ZW3D vs Fusion 360 Lesson 15 3D Modeling Techniques Defined Streamlined
Sketching/Feature Based Modeling
This part that is so simple it
strains credulity to watch this fellow struggle with it. He takes
the drawing and starts creating features that just don't make sense.
He doesn't evaluate the features that make up the part. I can tell
you being in a "Constrain Sketching Only" box is an incredibly
limited and time
consuming process.
Lets take a look at this part. First we want to see the basic
feature. Not all parts are this simple. We can see a block. With a
little arithmetic we can see it is 4.00x1.50x1.50. That will be the
first feature we make and continue from there. We can see that the
cutout is 2.35x.50. Those are the only created features the others
are four .75 blends and two holes.
Let get
started.
We make sure we are in inches.
We create a new file by selecting Part/Assembly. ZW3D offers a
multi-object design space, so top down design is part of the design
process.
We are ready to go.
We insert a primitive block at X0Y0ZO
and size it.
Now we add the fillets since they are both the same we do them all
in one step. For the life of me I cannot understand why the
"constrain sketching only" crowd insists on sketching fillets.
Now for the cut. I did the fillets before the cut to eliminate a
step. I insert another primitive block and set to subtract. ZW3D
automatically recognizes mid-points so it is nothing more then
selecting the mid-point of the vertical line and size the block
Now for the two holes. We will insert a primitive cylinder and
set to subtract. Using the center of the fillets in both cases.
There you go. No sketching, just feature based modeling design
with shapes.
I know, I know, not all of you have primitive shapes to design,
in fact probably none of you. So let's do it with sketches to show
you Streamlined Sketching using the same idea of looking at the part
and seeing the basic shapes.
We open a new part.
Now for our first sketch. We select our front plane and select
the up vector.
We enter the sketching mode. We create a rectangle with a center
point and corner. We start at XOY0 and set the size. Nope, I am not
putting in one constrained dimension. You don't have to in any
system.
We save the sketch and continue in the modeling mode.
We extrude the sketch to create the block.
Now we add the fillets to eliminate a step.
Now for the cut. We select the XY sketch plane and select the up
vector.
I create a horizontal reference line from the left edge of the
part 2.35 long. The create a rectangle with corners. ZW3D recognizes
end locations of other entities and I just create an arbitrary
rectangle that will create the cut. No, I will not use any
constrained dimensions. I will tell you again, you don't have to in
any system.
We delete the reference line and exit the sketch and create and
subtract extrusion and size it.
Now I would probably use the hole tool to put in the holes. But
we will stay with sketching only. After I thought about it I could
have used this face for the cut. Probably saving the steps of
setting up the plane.
ZW3D automatically recognizes the center of the fillet and
creates the circle. I set the size and I am done.
We subtract extrude.
We do the same for the top hole.
Add the circle and set the size.
Extrude subtract and we are done.
Yes, primitive shape design is much faster, but streamlined
sketching is much less complicated and faster than constrained
sketching.
Now to detail the part. If you are actively converting drawings
to models you have to detail them again. I was consulted on a
complex part and after a short review of the drawing and part I saw
that the fellow had made some blatant errors. Detailing is a very
quick way of checking the part. Yes, time consuming, but not as time
consuming as finding the part doesn't fit.
I am not a believer in the isometric
representations shown in the drawing. If you can not read a
conventional AID (drawing), you should not be in engineering.
ZW3D has integrated AIDs. All you do is select 2D sheet. It is a
bit redundant what other kind of sheets are there?
It is very important that you look into
how you or your engineers are creating 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.
