3D Modeling Techniques IRONCAD vs Creo Lesson
Two Streamlined Sketching/Feature Based Modeling
When I introduce IronCAD's very
flexible design paradigm I have a hard time to get the Pro/e clone
users, like Solidworks and other programs, to understand the drag and
drop design process.
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I saw some
Fusion 360 exercises online and I decided to compare IronCAD. It
quickly turned into a study in modeling techniques. I have created
fifteen
"IronCAD vs Fusion 360", six "IronCAD
vs Solidworks" and two "IronCAD
vs Creo" lessons to show the difference between
IronCAD and the two programs and my modeling techniques. I found the
Fusion 360, Solidworks and Creo presenters wasting massive amounts
of time with overly complex constrained sketching procedures. I was
so unimpressed that I decided to model the parts or assemblies
showing my modeling techniques plus IronCAD's superb design system.
Many of these modeling techniques can easily
be implemented even within the most Solidworkish of systems. I call it
Streamlined Sketching and Feature Based Modeling. Please review a few of the above IronCAD vs Fusion 360, Solidworks
and Creo
lessons, there are some very stark differences.
Please watch
a Creo user model this part!
With all the
tedious constrained
sketching for this simple part for the Absolute Beginner, you can imagine a
complex part?
Here is the drawing if you would like to
give it a try. This is not a 3D drawing it is a detailed
Isometric. There is no such thing as a 3D drawing. A drawing it a
document done on a 2D plane.
While creating 3D models from drawings is the very best
way to learn 3D CAD and maybe some design techniques it does not
expose the designer to the design flexibility necessary in design. IronCAD is all top down due to the single model environment.
Creating mating parts is a cruise. But modeling is just one aspect of a
well designed productive 3D CAD system.
Creo
is a marginal 3D CAD system based on the dated Pro/e history
based modeling system released in 1988. I sold Pro/e years ago
and found it not productive enough
for our engineering department. We use what we sell. That gives us
the experience to effectively support our user base.
I would do a
video, but I really am not good at it. So I will show you step by
step. I will try and get IronCAD support to create one. They are
very good.
As with my Ironcad vs Fusion 360
and Solidworks comparisons
I have found the same problems with Creo. The modeling
technique is hugely responsible for the level of productivity. Those
of you that are only trained in the constrained sketching world are truly limited by not using the freedom of
Streamlined Sketching and Feature Based Modeling, that is available in even the most Solidworks-ish of CAD systems. If your
designers are designing in these very unproductive and time
consuming processes it might be time to review your standard design
processes. Don't have any do you?
As I watch the Creo user sketch this
part, I am amazed at the way he does it. I
just can't understand struggling with all the constrained
dimensioning. This IronCAD exercise took a few minutes and allows
for faster and much easier modification. Again these exercises turned
into a study of modeling techniques even though most of this model
is Feature Based Modeling not available to most of the Solidworks clones.
Here is IronCAD. My default is inches,
so we will set the units to mm. Let's get started.
If you are following this tutorial. I
first select show the size box dimensions. You can save your custom
configurations if you want.
I drag and drop a
block from the catalog in to the scene and size it by clicking and
editing the handles.
Note: Why does IronCAD
call it a scene instead of a workspace? IronCAD was first released
as a graphic design program called Trispectives. It still has much
of the graphic design functionality. It truly is a wonderful mixture
of professional 3D CAD and graphic design, which puts it in a much
more flexible category as compared to the very mechanical
engineering focused Solidworks clones.
We drag and drop
another block on the front face, locate and size it.
We
drag and drop a block, locate it and size it.
We are
locating these features on mid-points that are automatically
recognized. We also hold down the shift or Ctrl key an push/pull a feature to a
point, edge or face. Very simple manipulation of shapes. This is
true 3D
modeling as compared to only 2D sketching.
We
drag and drop a block, locate it and size it.
We drag and
drop the last block, locate it and size it.
We drop a hole
block and size it.
But instead of using a sketch for
the slot, we just put the blends in.
We drag and
drop a hole cylinder to the mid point of the face, locate it using
the Triball from a point and size it.
Yes, even
IronCAD has to use a sketch once in a while.
We are done
with the catalog so we can autohide it. You usually work with it
hidden.
We create stand alone sketches for the two circles
necessary for the loft. The first on the back face to the part.
IronCAD automatically recognizes end, edges, midpoints and centers.
We locate the center on the affected edge and create the R13.
We create the
sketch.
We select the loft command select the
two circles.
Now
for the blend and the chamfer. Why sketch features you can put in
separately.
We
select the other edge and we are done with the part.
Oops
the slot is suppose to be 12 deep. No problem we just select the
feature and change the depth.
This is one of the most stark examples
of how IronCAD's drag and drop of editable shapes from a catalog and
the use of the Triball can increase productivity 10X in this case. I
usually estimate 5X increased productivity in conceptual design and
10X in changes, and I believe I am being conservative. IronCAD can
edit most of the Solidworks clone parts and assemblies faster than it
can be done in the native CAD system.
Give me a call if you have any
questions. I can set up a skype or go to meeting to show this part
or answer any of your questions on the operation of IronCAD. It
truly is the very best conceptual 3D CAD system.
If you are interested in adding professional
hybrid modeling capabilities or looking for a new solution to
increase your productivity, take some time to download a fully
functional 30 day evaluation and play with these packages. Feel free
to give me a call if you have any questions or would like an on-line
presentation.
