Installation/Licensing

• Can I get a floating license for the software?
  
• Can I install the trial version of the software without administrative privileges on my machine?
  
• How do I determine the CPU ID of my machine?
  
• Why do I need to send my CPU ID to SyMech?
  
• Can SyMech Synthesis Software float across a network?
  
  

Download Version

• How can I get a trial version of SyMech Synthesis Software?
  
• What is the difference between the trial and full versions of the software?
  
  

Capabilities

• Can SyMech Synthesis Software be used with existing Pro/E models?
  
• Can I use this program to perform analysis functions?
  
• Can SyMech Synthesis Software determine velocity, acceleration, or forces?
  
• What platforms does SyMech Synthesis Software support?
  
• With which versions of Pro/ENGINEER is SyMech Synthesis Software compatible?
  
  

Synthesis

• What is synthesis?
  
• What types of synthesis are featured in SyMech Synthesis Software?
  
  • Positional Synthesis
    
  • Path Synthesis
    
  • Angular (Function) Synthesis
    
  • Crank Synthesis
    
  • Straight Line Synthesis
    
  • Parallel Mechanism Synthesis

Mechanism

• What is Multi-Bar™ module?

Learning the Software

• How long does it take to learn how to use the software?
  
• Is there any easy way to learn the software?
• Is there training for SyMech Synthesis Software?
  
  

Miscellaneous

• What types of companies use this software?
  
• Is SyMech a partner with Parametric Technology Corporation?
  

Installation/Licensing

Q: Can I get a floating license for the software?
A: Yes. SyMech, Inc. is partnered with GLOBEtrotter and uses Flex LM licensing technology, which supports floating licensing.

Q: Can I install the trial version of the software without administrative privileges on my machine?
A: Yes.

Q: How do I determine the CPU ID of my machine?
A: Click here to get a walk-through.

Q: Why do I need to send my CPU ID to SyMech?
A: The CPU ID is necessary to identify your machine as unique for the Flex LM technology we use to license our software.

Q: Can SyMech Synthesis Software float across a network?
A: Yes. The Flex LM licensing technology we use through our partnership with GLOBEtrotter supports floating licensing.

Download Version

Q: How can I get a trial version of SyMech Synthesis Software?
A: SyMech, Inc. is the first and only company to provide a Pro/E module that can be downloaded from the Internet on a free trial basis. Please visit our Free Trial Download site for more information.

Q: What is the difference between the trial and full versions of the software?
A: The trial version works similarly to the fully licensed version, but is limited in three ways: first, the trial version does not permit the saving of designs; second, the overall functionality of the program is reduced; and third, the analysis features are disabled.

Capabilities

Q: Can SyMech Synthesis Software be used with existing Pro/E models?
A: Yes. Our software fully integrates with Pro/ENGINEER 2000i, 2000i2 and 2001.

Q: Can I use this program to perform analysis functions?
A: Yes. SyMech Synthesis Software performs kinematic analysis that allows the determination of velocity, acceleration, and force.

Q: Can SyMech Synthesis Software determine velocity, acceleration, or forces?
A: Yes. All three can be determined through the kinematic analysis employed by our program within Pro/ENGINEER.

Q: What platforms does SyMech Synthesis Software support?
A: SyMech™ Synthesis Software supports Windows NT, Windows 2000, SGI, Sun, HP, and Compaq/Digital Alpha.

Q: With which versions of Pro/ENGINEER is SyMech Synthesis Software compatible?
A: Our software is fully integrated with Pro/E 2000i, 2000i2 and 2001.

Synthesis

Q: What is synthesis?
A: The dictionary defines synthesis as, "the composition or combination of parts or elements so as to form a whole."

SyMech defines synthesis as the ability to input a function and create a mechanism based on that function. Previously, mechanisms were produced using an iterative process, in which the mechanism was designed first, tested to determine if it met the intended function, and redesigned to correct any flaws. SyMech Synthesis Software enables designers and engineers to define their function first and create an optimal mechanism on the first try, directly inside Pro/ENGINEER.

The range of definable functions for which our software can synthesize mechanisms includes traditional types such as position generation, path generation, and function generation (also known as angular specification), as well as non-traditional synthesis types that were until now not conventionally explored, such as crank synthesis, straight-line synthesis, and parallel mechanism synthesis. Furthermore, our software produces "infinite synthesis solutions™" meaning that optimal constructions can be generated for mechanisms based on a limitless array of possible designs.

Q: What types of synthesis are featured in SyMech Synthesis Software?
A: Our product not only supports traditional types of synthesis, it introduces several new and highly useful techniques. The traditional models include:

· Positional synthesis, in which the position of the coupler links is prescribed.
· Path synthesis, in which a mechanism is synthesized to follow a given path, prescribed by points inside Pro/ENGINEER.
· Angular, or Function synthesis, in which the input and output angles are prescribed.

SyMech also has the ability to synthesize mechanisms based on non-traditional synthesis types, including:

· Crank synthesis, in which a motor driver is synthesized to rotate 360° to move a part through two positions A and B, where the angle through which the A-B link travels is prescribed.
· Straight-Line synthesis, in which a mechanism is synthesized to travel through a straight line, where the line of travel is prescribed, for any of the following types:

• Watt linkages
  
• Hoeken linkages
  
• Chebyschev linkages
  
• Roberts linkages
  

· Parallel Mechanism synthesis, in which a mechanism is synthesized where one link is parallel to itself throughout the entire range of motion.

Of course, SyMech Synthesis Software is also capable of standard free sketch drag-and-drop functions.

Learning the Software

Q: How long does it take to learn how to use the software?
A: Learning to use our software is surprisingly easy and quick – a tutorial comes with the product, designed and demonstrated to get people up and running in no time. Also, we offer training courses and consulting services for those who wish to explore the capabilities of the product in more depth in order to tailor it to more specific needs.

Q: Is there any easy way to learn the software?
A: Yes – the Free Trial Download, and, of course, all licensed versions, come with an easy-to-use tutorial that walks you through every step of the synthesized design process. Additionally, training sessions and consulting appointments can be set up by contacting training@symech.com or consulting@symech.com, respectively.

Q: Is there training for SyMech Synthesis Software?
A: Yes. Please email training@symech.com or call the main office at 415.221.5111 for information on rates and scheduled sessions, or to make an appointment.

Miscellaneous

Q: What types of companies use this software?
A: SyMech Synthesis Software is used across various industries. Our clients include manufacturers of consumer products and industrial products; consulting companies; and design companies in such fields as industrial equipment, consumer products, medical equipment, and aerospace equipment. Colleges, universities, and research facilities also have important educational and research uses for our services and software.

Q: Is SyMech a partner with Parametric Technology Corporation?
A: Yes. SyMech has a partnership with PTC in order to offer SyMech Synthesis Software as a Pro/E module.

Click here to contact SyMech for more information.