Industry Info and CAD Tips

Anyone in the computer-aided design (CAD) field will use modeling techniques to create designs.  Two common techniques are solid modeling and surface modeling. Both fall under the same category relating to the shape, design, and representation of physical objects, but they are used for different types of projects, depending on what kind of abstraction is needed. Since the advent of 3D CAD applications, CAD designers and engineers have been torn between solid modeling and surface modeling. Because of its mathematical accuracy, solid modeling was the preferred choice for engineering. Facet data has become more useful in engineering workflows as a result of the introduction of high-precision, low-cost scanning, and 3D printing. Today’s post will share the differences between the two. Solid Modeling vs Surface Modeling Solid modeling is for representing solid objects in the areas of CAD, engineering analysis, graphics, and animation as well as prototyping and product visualization. It uses mathematical principles to create 3D solid objects. A solid modeler unequivocally represents an object by defining its surface boundary and topologically orienting it so that we can say which side the solid interior is on at each surface point. The object can be seen in geographic terms and is considered a “watertight” model because the internal details of the product are often included. Each part of the model is added one at a time until the complete model is finished. Assembly modeling can also play a part in solid modeling, which is simply when smaller parts of the model make up the whole. Solid models can intersect, join and subtract objects from one another to create the desired results as far as shape and form. Many solid modelers will currently accept solids made up of polyhedral models and quadric surfaces (such as spheres, cones, cylinders, and so on) as well as their Boolean combinations. Solid modeling software usually creates models by starting with a base solid and then adding or subtracting features. Extrudes, extrude slices, revolves, radii, chamfers, and other features Solidworks, CATIA, and Pro Engineer are examples of solids modeling programs. It was created for computer design, but it is now widely used in engineering for large component assemblies, digital testing, and rapid prototyping. A Surface modeler focuses more on the external aspects of an object. Surface modeling was created to represent different types of piecewise surfaces based on their shape and smoothness. Sculpted models are another term for such models. A surface modeler only provides a geometrical definition of the object boundary and no topological detail. It develops an object by stretching a surface over it with 3D curves created by the designer. It is essentially describing the surface boundaries of the object. It allows the viewer to see each surface point where the solid interior is located. Discover Incredible Engineering Services

If you work in the AEC business, you’ve probably heard the terms BIM and REVIT frequently. However, the terms BIM (Building Information Modeling) and REVIT are frequently misconstrued. Some individuals still think about BIM as a software package similar to REVIT. However, REVIT is one of the most accessible BIM tools, and it is extensively used for the construction of 3D digital BIM models. One of the main causes for the misconception between BIM and REVIT is that they both have the same goal in mind: to create 3D building models and designs. The 3D models of many design disciplines, such as architectural, structural, and MEP, are the digital output associated with both of them. But don’t you think they’re the same thing? So, what are the fundamental distinctions and similarities between BIM and REVIT? What is BIM? BIM stands for Building Information Modeling and as the name implies, the core of BIM is INFORMATION. BIM is an intelligent model-based process/methodology for creating 3D building design models that incorporate all of the information required for a building’s construction. It allows for easier coordination and collaboration among the project’s many teams. AEC experts can design, construct, and operate buildings and infrastructures more effectively. According to BRE Academy, (Building Research Establishment): Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the integrated process built on coordinated reliable information used to create coordinated digital design information and documentation, predict performance appearance and cost, and deliver projects faster more economically, and with reduced environmental impact. According to NBS, (National Building Specification): BIM or Building Information Modeling is a process for creating and managing information on a construction project across the project lifecycle. One of the key outputs of this process is the Building Information Model, the digital description of every aspect of the built asset. This model draws on information assembled collaboratively and updated at key stages of a project. Creating a digital Building Information Model enables those who interact with the building to optimize their actions, resulting in a greater whole-life value for the asset. What is REVIT? REVIT is an Autodesk BIM software that has capabilities for the architectural, MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing), and structural disciplines in the AEC industry. REVIT is a crucial tool for creating 3D models, which are essential in BIM. BIM uses Revit and a variety of additional tools/software to assist designers in designing, coordinating, collaborating, and simulating an integrated design. As previously said, BIM supplies the information, and REVIT is one of the mediums through which this information may be created and accessed.  REVIT is a design and documentation platform that allows you to envision, develop, and document a project using a single, integrated building information model. REVIT software enables virtual modeling, or the creation of a virtual model of a building or infrastructure before it is constructed on-site. REVIT software has capabilities that are specifically built to enable BIM, allowing users to create an intelligent model with data stored within it. These tools, when utilized correctly, can help you save rework, save money, detect issues before construction begins on-site, and reduce delays, among other things. The Future is BIM Shaped

When it comes to product design, product design teams have been forced to compromise for far too long. When it comes to using CAD software, users of 3D software have been constrained to a single modeling environment. For all jobs, a paradigm – either parametric or direct – must be used. And for those who like 2D, it has been difficult for them to have easy access to and exploit their data in 3D as well as challenging. However, with Creo™ Elements, you can now choose the best tool for the job, whether it’s 2D or 3D, parametric or direct. Whether you’re developing or browsing designs, you can now use the best tool available. You have interoperability like never before. 10 areas where direct modeling can be used in conjunction with parametric modeling: 1. Concept Design During this stage of development, Industrial designers are frequently involved. They do not, however, require the complex parametric tools used by 3D CAD specialists to express design intent and work with parameters or feature trees. Instead, industrial designers must create many concept designs for the future product fast and discuss them with internal stakeholders and customers. At this point, the best CAD system is one that allows for quick geometry generation and ideation. When a user is forced to consider how to utilize a 3D CAD program, creativity suffers and innovation suffers as a result. Parametric CAD Challenges: Because conceptual designers do not engineer products, parametric 3D CAD is unnecessary for them. Conceptual design is a creative process that necessitates the use of a 3D modeler that is quick, flexible, and simple to use. In this circumstance, direct modeling is the best counterpart to parametric modeling since it provides concept design speed, versatility, and ease of use. 2. Bids & Proposals The competitive bid procedure requires each supplier to submit their proposal within a specific time frame, making the process time-sensitive. The competitive bids are reviewed when they are received, and the supplier is ultimately chosen based on their total price point and ability to explain and demonstrate value. The better or more precise the geometry, the more likely the new business will be secured. The ideal CAD system will aid the bid process by allowing geometry to be easily developed, reducing the time and expenses associated with creating bid geometry. The proposals also serve as a proof point for the supplier to see if the project is feasible. Parametric CAD Challenges: Bid geometry creation demands CAD expertise, which is frequently unavailable from technical salespeople. Many parametric CAD systems lack the ease of use, speed, and modeling flexibility required in the bid process. Direct modeling is an excellent addition to the bid and proposal process since parametric CAD technologies lack the ease of use, speed, and modeling flexibility required to produce throw-away bid geometry. 3. Digital Prototyping To display and assess design possibilities, digital prototypes are commonly built to support the detailed design phase of product development. The goal is usually to determine the viability of a design. A CAD program that is simple to use, intuitive, and interactive enough to encourage creativity and the brainstorming process is ideal for digital prototyping. The optimal CAD solution for digital prototyping should make it simple to reuse and repurpose existing geometry. Using carry-over or legacy data as the foundation geometry to swiftly construct digital prototypes is preferable to re-creating digital prototypes from scratch. Parametric CAD Challenges: For rapid prototyping, the parametric 3D design process is typically too sluggish. Working with and updating historical data or data from several CAD tools is difficult. By allowing history-free, geometry-based creation, and editing, the direct modeling approach is more suited to meeting digital prototyping requirements. 4. 2D to 3D Conversion Concept design and the generation of technical deliverables frequently necessitate the use of 2D design capabilities. The ease of 2D design allows for quick conceptual design and layout detailing. The optimal 2D CAD solution should allow 2D-to-3D model conversion and give extensive 2D design capabilities. To support downstream deliverables, the best 2D CAD solution should be coupled with the best 3D CAD solution to speed up the 2D-to-3D conversion process and take advantage of the capacity to produce 3D models directly from 2D data. Parametric CAD Challenges: 3D parametric CAD programs frequently lack powerful, user-friendly associative 2D design capabilities. Converting 2D to 3D models is time-consuming and tedious, requiring a large amount of effort to recreate 2D profiles in 3D CAD. The direct modeling approach is a great complement to parametric modeling in this case since it supports fast 2D design and 2D-to-3D model conversion while also providing integral 2D and 3D capabilities. Connect With CAD Experts

The 1987 debut of Pro/ENGINEER, now PTC Creo, marked a pivotal moment in the history of computer-aided design (CAD), since it introduced the CAD industry to history-based parametric modeling. Since then, practically every prominent CAD tool, including SOLIDWORKS, Autodesk Inventor, Creo Parametric, CATIA, NX, and Onshape, has used the parametric paradigm.  Direct modeling is the appropriate design method for some design engineers because of its openness and flexibility. Others, on the other hand, appreciate the level of control that comes with a parametric approach. For many, the benefit of direct modeling is the ability to swiftly capture and record new geometry without the limits that come with parametric modeling. Users can record comprehensive design intent with features and limitations that make it possible to automate repetitive modifications using parametric modeling technology, on the other hand. In summary, parametric design entails engineers’ piece-by-piece constructing a 3D geometry. 2D sketches are converted into 3D features, with constraints and relationships imposed as needed to match the designer’s intent. However, because each stage builds on the one before it, parametric design can demand meticulous planning. What is Parametric Modeling? Parametric modeling, often known as history-based modeling, is a systematic engineering technique. This is because it keeps track of the model’s features, and as new ones are introduced, they are catalogued in a list called a feature tree, which makes them easy to update. Each feature is created by manually entering dimensions, ensuring that every measurement and angle is precise. The features are also regulated by parameters set by the engineer who created the model. This allows the engineer to keep design intent while constructing and altering the model because any changes made will follow the defined parameters that inform the model how to function. Pros and Cons of Parametric Modeling Pros – When it comes to design activities that demand precise specifications and production standards, parametric modeling is a wonderful technique. This could include situations where a company produces a product line or family of items with only slight differences. The designer can use parametric modeling to do the following: Every component is regulated by dimensions, enabling for exact adjustments and alterations. Feature tree is the list that keeps track of each feature is always accessible and maintains a step-by-step construction trail. Changes are automatically reflected in the visual model if the proportions of a feature are changed. Identical features can be modified at the same time. The parameters prevent the model from deviating from the original design goal. These algorithms tell the features how to respond to changes in the model’s other sections. Excellent integration with industrial processes, resulting in a reduction in production time. Cons – The main limitations that are associated with parametric modeling are: Making multiple model iterations via parametric modeling when brainstorming design ideas is typically tiresome and stifles the creative process. When a change is made to the model, the program updates it by resolving each feature in the feature tree in the linear order. The features in the list are linked because they build on each other. Certain changes earlier in the feature tree may break the model as it tries to resolve features farther down the tree if the engineer is not attentive. Late-stage design adjustments can be difficult as a result of this. The feature tree’s list grows bigger as additional features are added. This can take a long time and a lot of energy for the computer to process. As there are so many CAD applications in the market, sharing the model as suite-specific CAD is problematic. Converting the file to generic CAD makes it easier to exchange it between computers, but it removes the feature tree from the file, making further editing more difficult. Connect with CAD Experts