SDRC Announces Imageware Version 10; Further Extending the Benefits of Best-in-Class Modeling and Inspection Software for Free-Form Product Design.

Business Editors & High Tech Writers

CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 2, 2000

SDRC (Nasdaq:SDRC), a global supplier of e-business collaboration solutions for the product lifecycle, today announced SDRC Imageware(TM) Version 10 (V10), a major software release enabling customers to design, build, and fully inspect high-quality, free-form shaped products in less time. Imageware is advanced 3D surface modeling and verification technology solution that allows users to realize and maintain the design intent from concept through manufacturing. Consisting of three main products; Surfacer(R), Verdict(TM), and Build!IT(TM), Imageware V10 provides major benefits to the automotive, aerospace, and consumer products, and entertainment industries.

-- Surfacer: Award-winning, advanced surface modeling system

for capturing design intent and for conducting reverse

engineering functions.

-- Verdict: Complete, accurate and fast analysis solution.

-- Build!IT: Digital, product-driven process for building and

inspecting assembly tooling.

"Our designers have found Surfacer to be an easy tool to learn. We are literally creating quality surfaces within a few days and are able to immediately use the information in current programs," said Paul K. Rozier, chief operating officer, Advance Product Development, Inc. (APDI). "We have already seen significant efficiencies in the ease of high-quality data creation and modification. We look forward to continued use of the expanded capabilities Imageware V10 provides," APDI, an engineering service provider specializing in value-added C3P services, is currently using SDRC's Surfacer for Class 1 automotive interior components.

"With the integration of Imageware technology into I-DEAS(R), SDRC's e-design automation software, we are clearly demonstrating our on-going commitment to the CAD/CAM/CAE software industry," said Bill Carrelli, vice president of corporate marketing, SDRC. "This unique integration is a first in the industry, and our ability to leverage this technology will allow our customers to more closely align their styling and engineering groups, resulting in faster product cycles and higher quality products."

"SDRC is continuing to expand its application portfolio by providing customer-driven solutions for surface modeling, reverse engineering, geometric verification, and digital inspection," stated Mark Goldstein, vice president products group, SDRC. "This release, with more than 120 enhancements, represents our largest Imageware product release to date. Additionally, with the new I-DEAS Surfacer Feature providing a tight Surfacer/I-DEAS integration, SDRC provides an integrated solution that ties the physical world to the digital world, providing even more robust capabilities for total e-design automation."

Imageware V10 highlights -

Core Functionality

The nature of surface development requires flexible tools for the creation and modification of product design. Imageware V10 focuses on enhancing existing surfacing tools and developing new tools for solving specific design issues. These tools facilitate rapid exploration of multiple designs and provide a more natural workflow for obtaining the highest quality models. Users' productivity increases significantly and design times are reduced from utilization of major tools:

-- Matching - interactive and intuitive surface matching and

modification;

-- Fillet - full support for Nurbs, Bezier and Rational

entities is provided along with auto trim/auto extend

capabilities;

-- Trim/Snip - extended capabilities to limit surface

boundaries. The function maintains, or adjusts control point

structure based on adopting trimming curve characteristics;

and

-- Automatic Surfacing - automated creation of multiple

surfaces while maintaining curvature continuity.

Real-Time Diagnostics

Imageware V10 allows for full model verification of surface quality with more user control and better detail for more thorough evaluations. These extended capabilities update in real-time, work over multiple surfaces and provide users with immediate feedback. Users benefit through evaluation earlier in the design process with more accurate results. Early identification allows users to refine high-quality models prior to downstream manufacture. Users have full control over model evaluation from sectioning, reflections and highlights including draft angle, tool radius, curvature checking, continuity management and environment/lighting scenarios.

Computer-aided Verification

Imageware V10 provides detailed inspection of data during the development process by offering multiple methods of verifying all aspects of the design. Users can verify CAV model orientation, alignment and accuracy against reference information through interactive and iterative processes. Users benefit from the automated approach of calculating the "best fit" scenario or by user controlled parameters. The result is users are able to output their analysis through enhanced CAD reporting both graphically and through text reporting.

System Interoperability 

Successful product development often relies on the use of multiple software and the ability to properly manage data. Imageware V10 offers enhanced databridges to major softwares CATIA, Unigraphics, Pro/Engineer, and CADDS5 to provide seamless data integration. I-DEAS 8 provides a tight integration between Surfacer and I-DEAS through the "free-form feature". This new technology integrates the aesthetic design, styling and inspection functionality of Imageware with existing I-DEAS part design capabilities and data management. Users benefit by making aesthetic design changes to the product shape quickly that propagate and update in I-DEAS, allowing users to take advantage of one common work environment.

Additional Product Background and Functional Details

For more information on the Imageware products, and further details on functional enhancements in Imageware V10, please visit SDRC at www.SDRC.com.

Availability

Imageware V10 products are immediately available, with a Japanese version scheduled for Q2, 2000. For local and international pricing, contact SDRC's worldwide network of local distributors and representatives, or call SDRC directly at 1-800-848-7372.

About SDRC

SDRC (Structural Dynamics Research Corporation) is a global provider of e-business collaboration solutions for the product lifecycle. The Company's products address the areas of Product Knowledge Management, Collaborative Product Commerce, and e-Design Automation. Coupled with process engineering and consulting services, the Company's solutions facilitate innovation through collaboration, enabling industry leaders to optimize product development early in the design process, increase productivity, and significantly improve time-to-market. SDRC employs more than 2,500 people worldwide, with 77 offices in 18 countries throughout North America, Europe, and Asia/Pacific.

www.SDRC.com

Note to Editors: SDRC, I-DEAS and Surfacer are registered trademarks, and Imageware, Verdict, and Build!IT are trademarks of Structural Dynamics Research Corporation. All other trademarks or registered trademarks belong to their respective holders.