Workbench:
1. Click Start > Mechanical Design > Healing Assistant in the menu, and click the “Heal” button in the toolbar. Select all imported surfaces and click the OK button, as shown in the image below. If CATIA cannot heal some edges, these edges are displayed in green. In that case, increase the tolerance value little by little (max. 0.1), and try to heal again.

Note
The Heal command improves surface connecting conditions. If surface connections are completely closed within the allowable tolerance, you can skip this stage.

Note
If you skip above the healing process, you can create a combined body by clicking the “Join” button in the tool bar as shown in the image below. Click the OK button.

In the Part Design Workbench:
1. Click Start > Mechanical Design > Part Design in the menu, and click the “Close Surface” button in the toolbar. Select the joined body in the model tree, as shown in the below image. Click the OK button.

2. This command converts the surface body to a solid body and registers it in the model tree. Finally, you will have created a closed solid body.