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(continued...) A print preview gives control over page formatting for spreadsheet data output.
A built in animator enables contour plots to be animated to show result variation with deflection.
These can be saved out as Strand animation files .SAF or as a series of bitmaps.
A freely distributable viewer can be used to make Strand files accessible to the full engineering team.
The Viewer does not allow any editing or saving of the model and printing functions are disabled.
Strand is a comprehensive analysis tool aimed at complex structural exercises as opposed to the current crop of design centric tools that link directly with CAD modellers but typically offer a subset of functionality.
Although data can be transferred from CAD models it is not associative and probably not the best approach until the full auto-mesher is available later this year.
This is not to detract from Stand 7's real strengths however.
For many exercises the generation of a model optimised for the analysis is the best approach and allows design iteration before commencing design detailing or documentation.
For such a complex tool, Strand 7 is very approachable, the comprehensive range of tools minimising the need to compromise on the appropriate technique or level of result visualisation.
With the first level of functionality available for £1,950 including maintenance and support from Imagineering, Strand 7 also offers excellent value for money.