IronCAD vs Solidworks vs Creo Lesson Five Single Model Environment Top Down or In-Context
Modeling
When I introduce IronCAD's very
flexible design paradigm I have a hard time to get the Pro/e clone
users, like Solidworks to understand the drag and
drop design paradigm.
I have created
fourteen
"IronCAD vs
Fusion 360" lessons to show the difference between IronCAD
and Fusion 360. These lesson are a study in modeling techniques.
I found the Fusion 360 presenter was wasting massive amounts of time
with overly complex constrained sketching procedures. I was
incredibly unimpressed. Look at my highly productive proven modeling techniques plus IronCAD's superb design system.
I was quite pleased to have found these exercises from a
Solidworks dealer and thought I would show the difference in my
modeling technique plus the highly productive modeling method
offered by IronCAD. I again find modeling techniques that can easily
be streamlined 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
lessons, there are more very stark differences.
I have found this tutorial Video of CREO using the same demo.
The presenter does not include the small spacer. But like the
Solidworks presenter he makes one part, this needs to be separate
parts. We train for creating functional parts not cartoons. Also the
loft process is a bit more convoluted than the Solidwork
presentation.
While creating 3D models from drawing 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.
Solidworks and Creo are marginal 3D CAD systems
based on the dated Pro/e history
based modeling system. I have sold both of these products years ago and found
it, like all of the other Solidworks clones, 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 exercises
I have found the same problems with Solidworks. The modeling
technique is hugely responsible for the level of productivity. Those
of you that are only trained in the complex and time consuming
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?
Let's get started!
We are already in
Inches. So we can start modeling.
This is an inseparable
assembly not a part. IronCAD is a true single model environment, so
we do not have to concern ourselves with the assembly and there is
no special preparation, we just start modeling.
Drag a block from the catalog
We select one handle and edit the size of the block.
Now we will drag and drop a hole
cylinder in the center of the block and size it.
We can minimize the catalog since we will not be using it for the
rest of the exercise. Now we will copy the feature and place it
with the triball
We add the full blends or fillets
Now we select the two faces that are the
basis for our twist.
We set the start and end constraints and set the vector length
Now we edit the match points to complete the twist
We now create the spacer using the extrude wizard and create a new
part. Since IronCAD is a true single model environment you do not
have to worry about any relationships with the parts. You are always
designing in the assembly. Yes, you can have external relationship
if required.
We project the relative edges and offset them .100. IronCAD smartly
leaves the original entities highlighted so you can delete them.
We now have a complete sketch. Notice there are no constraints. This
is what I have coined "Streamline Sketching"
Now close the extrude wizard and set the thickness to .100
We change the color of the spacer
We copy the existing part and locate it with the triball
We delete the twist and relocate the affected end.
Now we add the final twist as we did above.
Assembly done
Exploded view
We
create the AID (Associated Information Document)
(drawing). You can see both the AID and model in the same session.
This is great when you are working with an assembly and individual
parts.
Here
is the original drawing.
This is
another stark examples
of how IronCAD's drag and drop of smart editable shapes from a catalog and
the use of the Triball can increase productivity 5X in this case due
to the simplicity. 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.
