ZW3D Lesson 1 3D Modeling Techniques Defined Primitive Shape/Feature
Based Modeling
No Sketching, Please!
I saw this
presentation of a fellow creating this part in ZW3D. While I found
it interesting and learned a bit. It still depended
on too much sketching and constraining.
These lessons are basically
on modeling techniques using Streamline Sketching (No sketching in
this lesson at all) and Feature Based Modeling. This lesson was
completely done with primitive shapes. Fast and Easy!
Here is the drawing if you would like to
give it a try.
ZW3D Primitive
Shape Design
I would do a
video, but I really am not good at it. So I will show you step by
step.
The modeling technique is
hugely responsible for the level of productivity. Those of you that
are only trained in the sketch, sketch, constrain, constrain world
are truly limited by not using the freedom of feature based design,
that is available in even the most Pro/e-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
procedures. Don't have any do you?
Again, I say there are many different ways to model a part.
I can now see, with my exposure to direct edit modelers like CADKEY, I
rarely sketch like you see the ZW3D presenter doing. I have always
created my basic sketches by mostly creating offsets and extending
and trimming or. It seems to be much easier. I never put in a fillet that
can be created later. What do you think? Of course, this take a good
understanding of descriptive geometry.
I will now introduce you
to primitive shape design.
No sketching was done in this
Lesson.
We are already in
millimeter so let's get started.
We will insert a primitive
block at X0Y0Z0. I have found designing your part around this point
quite advantageous. My other programs do not have this feature. You
can see I start from a different direction than the ZW3D presenter.
I now insert another primitive block and set to subtract and size it.
We insert
another primitive block and size it. We have many option for
locating the block in this case I used an offset of 15mm from the
front edge.
Even thought the ZW3D presenter uses
some clever tricks I feel that working with primitive shapes when
you can is
much more productive. I insert a primitive cylinder set it to
subtract size and locate it.
I have never been one to sketch fillets. So we put them in here.
Again
we insert another primitive block offset it 5 mm from the left edge
and size it. This is so simple even a Solidworks user could do it.
We now just mirror the last feature. With mirror feature we select
the feature and pick the XZ plane.
We now add the fillets.
We insert a 20mm dia cylinder, set it to subtract and offset it 20mm from the tangent point
of the fillet.
Now to
add the chamfers!
And we are done!! No Sketching or
Constraining. We used only primitive shapes. More
productive? Of course.
We will now detail it for your reference
in the integrated AID (Associated Information Document (drawing)) by
selecting the 2D sheet. Yes, all documentation is included in the
part or assembly file. Imagine how simple that would make PDM.
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, will 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.
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.
