|
Product Design Services, Inc. has been using SolidWorks® 3D CAD software since version 95, and has successfully completed over 200 product development programs. A full-service product development company, they assist clients with product development from concept to production manufacturing. Using the latest CAE (computer-aided engineering) technologies to compress product development times, the company also makes full use of its familiarity with all types of component manufacturing to create low-cost designs. Senior Industrial Designer Ed Eaton spoke with SolidWorks Express about SolidWorks 2001Plus.
How do the new freeform modeling capabilities in SolidWorks 2001Plus help you better meet the needs of your clients?
"SolidWorks 2001Plus is an exciting release for us in terms of freeform modeling and industrial design. Several standout features are especially important:
- New curvature display on sketch geometry
- Resolve converted splines
- Curvature continuous fillets
- Curvature continuous fillets with hold lines
- Zebra stripe analysis
- Replace face function
- Insert picture into sketch."
How do you use new curvature display on sketch geometry?
"In the layout phase, we often try to match splines to other sketch geometry in guide curves and loft sections. With SolidWorks 2001, curvature display improved our ability to match splines with their related arcs and ellipses.
"Now, with SolidWorks 2001Plus, we can quickly and accurately match the curvature of splines to other sketch geometry in guide curves and loft sections. This helps us create ideal contours for extrusions and loft sections."
How easy is it to resolve converted splines using SolidWorks 2001Plus?
"In the past, sketch splines converted from layout sketches or model geometry were dead and useless. To make minor tweaks, we used a converted spline as a framework for creating new ones. Now, we can RMB click a converted spline and select 'simplify spline' and gain access to the control points to tweak the shape of the spline.
"For instance, if we want to tweak a loft to add a subtle bulge in the middle, we can now get an intersection curve through the loft, simplify that spline, and nudge a control point on that converted spline to create a section that will add that bulge. With SolidWorks 2001Plus, the new 'add loft section' feature automates this task."
What's the benefit of curvature continuous fillets?
"Curvature continuous fillets are fantastic for the designer who is trying to make aesthetic products. Regular fillets create harsh highlights and a visible edge where the model instantly transitions from the curvature of the base body to the radius of the fillet. Curvature continuous fillets are more aesthetically pleasing because they create a light-friendly transition zone where the radius blends between that of the base body and the radius of the fillet."
 |
What's the added benefit of curvature continuous fillet with two hold lines?
"This is the most exciting new feature for creating freeform shapes. Instead of creating multiple loft sections, I can now use two split lines to sculpt a simple model into a much more complex one. Note that the two hold lines act independently – this feature creates elliptical fillets. Using move-size features to drag the sketches used to define my split lines allows me to alter the sculpting of the model in real time."
How does zebra stripe analysis help you better analyze freeform models?
"Zebra stripe analysis is a quick way to identify c1 and c2 tangency on SolidWorks 2001Plus models, such as the molded body for this radio controlled car.
 |
 |
Why is the replace face function important? Provide an example.
"The replace face function is one of the most important features added to SolidWorks 2001Plus. It eliminates the need for cumbersome workarounds to incorporate new freeform features into the solid model and gets us around the dreaded 'failed to merge bodies' error. For instance, in order to use the powerful 'surface fill' command in the previous SolidWorks 2001, we would have to create surface bodies for the entire model, knit them together, and thicken them into a solid. If there was already a solid model, we might have to cut away much of the model just to add the new feature. In SolidWorks 2001Plus, we can create the surface and simply add it to the solid model by replacing it for an existing face. Very, very cool!"
 |
What is the benefit of inserting pictures into a sketch?
"With SolidWorks 2001Plus, you can easily scan hand sketches or other images and use them as a basis for creating model geometry. The feature is incredibly useful, intuitive to operate, and has multiple options to simplify scaling and placing your sketch."
|
