Making software get along: integrating optical and mechanical design programs

Christie J. Shackelford; Randal B. Chinnock

doi:10.1117/12.417336

6 March 2001 Making software get along: integrating optical and mechanical design programs

Christie J. Shackelford, Randal B. Chinnock

Proceedings Volume 4198, Optomechanical Engineering 2000; (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.417336
Event: Intelligent Systems and Smart Manufacturing, 2000, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

As modern optomechanical engineers, we have the good fortune of having very sophisticated software programs available to us. The current optical design, mechanical design, industrial design, and CAM programs are very powerful tools with some very desirable features. However, no one program can do everything necessary to complete an entire optomechanical system design. Each program has a unique set of features and benefits, and typically two or mo re will be used during the product development process. At a minimum, an optical design program and a mechanical CAD package will be employed. As we strive for efficient, cost-effective, and rapid progress in our development projects, we must use these programs to their full advantage, while keeping redundant tasks to a minimum. Together, these programs offer the promise of a `seamless' flow of data from concept all the way to the download of part designs directly to the machine shop for fabrication. In reality, transferring data from one software package to the next is often frustrating. Overcoming these problems takes some know-how, a bit of creativity, and a lot of persistence. This paper describes a complex optomechanical development effort in which a variety of software tools were used from the concept stage to prototyping. It will describe what software was used for each major design task, how we learned to use them together to best advantage, and how we overcame the frustrations of software that didn't get along.

Citation Download Citation

Christie J. Shackelford and Randal B. Chinnock "Making software get along: integrating optical and mechanical design programs", Proc. SPIE 4198, Optomechanical Engineering 2000, (6 March 2001); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.417336

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available