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ZW3D vs Fusion 360 Lesson 12
3D Modeling Techniques Defined
Streamlined Sketching/Feature Based Modeling

These articles started out as product comparisons, but quickly turned into a study in 3D modeling techniques.
I truly cannot believe that a part this simple can be as complex as the Fusion 360 presenter makes it. You can see it takes at least 10 times as long as I take with what I have coined "Streamlined Sketching". If you model this way I could not hire you. I can only imagine how long a complex part would take with this heavy sketching and constraining. Constraining is not necessary in any case, what every you gain in modifying by editing the sketch is defeated by the time it takes to set it up.

First watch the Video.

Fusion 360 Challenge of the Month: August 2017



Here is the drawing.



ZW3D vs Fusion 360

Watch how simple this part can be with "Streamlined Sketching".

My first step is what we would do in Fusion 360 we will first create a sketch.



We will then sketch the two basic lines. You can define the line by inputting the length and angle in a dialog box. Much better than having to create dimensions. 



Now we offset the lines .38.




Then just connect the ends and we are done with the sketch. I do this in steps to show you the process. You can see how simple and fast this is.

I really have no idea why the Fusion 360 presenter would do it any other way. It seems so obvious to me even in Fusion 360 this would be a better and faster way to model this part. 
                               


Now we extrude the profile symmetrical 1.76!



We put in our .88 and .43 blends and we are done with the basic shape. The Fusion 36 fellow is still sketching the bottom shape.




Now for the slot. We create a sketch on the affected face. We then use the slot command to create and locate the slot. Much faster than sketching it. You would think with all of the years Autodesk has been in the industry they would have more complete set of commands.



We then just extrude the slot profile.




Now for the custom holes. We just create the holes at the center of the fillet. 

I am not sure why the Fusion 360 presenter made putting in a custom hole so complicated. Doesn't Fusion 360 recognize centers of existing features? Hard to believe.




We mirror the hole. Now we are ready for the rib. This rib is just too simple to use a rib function. We just create a sketch on the ZX plane.



Now we just sketch the rib. We just put the .75 line in and connect the ends. Nope no constraints.



We are done with the profile, ready to extrude.



We are done with the part in one tenth the time. Go ahead send it off the manufacturing. They surely don't care how the part was modeled they are probably getting a STEP file.

I know much of this seems a bit strange. I get arguments about constrain sketching only for them to have to agree it is not necessary. Even the most experienced Creo and other Solidworks clone users have to face facts. I know this is not the way they taught you. But most of you have not taken any descriptive geometry classes and are wasting incredible amounts of time.



It is very important that you look into how you or your engineers are creating the parts. Streamline Sketching and Feature Based Modeling is easy to learn and implement. It, alone, can increase productivity 10X. Now, ZW3D with its unique history and robust direct edit functionality can increase your productivity another 5X or more with changes! Again, time is money in engineering.

More on Streamline Sketching and Feature Based Modeling.


3D Modeling Techniques Defined



To experience this increased level of productivity, please download ZW3D for a 30 day evaluation. Legacy data is no problem, ZW3D can read the native files of all of the popular programs including the PMI data of NX, Solidworks, Catia and Creo. ZW3D is a great replacement for the subscription only Autodesk and PTC products.

For more information or to download ZW3D

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 ZW3D. It truly is the Ultimate CAD/CAM System.

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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.

 

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