3D Modeling Techniques
ZW3D vs Solidworks Lesson Two
Primitive Shapes & Sketching
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 ZW3D
comparison lessons, there are some very stark differences.
Here is the drawing if you would like to
give it a try.
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.
ZW3D is all top down due to the multi-object model environment.
Creating mating parts is a cruise. But modeling is just one aspect of a
well designed productive 3D CAD system.
Solidworks
is a marginal 3D CAD system based on the dated Pro/e (Creo) history
based modeling system. I have sold this product 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.
ZW3D vs Solidworks
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 ZW3D support to create one. They are
very good.
We are already in
millimeters. So we can start modeling.
Again
I instantly differ from the Solidworks presenter by inserting a
primitive block at X0Y0Z0 and sizing it. We have a variety of
options for creating the blocks, we will use center and height. This block makes up the base of the
part.
While he is concerned about sketching, I am thinking of basic shapes of the part.
Note: Pro/e clones have been starting with the sketch for almost
30 years. Even today the sketch is the only option in most programs.
I will do the next
step two different ways. One with inserting primitive shapes and the
other by sketching. I only show the sketching to show feature based
modeling.
Modeling with Primitives.
We insert a primitive block
using corner and height on the lower corner locate and size. We use
the lower corner so we can use the dimension in the drawing
directly.
Note: It takes a bit of playing with the blocks to
get proficient. I have introduced many of our user to this function.
I believe using primitives effectively can increase your
productivity 30%.
Now for the next block. You can
instantly see the difference. We think in terms of shapes instead of
sketches.
We are
done with the basic shape in 3 functions. Compare that to the poor
Solidworks presenter who is still sketching.
Modeling with sketches
ZW3D is very similar to Solidworks. In the beginning it was a
sketching only package. I really never cared for all of the planes
that had to be created with this design paradigm and it took me
awhile to start using them. I would never use that kind of system
for my design works and I used what I sold. When I picked up ZW3D I
had to learn it.
Here is how I sketch, it is much, much
different than the Solidworks and Fusion 360 presenters that look
like they were trained by the same instructor. I have coined my
sketching process Streamline Sketching. It can be 10X plus more
productive than sketch, sketch, constrain, constrain!
We again
insert a block and size it. It would be silly to sketch a block.
Now take a look at how I sketch. I do offsets from the bottom edge.
ZW3D is incredible that you do not have to create a reference line
to create the offset. I created the horizontal lines of 28mm from
the bottom edge then 12mm from the new line. I do the same with the
vertical lines. I create the end lines by just connecting the dots.
Now I
just trim the lines and I am done with the sketch. Compare to the
Solidworks presenter, putting in lines point to point the defining
the lengths. You could easily do this in Solidworks hugely cutting
the modeling time .
We
exit the sketch and extrude the profile.
You
can see the time savings involved modeling this way. It seems like
those that designed the Pro/e paradigm were a bit architectural.
Drawing from point to point. then constraining the lines and arcs
with dimensions. Mechanical drafters slid triangles, used T-squares
or drafting machines to create parallel horizontal and vertical
lines to define the square parts. I, of course, continue in this
tradition cutting my modeling time.
Both of the above process are much faster than, what seems to
be, Conventional Sketching. I call this feature based, because we
focus on the shape more than the sketch.
Now for the next
cut. We actually do this very much like the Solidworks presenter. I
create a 3D line and place it on the front face at 45 degrees.
I am
not used to modeling this way so it was a bit of a learning curve.
I need to trim the line to the to upper front edge of the
part. ZW3D does not recognize the intersection. I just create a line
on the intersecting edge, then I use trim/extend to corners.
I
deleted the construction line and create the vertical line. I use
create line along direction the the correct height.
We
will now create a plane with three points.
We insert a primitive block and pull it
and size it.
We clean up the view by deleting or
blanking the construction entities and we are done. You can see that
I offer a much different, more efficient and productive modeling
technique.
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.
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.
