SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Sept. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- MagnaFlow, a leading manufacturer of high-performance exhaust systems and catalytic converters, uses Autodesk Inventor software to develop automotive components that not only help engines operate more efficiently and consume less fuel, but also reduce the amount of toxic emissions that are released into the environment.

For helping reduce the overall environmental impact of automobiles, MagnaFlow is being recognized by Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) as the Autodesk Inventor of the Month for September 2009. The company's exhaust systems boost engine performance by expelling exhaust gases quicker than a standard exhaust system. This creates less workload for the engine, making it run more efficiently. The company's catalytic converters help to reduce the toxicity of exhaust emissions by converting carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons into less harmful substances, such as carbon dioxide or water.

MagnaFlow's aftermarket components go through a stringent quality control and field testing process, and their systems are custom-built to match the make, model and year of specific vehicles. Working with Inventor software helps MagnaFlow create parts that are rugged enough to survive from city streets to off-road terrain.

"We're one of the only companies to offer a lifetime warranty on our products, so they have to be built to last," said Bonn Rhee, a project engineer at MagnaFlow. "Leveraging advanced functionality in Inventor software, such as the Sheet Metal tools, lets us help optimize our designs before a single piece of metal has been cut. That way, we know in advance that they'll have the strength and performance they need."

The Inventor of the Month program recognizes the most innovative design and engineering advancements made by the extensive community using Inventor software, which takes users beyond 3D to Digital Prototyping. With Inventor, users can create a single digital model that gives them the ability to design, visualize and simulate products before they are built to reduce the necessity of constructing physical prototypes.

Working in collaboration with Autodesk reseller and training partner, U.S. CAD, MagnaFlow also uses Autodesk Showcase visualization software. Using the digital models created in Inventor software, designers can produce accurate, highly realistic product imagery for use in catalogs or sales presentations -- enabling the company to more effectively market its product innovations.

"Given MagnaFlow's standing as an ISO-9001 certified organization and a leader in its industry, it's not surprising that the company is taking advantage of a Digital Prototyping workflow to design and build better products in less time," said Robert "Buzz" Kross, senior vice president, Manufacturing Industry Group at Autodesk.

About the Autodesk Inventor of the Month Program

Each month, Autodesk selects an Inventor of the Month from the users of Autodesk Inventor software, which takes manufacturers beyond 3D to Digital Prototyping. Winners are chosen for engineering excellence and groundbreaking innovation. For more information about Autodesk Inventor of the Month, contact Email Contact.

About MagnaFlow

MagnaFlow is a leading manufacturer of performance exhaust systems and catalytic converters for trucks, SUVs, American muscle, diesel and sport compact vehicles. For additional information, visit www.magnaflow.com.

About U.S. CAD

Headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., U.S. CAD is a manufacturing and AEC industry consultant and the largest Autodesk Authorized Value Added Reseller on the West Coast. U.S. CAD's expertise is sought after by an impressive array of companies to help them implement digital prototyping, BIM and sustainable design tools with their comprehensive mix of implementation services that include process assessment and consulting, flexible training options, project mentoring, BIM modeling and production and technical support services. U.S. CAD has offices in Los Angeles, Costa Mesa, San Diego, Las Vegas and Honolulu. To find out all the ways U.S. CAD helps its customers "Achieve More!" go to http://www.uscad.com or http://www.uscadbim.com.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc., is a world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art Digital Prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.

Autodesk, AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, Inventor and Showcase are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

(C) 2009 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.

    Editorial Note:
    An interview with MagnaFlow is available on the Autodesk YouTube Channel
    at 
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnNcz3BlnVo 
    Contact:  Clay Helm 415.547.2425  Alyson Moses 312.297.7430
    Email:    clay.helm@autodesk.com  alyson.moses@edelman.com

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SOURCE Autodesk, Inc.

Web site: http://www.autodesk.com/
http://www.uscad.com/
http://www.magnaflow.com/