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.
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.
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.
