3D Modeling Techniques IRONCAD vs Creo Lesson
One 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 paradigm.
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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" and
six "IronCAD vs Solidworks" lessons to show the difference between IronCAD
and the two programs and my modeling techniques. I found the Fusion 360 and Solidworks 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 their existing system. I call it
Streamlined Sketching and Feature Based Modeling. Please review a few of the above IronCAD vs Fusion 360
and Solidworks
lessons, there are some very stark differences.
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 suppose it takes a
certain mindset to sketch a revolve for two cylinders and a hole. 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 Pro/e clones.
Here is IronCAD. My default is inches,
so we will set the units to mm. Let's get started.
I drag and drop a
block in to the scene and size it by clicking one of 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, locate and size it.
We
drag and drop a hole 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 3D
modeling as compared to only sketching.
We
drag and drop the last hole block and size it.
We turn the
top face toward us and select the mid-point of the back edge. By
have the face in this orientation it allows the cylinder to be
placed correctly. We drag and drop a cylinder to the top face.
Now we just
size the cylinder and drag and drop the top cylinder on the top and
size it.
We drag and drop a hole cylinder
using the center of the top cylinder and size it.
We drag and
drop a hole cylinder to the mid point of the face and size it.
Now we have to
sketch the radius on the front face. We use the incredibly
functional "extrude wizard" and indicate the front face and set the
function to remove.
We create the
sketch.
We select finish and pull it to match
the back face.
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.
