3D Modeling Techniques
ZW3D vs Onshape Lesson One
Streamlined Sketching/Feature Based Modeling
I saw some Fusion 360 exercises online and I decided to compare
IronCAD. It quickly turned into a study in modeling techniques. I have created
many comparisons to Fusion 360, Solidworks, 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
ZW3D's superb design system.
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.
Onshape
I remember when I first
heard of Onshape. I was contact by them to show them IronCAD. I gave
them a presentation. These were some pioneers in the industry even
though they did nothing but plagiarize Pro/e (Creo). I was quite
excited how they were going to implement some of IronCAD's great
features. To my surprise it was nothing but another Solidworks
clone.
Now, I realize the goal was to replace Solidworks,
they didn't want the product to look much different and work mostly
the same. This just added another clunky history only, constrained
sketching program to the already crowded field! In my viewpoint it
was a huge mistake, they could have created a new CAD paradigm. They
didn't even put in primitive shapes. As you will see in this
comparison there is nothing new with Onshape.
I thought the
cloud based CAD was very cool. But it was short lasted, I quickly
found this was a history, constrained sketch based system. What was worse you couldn't
save your files locally, in fact there was no file at all. I quickly
took if off my recommendation list. Being a subscription service you
have to pay to access your information. They make your precious
engineering information public if you do not keep your payments up.
If you closed a business, you will have to pay $1500.00 forever to
keep your information private.
You are Not Stuck withAutodesk or PTC Subscriptions!
It is funny but the fellow that is doing this presentation
is the same fellow that does the Fusion 360 lessons. He doesn't do
much different, both are history only constrained sketch based systems.
The AID is integrated in ZW3D so you just select 2D sheet and you
set up your AID. The part and AID are in one file and with the
multi-object environment you can do complete projects in one file as
you can see in the following article. Can you imagine how much
PDM/PLM could be simplified?
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. IronCAD is all top down due to the single model environment.
Creating mating parts is a cruise. But modeling is just one aspect of a
well designed productive 3D CAD system.
Onshape
is a marginal 3D CAD system based on the dated Pro/e (Creo) history
based modeling system. I became a partner but quickly 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 did
try to use it as a collaboration tool, but even that became a
problem!
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?
We are already in
millimeters. So we can start modeling.
We insert a primitive
block and size it
We add a second
primitive block locate it on the bottom right corner so we do not
have to do any calculations set it to add and size it.
We insert a primitive cylinder on the
relative corner set it to remove and size it.
We create a sketch for the next
feature. We will create the 15mm offsets and add the two lines. You
don't even have to create reference entities, ZW3D recognizes the
existing edges. So easy and fast.
Exit
the sketch and extrude the profile set to remove to the required
depth.
We
insert a primitive block on the indicated corners set it to add and
size it.
We
create the fillet and insert a custom hole on the face of the square
boss locating it midpoint between the two corners. Set the size.
We create a sketch on the inside face to create the cut. We just
create the offset from the existing graphics. No need to make
reference entities.
We
exit the sketch and extrude the profile setting to remove to the set
depth.
We
insert the two primitive cylinders on the midpoint of the relative
edge, set to add and size them. This step took seconds to do. The
Onshape presenter is still putting in his first sketch.
We insert the primitive cylinders set to remove locate at the center
of the existing cylinders. We set the size once since ZW3D remembers
your last setting. Again in seconds!!
We add the 10mm filets and chamfers and we are done. We created two
sketches. Look at all the sketching the Onshape fellow did.
This is
another stark examples
of how Streamlined Sketching and Feature Based Modeling utilizing IronCAD's drag and drop of smart editable
Intellishapes from a catalog and
the use of the Triball can increase productivity easily 5X. I
usually estimate 5X increased productivity in conceptual design and
10X in changes, and I believe I am being conservative. IronCAD can
edit most of the Solidworks clone parts and assemblies faster than it
can be done in the native CAD system.
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.
