Formation Announces Multiframe for Windows

Perth, WA - Formation Design Systems, Pty Ltd. has announced that it's Multiframe structural analysis and design software is now available for Windows 95/NT.

Originally developed for Apple Computer, Inc.'s Macintosh range of computers, Multiframe has set new standards for the application of innovative graphical interfaces to the solution of complex engineering problems. Multiframe uses a completely graphical approach to setting up a structural model of a building, bridge or any other engineering structure. This extends to sketching the model on-screen, point and click specification of restraints, loading and materials, and mouse based examination of the structure's forces, stresses and deflections. Unlike most structural analysis systems, Multiframe requires little or no keyboard input from the user.

Multiframe for Windows features the same innovative user interface found in the Macintosh version of the software. This includes the use of rendering and animation to help engineers understand how a structure responds under load. When combined with Multiframe's earthquake analysis options, it allows users to create on-screen movies of a structure's response over time. Changing colours on points of high stress help structural designers pinpoint critical design areas.

Formation Design System's President, Philip Christensen, describes the availability of Multiframe for Windows as "a significant advance in making powerful analysis and design tools easily accessible to all design engineers and architects. Since most engineers use Windows based computers, we can now deliver superior useability on their platform of choice."

To date, over 1000 engineers and architects worldwide have used Multiframe to design all types of structures ranging from simple residential frames through to a recent 50 story reinforced concrete high rise apartment building.

Educational users, including Harvard University Graduate School of Design and the MIT Building Technology Program, have also found that Multiframe's graphical approach is ideally suited to students and educators. Professor Chris Luebkeman at the MIT Building Technology Program describes how Multiframe has helped his students. "Multiframe's visual emphasis enables students to visualise structural behaviour in an accessible manner. Students find the graphical rendering capabilities to be especially elucidating"

Multiframe for Windows is available immediately. Pricing varies from $995 to $2495 depending on which of the optional analysis and design modules are selected. Special pricing is available to students and educational institutions.

Formation Design Systems, Pty Ltd develops software for solving 3D design problems. Its products include Multiframe for structural engineering analysis, Maxsurf for ship and boat design and Neoform for 3D surface modeling in industrial design.