Prototype Today Announces Free Online Prototyping Directory

Prototype Today announced additions to their prototyping and manufacturing interactive website: PrototypeToday.com.  The site offers a source of trusted information and resources for professionals to stay up-to-date on the most relevant industry information.  Prototype Today officially went online in beta form on November, 1st 2010 and is receiving a positive response from companies in the industry.  Prototype Today’s goal is to offer a centralized database of information and content for a vast audience, from service bureau owners to garage inventors.

One of the most popular sections on the site has been the industry directory, where industry leaders can post in depth company information for free.  The directory includes photos and videos, which has a great impact on attracting interest among potential customers, all at no charge.  Companies can also update their page by attaching files for brochures and literature.  Visitors looking for a specific service or organization will benefit from the targeted categories and speedy access.
Prototype Today also features a job board section where companies can submit job opportunities to attract the best talent in the industry.  

Detailed company information can be posted on an employment specific profile page and many tools are available to simplify the application process for both employers and job seekers.  Job seekers can take advantage of this section by uploading their resume and profile to our database, which is searched daily by employers looking for talent.

In addition to the directory and job board, the site offers many interactive tools used to collaborate and share information including a forum, chat room, article comments and a social profile that can be customized with user details.  These tools offer communication and collaboration for a variety of topics and problems that people may be having.  The media section features the latest videos, pictures and podcasts submitted by staff members, businesses and visitors.

News is updated on PrototypeToday.com daily and contains selected press releases and articles submitted for consideration by registered companies.  Content for all sections may be submitted to: Info@PrototypeToday.com for consideration.  The site strives to level the playing field for companies across the industry by allowing anyone to submit relevant quality content for inclusion.

For those who like to get out and network, the events section lists upcoming industry events and members may submit events that are not listed.  Networking in person is still a very effective way to meet new customers and see the latest technology company’s offer.
Any questions or submissions can be directed to Brett Johnson, the web development manager at:

Brett Johnson
brettj@PrototypeToday.com
http://www.PrototypeToday.com

Prototyping, product development & manufacturing news, directory, videos, photos, podcasts, events, forum, employment, utilities and chat room. Join Today!

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SchmartBoard Announces New Through Hole Board With A Twist

“In July of this year, SchmartBoard asked for the input of it’s users for what they would want to see in a through hole board”, said Neal Greenberg, SchmartBoard’s VP of Sales and Marketing.   “We received a number of responses, and thus have taken something that could have been a “me to” product and instead have a unique item that adds much greater value than anything that we could have designed alone.  The users who helped with input will receive a free sample as a thank you.  We will most certainly do this again with other product designs.”

The features on this 4” x 4” board are as follows:
•   ¾ of the board our signature offset traced rows of holes
•   ¼  of the board with untraced holes
•   Long enough for any DIP
•   Every 10th row, silk-screened to help with part placement  
•   Two columns of power and ground strips  
•   Easy ground connection to the mounting holes  
•   PCB is scored to break in half if chosen
The suggested retail is $15 per board or $130 for a 10 pack.  More information and a detailed diagram can be found at:  http://www.schmartboard.com/index.asp?page=products_th&id...

About SchmartBoard (www.schmartboard.com)
SchmartBoardTM is committed to helping engineers, students and hobbyists develop electronic circuits faster, easier, and less expensively than previously possible. SchmartBoard’s patented Electronic Circuit Building Blocks makes this possible. SchmartBoard’s “EZ” Technology and Solder By NumbersTM program makes the soldering of surface mount components and circuit creation accessible to virtually anyone.

The SchmartBoard system is the fastest and easiest electronic circuit prototyping system ever conceived. The system supports through hole and surface mount components.

View the original article here

SchmartBoard announces a line of 6 regulated power modules

SchmartBoard today announced the launch of six useful internal voltage regulated power SchmartModules, which is designed to offer a quick, easy and inexpensive option for users to drive up their circuits.

SchmartBoards pair and called "electronic circuit building blocks". The purpose of Schmartboard's prototyping systems are for users to easily solder components SchmartBoards with our "ez" technology, which makes soldering a surface mount component easily.  When possible, connect SchmartModules, which are popular functional circuit blocks, even faster and easier.

"SchmartBoard is similar in approach to software development, but for electronic circuit prototypes," said Neal Greenberg, SchmartBoards executive vice President for sales and marketing.  "In software, one can design the core code and adding popular software blocks around it rather than writing code that already exists.  These SchmartModules are the corresponding software blocks that engineer would source and glue to their code. Why redesign or solder a popular circuit blocks that RS232 for example?  We now have the power and i/o-SchmartModules and will be adding many more modules in the coming months.

Regulated power modules come in 1.8-1.5, 2.5, 3.3, 5, and 9 volt.  Suggested retail price for each is $ 15.

If SchmartBoard (www.schmartboard.com)
SchmartBoardTM is committed to assisting engineers, students and hobbyists developing electronic circuits, faster, easier, and less expensive than previously possible. Schmartboards patented electronic circuit building blocks makes this possible. Schmartboard's "EZ" technologies and brazing of NumbersTM program makes soldering of surface mount components and circuit creation accessible to almost everyone.

View the original article here

SchmartBoard Announces New Through Hole Board With A Twist

“In July of this year, SchmartBoard asked for the input of it’s users for what they would want to see in a through hole board”, said Neal Greenberg, SchmartBoard’s VP of Sales and Marketing.   “We received a number of responses, and thus have taken something that could have been a “me to” product and instead have a unique item that adds much greater value than anything that we could have designed alone.  The users who helped with input will receive a free sample as a thank you.  We will most certainly do this again with other product designs.”

The features on this 4” x 4” board are as follows:
•   ¾ of the board our signature offset traced rows of holes
•   ¼  of the board with untraced holes
•   Long enough for any DIP
•   Every 10th row, silk-screened to help with part placement  
•   Two columns of power and ground strips  
•   Easy ground connection to the mounting holes  
•   PCB is scored to break in half if chosen
The suggested retail is $15 per board or $130 for a 10 pack.  More information and a detailed diagram can be found at:  http://www.schmartboard.com/index.asp?page=products_th&id...

SchmartBoardTM is committed to helping engineers, students and hobbyists develop electronic circuits faster, easier, and less expensively than previously possible. SchmartBoard’s patented Electronic Circuit Building Blocks makes this possible. SchmartBoard’s “EZ” Technology and Solder By NumbersTM program makes the soldering of surface mount components and circuit creation accessible to virtually anyone.

The SchmartBoard system is the fastest and easiest electronic circuit prototyping system ever conceived. The system supports through hole and surface mount components.

View the original article here

DiSTI Announces the Release of GL Studio 4.2

The DiSTI Corporation announces the latest release of its award-winning software toolkit, GL Studio. With users celebrating the product’s tenth anniversary, GL Studio 4.2 builds upon a rich history of innovation and leadership with groundbreaking features and unrivaled runtime performance. These advancements simplify user interface development, speed up project deliveries and improve interface performance. This latest release of the toolkit extends GL Studio’s leadership position by offering strikingly efficient editor improvements and dynamic rendering capabilities.

The release of GL Studio 4.2 packs significant technological advancements and incorporates several enhancements requested by the GL Studio community. The most notable update for version 4.2 is support for Python Scripting. Developers can now use Python scripts to create and modify GL Studio content from within the editor to simplify the interface development process. Additionally, the scripting capability enables the automation of repetitive tasks to reduce the overall time required to create complex interfaces.

The Photoshop Document Importer simplifies 2D panel development by automatically creating user interface elements within GL Studio from those layers and objects specified in Photoshop. The GL Studio 4.2 update provides strategic process and documentation improvements to the importer, increasing usability and broadening the solution set.

GL Studio is historically recognized for its superior real-time 3D user interface rendering engine. Building on that distinction, GL Studio’s new runtime implements several updates in graphical rendering techniques, to deliver ever increasing speed and agility.

GL Studio’s compiler compatibility is critical because the toolkit capitalizes on human readable source code. GL Studio 4.2 expands compiler support to include the 64-bit version of Visual Studio 2008 and the 32 and 64-bit version of Visual Studio 2010. In addition, Linux support receives an upgrade; Linux GCC 4.0.0 64-bit support is added and Linux GCC 4.2.0 and 4.4.0 are now supported, at both the 32 and 64-bit level.

“DiSTI is committed to consistent and noteworthy software improvements to ensure our standing as a leader in advanced user interface innovation,” said DiSTI Chief Technology Officer Darren Humphrey. “GL Studio revolutionized HMI development ten years ago and our mission has been to consistently deliver the technology improvements our customers expect.”

About DiSTI

DiSTI is a global leader in the development of Human Machine Interface software for businesses, governments and the military. The company’s flagship product, GL Studio, enables programmers and developers to build high-fidelity graphics, 3D simulations and fully interactive controls into their models, enhancing the level of realism and sophistication, while improving learning and retention.

More than 400 customers worldwide, including BAE, Boeing, Dassault, FedEx, Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, Raytheon and Thales, use DiSTI solutions to build maintenance trainers, create PC and Internet-based courseware and to develop components for safety-critical applications. As a full service provider, DiSTI offers a complement of customer programming and development services, and is the recognized leader in training solutions for the global simulation and training community. For more information, visit www.disti.com.

About DiSTI

DiSTI is a global leader in the development of Human Machine Interface software for businesses, governments and the military. The company’s flagship product, GL Studio, enables programmers and developers to build high-fidelity graphics, 3D simulations and fully interactive controls into their models, enhancing the level of realism and sophistication, while improving learning and retention.

More than 400 customers worldwide, including BAE, Boeing, Dassault, FedEx, Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, Raytheon and Thales, use DiSTI solutions to build maintenance trainers, create PC and Internet-based courseware and to develop components for safety-critical applications. As a full service provider, DiSTI offers a complement of customer programming and development services, and is the recognized leader in training solutions for the global simulation and training community. For more information, visit www.disti.com.

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Design 1st announces FY2010 Earnings - 93% Increase in Revenue

Design 1st Inc., a product development company, today announced record breaking, FY2010 financial results. In FY2010, Design 1st achieved significant revenue growth, recording 93% growth with a 3x increase in profitability since FY2007.

In 2010, revenue from clients in North America accounted for 49% of the total revenue.  In addition to fulfilling a strong demand for its services in Ottawa and in Canada, the company continues to expand its customer base in other geographical markets and in a wider spectrum of industries. In FY2010 the company signed 40 different clients for a total of 79 projects over the year. This marks a 45% increase in projects signed over FY2009 and shows a significant positive trend since FY2007 when the company recorded 21 different clients and a total of 34 projects.

“We are seeing demand in Ottawa and other innovative centers to bring large numbers of new products into the marketplace,” said Kevin Bailey, Founder and President of Design 1st. “Business teams see the value of hiring an expert design team to bring their products to market quickly, efficiently and at costs 40% lower than maintaining internal design teams.”

“This says a lot about the understanding of full R&D costing by project managers faced with managing technically challenging product designs and the diversity of industry, skills and entrepreneurial passion that exists locally,” added Bailey.

Notable Ottawa clients for Design 1st include: BelAir Networks, Nortel, Mitel, Lumenara, Fidus Systems, March Networks, Nanometrics, Control Micro, Xmark, Stanley Healthcare, C-Com Satellite Systems, ProDrive Systems, Authentipath, Brytech, We-Vibe, Gesturetek, Canadian Blood Services, International Datacasting, Guardian Mobility, Ceyba, Nimcat Networks, Sustainable Energy, and GoldenEar Technologies.

About Design 1st
Design 1st was OCRI’s 2011 Solution of the Year Winner. Design 1st is a product development company with a team of highly talented Industrial Design and Mechanical Engineers who help inventors, start-ups and growing corporations bring new innovative products to market.  Specialists in physical product design and mechanical engineering development, Design 1st takes clients from a napkin sketch concept to a production-ready product. Working closely with strategic marketing and development teams Design 1st manages the detailed design, prototyping, verification testing and documentation. Design 1st is based in Ottawa, Canada with satellite offices in Montreal and Vancouver. For more information, visit www.design1st.com.

The Design 1st name and the Design 1st logo are trademarks of Design 1st Inc. Other registered and unregistered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Design 1st, a senior product design and engineering team with 25 years experience, serving clients in Ottawa, Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. We balance a products technical objectives with a user's expectation to produce professional designed products

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SchmartBoard Announces a Line of 6 Regulated Power Modules

SchmartBoard announced today the release of six useful single voltage regulated power SchmartModules, which are designed to offer a quick, easy and inexpensive option for users to power up their circuits.

SchmartBoards connect together and are called “Electronic Circuit Building Blocks”. The purpose of SchmartBoard’s prototyping system is for users to easily hand solder components onto SchmartBoards using our “ez” technology, which makes soldering any surface mount component easy.  When possible, connecting SchmartModules, which are popular functional circuit blocks, is even quicker and easier.

“SchmartBoard is similar in approach to software development, but for electronic circuit prototyping,” says Neal Greenberg, SchmartBoards VP of sales and marketing.  “In software, one may design the core code and add popular software blocks around it rather than rewriting code that already exists.  These SchmartModules are the equivalent of software blocks that an engineer would source and glue to his code. Why redesign or solder a popular circuit block such as RS232 for instance?  We now have power and I/O SchmartModules and will be adding many more modules over the coming months.”

The Regulated Power Modules come in 1.5, 1.8, 2.5, 3.3, 5 and 9 volts.  The suggested retail price for each is $15.

SchmartBoardTM is committed to helping engineers, students and hobbyists develop electronic circuits faster, easier, and less expensively than previously possible. SchmartBoard’s patented Electronic Circuit Building Blocks makes this possible. SchmartBoard’s “EZ” Technology and Solder By NumbersTM program makes the soldering of surface mount components and circuit creation accessible to virtually anyone.

View the original article here

SchmartBoard Announces Two New Contests

SchmartBoard, a company that makes prototyping electronic circuits easier, has announced contests to coincide with the release of two new products for the embedded electronics market.

The first contest is for the newly announced SchmartBoard 8 Bit PIC Microcontroller Development Board.  This product allows designers to use any of the 116 8 Bit MicroChip PICâ Microcontrollers that are in an SOIC or SOP chip package.  The board is fully populated except for the PICâ , which is hand soldered by the user using SchmartBoard’s “ez” technology, which makes hand soldering SMT(surface mount) components easy and flawless.  The contestants also name a friend on the contest entry, and if the contestant wins, both he/she and the friend win.

The second contest is for the new Parallax Propellerâ SchmartModule.  This is a fully populated development board that allows the user to solder the Propellerâ chip, again using SchmartBoard’s “ez solder” technology.  This contest also allows the contestant to name a friend, who will also win, if the contestant wins. Winners for both contests are chosen each month.  One only has to register once per contest to be eligible for the full length of the promotion.   US and international users are eligible. These contests can be entered at:  http://www.schmartboard.com/index.asp?page=schmartland_ev...

About SchmartBoard (www.schmartboard.com)
SchmartBoardTM is committed to helping engineers, students and hobbyists develop electronic circuits faster, easier, and less expensively than previously possible. SchmartBoard’s patented Electronic Circuit Building Blocks makes this possible. SchmartBoard’s “EZ” Technology and Solder By NumbersTM program makes the soldering of surface mount components and circuit creation accessible to virtually anyone.

The SchmartBoard system is the fastest and easiest electronic circuit prototyping system ever conceived. The system supports through hole and surface mount components.

View the original article here

Prototype Today Announces Free Online Prototyping Directory, Job Board, Forums & Social Network.

Prototype Today announced additions to their prototyping and manufacturing interactive website: PrototypeToday.com.  The site offers a source of trusted information and resources for professionals to stay up-to-date on the most relevant industry information.  Prototype Today officially went online in beta form on November, 1st 2010 and is receiving a positive response from companies in the industry.  Prototype Today’s goal is to offer a centralized database of information and content for a vast audience, from service bureau owners to garage inventors.

One of the most popular sections on the site has been the industry directory, where industry leaders can post in depth company information for free.  The directory includes photos and videos, which has a great impact on attracting interest among potential customers, all at no charge.  Companies can also update their page by attaching files for brochures and literature.  Visitors looking for a specific service or organization will benefit from the targeted categories and speedy access.
Prototype Today also features a job board section where companies can submit job opportunities to attract the best talent in the industry.  Detailed company information can be posted on an employment specific profile page and many tools are available to simplify the application process for both employers and job seekers.  Job seekers can take advantage of this section by uploading their resume and profile to our database, which is searched daily by employers looking for talent.

In addition to the directory and job board, the site offers many interactive tools used to collaborate and share information including a forum, chat room, article comments and a social profile that can be customized with user details.  These tools offer communication and collaboration for a variety of topics and problems that people may be having.  The media section features the latest videos, pictures and podcasts submitted by staff members, businesses and visitors. News is updated on PrototypeToday.com daily and contains selected press releases and articles submitted for consideration by registered companies.  Content for all sections may be submitted to: Info@PrototypeToday.com for consideration.  The site strives to level the playing field for companies across the industry by allowing anyone to submit relevant quality content for inclusion.

For those who like to get out and network, the events section lists upcoming industry events and members may submit events that are not listed.  Networking in person is still a very effective way to meet new customers and see the latest technology company’s offer. Any questions or submissions can be directed to Brett Johnson, the web development manager at:

Brett Johnson
brettj@PrototypeToday.com
Prototyping, product development & manufacturing news, directory, videos, photos, podcasts, events, forum, employment, utilities and chat room. Join Today!

View the original article here

A.P. Extrusion Announces the Expansion of Manufacturing Services With Addition of New 3D Printing

A.P. Extrusion (www.apextrusion.com), a leading custom tubing manufacturer located in Salem, New Hampshire, recently announced that they are expanding their services effectively immediately with the addition of 3D Printing. This new innovative technology, possible with the use of the Dimension 3D Printer, will assist R & D engineering teams in developing new products by easily translating a design schematic or SolidWorks print into a 3D prototype. Given the accuracy of 3D printing, it will assist in eliminating misinterpretation of data, and will produce an ABS prototype model rapidly and inexpensively.

“Our customers will realize benefits immediately as the 3D printing process can create an ABS prototype in hours, where with conventional methods, it used to take days or even weeks. Now, R & D teams will not only have the opportunity to improve the performance of their product, but it will also cut expenses and improve the time it takes to release their new product to the marketplace,” explains John Brusseau, President of A.P. Extrusion.

A.P. Extrusion invested in the Dimension Printer in response to the growing demand of its customers who were looking for more efficient processes to experiment with numerous design iterations without the added expense. In developing a 3D prototype of their product before putting it into full production provides them with the opportunity to explore the functionality and quality of a part early in the development phase, thereby reducing risk of product failure.

Regardless of the simplicity or complexity of a parts’ design, the many applications of 3D printing offer designers and engineers with practical advantages—they can:

?   Develop numerous design concepts to assist design teams in exploring new ideas in product development
?   Evaluate the form, fit and function to ensure all parts are meeting design specifications
?   Identify design flaws early in the product development phase
?   Reduce manufacturing expenses as costly errors are eliminated, also improving time-to-market

A.P. Extrusion’s has the in-house capabilities to create a 3D prototype of plastic parts for a wide range of industries to include but are not limited to medical devices, automotive, pharmaceutical processing, computer equipment, industrial, semiconductor, and food and beverage industry.

Companies interested in learning more about the competitive advantages that 3D printing provides are encouraged to contact A.P. Extrusion for more information at 603.890.1086 or at info@apextrusion.com.

A.P. Extrusion, Inc. located in Salem, New Hampshire, is a New England-based manufacturer of small diameter plastic tubing and a 3D printing service provider. We have over 20 year of experience in the custom, plastic, and medical tubing industries. Our experienced staff of engineers and designers will work with your company to manufacture your prototypes and products. For more information, please contact us at 603.890.1086 or at info@apextrusion.com.

View the original article here