Software help the move to solids

Low cost CAD software has been enhanced specifically for users migrating from 2D to 3D. Tom Shelley reports Solid Edge V17 has been enhanced in ways which it is hoped will lead to trial users, experienced only in 2D, deciding to embrace its 3D capabilities within the first hour of use. This includes improved Hybrid Design, for those who like to start their design work in 2D, and a non-irritant 'Apprentice Mode' for those who have never used it or anything like it before. Most engineers start their design work in 2D, because that was how they were taught to work from their earliest days at school, and that is how they were taught most of their engineering. 2D plan and elevation sketches are also a very quick and unambiguous way of communicating an idea, whereas a 3D perspective sketch, even with CAD inevitably takes longer. Other departments of the companies, however, increasingly want their designs as 3D CAD models, whether they are to be FEA or CFD analysed, used to create NC machining instructions, or required for sales literature and maintenance manuals. For starting off, 'Apprentice mode' indicates with text messages what the various features are and what they do when the user hovers over them, but avoids repeating the messages when they start to be used, presuming that they have now been learned. This avoids annoyance and cluttering up the screen, but should the user forget, the messages can be re-set and re-instated. In addition, a 'Command Finder' allows a user unfamiliar with the exact name or location of a command to find it. Enhancing the 'Hybrid Design' capability of earlier versions, It is now possible to select a plane within the 3D design space, do a layout on it, and then link it to an already existing 3D model, prior to fleshing out the 2D elements. 2D representations can also be created from 3D components, which can then be used in layouts. Workflow is further enhanced by 'Direct Editing', which allows models to be edited without having to edit the history tree. It allows, for example, the moving of the end face of a lug within a curved moulding, without its coming away from the surface if it curves outwards, or coming through to the outside, if it curves inwards. Direct editing is particularly useful for editing geometry imported from other 3D packages, without the need to try to import features and parameters. A number of technologies assist the loading of and working with very large assemblies. An enhancement originally requested by CNH, Case New Holland, allows users to drill down an assembly tree with all parts hidden, so computation power and time is not required to display them, until the component of interest is located. A new automatic assembly simplification technique uses a proprietary algorithm to automatically determine which faces are external to the assembly, and then save a simplified representation. It can also be used to protect intellectual property by removing pertinent details from models sent to third parties. An entry level version of Solid Edge is priced at only £1,495, while the full version with data management, surfacing, sheet metal facilities and advanced libraries costs £5,000. Solid Edge Pointers * New users are assisted by a novel Apprentice Mode and Command Finder * 2D layouts can be drawn on appropriate planes within the 3D model space and then associated with the model. Conversely, 2D representations can be derived from 3D models for layout purposes * Large assemblies may be drilled into to display components without having to display any of the assemblies on the way down. Techniques have also been developed to simplify assembly models in order to greatly speed their display, and where necessary, conceal sensitive intellectual property