3D Modeling Techniques ZW3D vs Solidworks Lesson
Nine Streamlined Sketching/Feature
Based Modeling Two Similar Parts and AIDs:
Single File
I saw some Fusion 360 exercises online and I decided to compare
ZW3D. It quickly turned into a study in modeling techniques. I have created
many comparisons to Fusion 360, Onshape, Solid Edge, NX, Creo,
Catia and Inventor
lessons to show the difference
between ZW3D and my modeling techniques. I found the presenters working
identically wasting massive amounts of time
with overly complex constrained sketching procedures. I was so unimpressed that
I decided to model the parts or assemblies showing my modeling techniques plus 's superb design system.
3D Modeling Techniques Defined
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.
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.
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.
The modeling technique is hugely responsible for
the level of productivity. Those of you that are only trained in the
constrained sketching world are truly limited by not
using the freedom of feature based design, that is available in even
the most Solidworks-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
processes. Don't have any do you?
These lessons have actually turned into exercises in
modeling techniques as compared to showing a more productive CAD
systems. Again, I say, there are many different ways to model a part.
I see with my exposure to direct edit modelers like CADKEY, I
rarely sketch like you see the Solidworks fellow 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?
Let's get started!
You will see
with Streamlined Sketching and Feature Based modeling is much more
productive and flexible. It gives you a more real world feel to
your design process and is a much more pleasurable and productive experience.
Modeling Technique Note:
There are two similar parts. In
IronCAD we have a single model environment, ZW3D offers a
Multi-Object environment. As I started these parts I realized I
would have two parts to define. So I will start with an assembly
that include the two parts. I am wondering it this would also be a
viable solution for the Solidworks clones, unless they are already
doing it.
We will set ZW3D to millimeters!
So we open an new file by selecting a Multi-Object
file type and name it Bracket.
We
will open a part and name it Bracket. This will serve the purpose
as the top file.
Under
Bracket we will insert a component -1
We can
now start creating -1. We will insert -2 later when we are done with
-1
We insert a center and height primitive block at X0Y0Z0and size it.
We
will create a sketch on the YZ plane.
we
define the reference diagonal base line and create the sketch.
Notice there are no constraints.
We delete the
reference line and exit the sketch and create our extrusion and set
it to add.
We
put the 32 fillets and insert a primitive cylinder at the center,
size it and set it to add.
We again create a sketch on the YZ plane
We sketch the rib made up of a couple
of offsets, again no constraints
We
extrude the profile and set it to add
We
create the main fillets.
For
the hole in the boss we insert a primitive cylinder at the center,
size it and set to remove
Now
for the holes in the base, we use the hole feature. Locate the
first hole.
We
now mirror pattern the hole on the YZ plane.
Now
for the final fillets
We
are done!!
Now
for -2. We will insert a new component under the Bracket Assembly. We will take the -1 copy it
and name it -2 and locate it to X0Y0Z0
We
open -2 and delete all of the fillets and edit the main cylinder and
edit the first sketch. We create our reference line and move the
graphic from to then rotate 10 degrees
We trim/extend the related lines and delete the reference line,
again no contstraints.
We
exit the sketch and the upper fillets and boss are updated
We
now fix the rib by editing the sketch
Exit
the sketch and we just add the fillets and we are done.
Time
for the AIDS. ZW3D is the only history based system with a
multi-object modeling system with integrated AIDs. Imagine the PDM
Problems this would solve.
While in the assembly I created these
sheets with a
right mouse click and selecting 2D Sheet so I would have the two
sheets in one document. I will not go into the detailing process,
but it is a relatively easy robust documentation system.
I
just select -1 and set up and detail the AID.
Then
we add a new sheet and select -2 set up the sheet and detail the
AID.
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.
