SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Mar 27, 2002 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Autodesk Inventor 3D Software Serves as Cornerstone of Complete Manufacturing Solution

Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq:ADSK), the world's leading design software and digital content company, today announced that Pacific International Tool & Shear, Ltd. is shortening design cycle time of their quality industrial cutting tools by 66 percent with Autodesk Inventor software -- the premier 3D solution within the Autodesk Inventor Series software. The company selected Autodesk Inventor software for its exceptional ease of use and large-assembly performance. In addition, Pacific International Tool & Shear uses the visualization capabilities of the Autodesk VIZ application with Autodesk Inventor software to produce virtual prototypes. These realistic 3D renderings allow them to rapidly explore and present new design concepts and redesigns to clients, winning approval much earlier in the design process. This proves to be one of the company's most powerful competitive assets.

"With Autodesk Inventor software we can accomplish more with fewer steps, enabling us to cut the design time for most products by two-thirds," said Jon Edwards, product engineer at Pacific International Tool & Shear of Kingston, Washington. "Because of the software's advanced 3D solid modeling capabilities, we are creating innovative new products that would have been impossible to produce before."

Pacific International Tool & Shear (www.snappershear.com) provides customers with the Snapper Shear line of industrial-quality tools for cutting fiber-cement siding, tile backerboards, and sheathing. The 3D modeling capabilities in Autodesk Inventor software enable Pacific International Tool & Shear to quickly and easily model assemblies consisting of 500 to 600 parts as well as manipulate parts in real time. The ability to simulate motion of mechanical parts to ensure accurate designs also helps Pacific International Tool & Shear reduce the need for costly prototypes. In addition, the intuitive nature of the software helps engineers accomplish work faster than ever.

"Small manufacturers like Pacific International Tool & Shear are gaining a competitive advantage with Autodesk Inventor 3D design software and partner solutions," said Robert Kross, vice president of the Manufacturing Division at Autodesk. "With Autodesk Inventor and partner solutions they are equipped with the technology to produce innovative products that can compete with larger manufacturers in terms of cost and time to market."

Extending the Value of Autodesk Inventor

Autodesk Manufacturing Applications Initiative (MAI) partners provide best-in-class software to enhance Autodesk manufacturing solutions. Pacific International Tool & Shear is using PathTrace Engineering Systems' EdgeCAM Solid Machinist application for Autodesk Inventor software. It is an integrated computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) system for generating machining strategies and NC code specifically for Autodesk Inventor parts. Pacific International Tool & Shear's Autodesk Inventor users can import files directly into the EdgeCAM Solid Machinist application for a quick and reliable route to manufacture.

IMAGINiT West Provides Complete Solution

IMAGINiT, an Autodesk channel partner, helped Pacific International Tool & Shear extend the value of Autodesk Inventor technology with Autodesk VIZ software and PathTrace's EdgeCAM Solid Machinist software. Conducting an extensive evaluation of Autodesk Inventor and partner solutions, IMAGINiT demonstrated how the software could help the company meet its design requirements and reach its goal of dramatically accelerating time to market.

"As expert consultants to manufacturing companies, we were able to provide complete services to Pacific International Tool & Shear -- from product evaluation and implementation to training and support," said Greg Pelly, general operations manager at IMAGINiT West in Seattle.

IMAGINiT, formerly Ketiv Technologies, Inc., is a top Autodesk Authorized Reseller and Autodesk Training Center that provides solution-oriented services and products to architectural and mechanical engineering clients. IMAGINiT West is part of IMAGINiT Technologies, a wholly owned subsidiary of RAND Worldwide.

About Autodesk

Founded in 1982, Autodesk, Inc., is the world's leading design and digital media creation, management, and distribution company. The company serves a diverse portfolio of markets, including building design, geographic information systems, manufacturing, digital media, and wireless data services. By delivering tools that foster innovation and creativity, Autodesk helps customers throughout the value chain leverage digital design data to work better, faster, and smarter. For more information about the company, see www.autodesk.com.

Note to Editors: Autodesk and Autodesk Inventor are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in the United States and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

CONTACT: Autodesk Cindi Goodsell, 415/507-8452 cindi.goodsell@autodesk.com URL: http://www.businesswire.com Today's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internet with Hyperlinks to your home page.

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