Nuts & Bolts Mechanical

EMT's range of mechanical software has been available overseas for a long time and has enjoyed considerable success with over 3,000 units sold. EMT was the original developer of MechSlide, which was later purchased by Genius (which has recently been purchased by Autodesk).

The new EMT range differs from MechSlide in that it comprises a number of smaller modules and these can be purchased collectively as the EMT Survival Kit—marketed with the phrase "It's a jungle out there". The software is available in two configurations. MECH2D/3D is the software's main component and is the best selling module overseas. The EMT Survival Kit is made up of all eight modules, as described below.

The software is only available on floppy disk and the Survival Kit occupies 6MB of disk space when fully installed. Each program module is supplied on a separate floppy and the setup disk contains some additional files that must be manually copied for AutoCAD Release 14. These include a partial menu file and an ACAD.LSP file to allow the software to load automatically when AutoCAD starts.

Standard Parts
MECH 2D/3D is a parametric library of 2D and 3D standard parts such as fasteners, steel shapes and holes. This utility creates components to ANSI, ISO, DIN, BSI, AS and JIS standards, although I found that ANSI and JIS are the most comprehensive and not all parts are available in ISO and AS. Parts are generated as 2D blocks with several view options, or as 3D solid or wire-frame parts.

MECH2D/3D is a parametric library of 2D and 3D standard parts

You can change parts to 2D or 3D and change the type or size of a part after it has been inserted using the SYMCHG command. The MECH2D/3D dialogue box also allows the last inserted symbol to be recalled with "last symbol" and "insert last" options.

Most standard fastener types are included, along with Australian standard steel sections. Unfortunately, when inserting a nut to correspond with a screw, it is not possible to match the standard and size of the screw automatically. It is also not possible to create a fastener assembly, where the screw and nut are associated for modifications such as change of diameter.

MECH 2D/3D allows you to add and edit components.

The Survival Kit
In addition to MECH2D/3D, the Survival Kit includes dimensioning enhancements, tabulated hole charts, shaft design, symbol management, parts list generation, tools to generate 2D views from a 3D solid and a program that converts 2D drawing views into a 3D model. It is made up of the following modules:

MechDIM provides a method of automatically dimensioning a part with linear, diameter and radii dimensions. ANSI and ISO-based welding symbols, GD&T and surface texture symbols are available and symbols can be edited after placement with the EMTCHG command. Detail enlargement is also available by selecting the area of the drawing that needs to be detailed and picking the enlargement scale and detail location. Fit tolerances and section lines are also included.

MECH H/C automatically creates tabulated hole charts. This module provides a parametric library of 2D and 3D holes and is useful for those sites producing drilling charts.

MECH SHAFT provides 2D and 3D shaft design and comes with libraries of components such as bearings and gears. You can specify the number of shaft segments required, the diameter and length of each segment, chamfers, fillets and whether the shaft should be a 3D solid or 2D design. 2D and 3D components and features such as gears, keyways, threads, recesses, holes, sprockets and pulleys are available. Components can be edited or added by picking the shaft and making changes from a dialog box. The program comes with numerous parts such as seals, o-rings, ball bearings, roller bearings and thrust bearings. The shaft is built from a dialogue box that allows shaft segments to be added and modified. I found that the process of designing an entire shaft within a single dialogue box was difficult and think that a more interactive approach with the shaft drawing would be preferable. This may be something that is made easier as the interface becomes more familiar.

MLIB automates the process of creating custom block libraries inside AutoCAD. It automatically creates blocks and icons and organises them into libraries for viewing and retrieval, which means that you don't have to learn how to customise AutoCAD menus to create icon libraries.

MECH BOM is an automated parts list creation program for AutoCAD and Mechanical Desktop. The program provides item balloon call-outs and generates a parts list when needed. The contents of the parts list can be exported into text files for bill of material creation.

MAKEIT3D converts your 2D orthographic views into a 3D solid model, providing an alternative method of creating solid models. 3D designs are created directly from 2D "ortho" drawings and you do not need to abandon the multi-view drawing method to design in 3D. It requires at least two views to create a 3D solid model and you begin the process by defining various 2D views such as top, front, back, right, left and auxiliary views. Once the 2D views are identified, this module builds the 3D model interactively. While this sounds terrific, it is much faster to draw the 3D model from scratch if you are familiar with 3D modelling techniques. This may be a useful tool for those who are dabbling in 3D and wanting to learn more about how the process works.

MAKEIT2D automatically creates 2D working drawings of your R13, R14 or Designer solid model. The program creates slides of 11 possible 2D views of the 3D model, including 4 isometric views. From the dialog box, you select the 2D views that you want and MAKEIT2D creates the 2D geometry of each selected view. The views are created in AutoCAD's model space and geometry can be displayed as 2D blocks or as lines and arcs.

Summary
The EMT modules work together and do not alter any previous configuration or customisation of AutoCAD. This makes them ideal for those who need to call on mechanical tools without altering their base AutoCAD configuration.MECH 2D/3D sells for US$145. The Survival Kit includes all components and sells for US$495.

The EMT software is not the best or most comprehensive mechanical software on the market but, at these prices, it represents excellent value. The standard parts, dimensioning and block library features are the strongest elements of the program and certainly justify the purchase price.

Steve Hunter

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