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Direct Versus History Based Modeling

November 7, 2009 in CAD, Kubotek

 This is an article written by John Groener of Edge Data.  He is a reseller of both AutoDesk and Kubotek CAD software.  I hope you enjoy his perspective and find it informative and educational.  His contact information follows.

Direct
Versus History-Based Modeling

In 1985 History-Based Modeling was implemented in Pro/Engineer® and quickly
imitated by several “Me-Too” CAD products such as CATIA®, SDRC IDEAS®, and
UniGraphics®. Then came the “Mini-Me-Toos” such as SolidEdge®, SolidWorks®,
IronCAD®, and Inventor®.

History-Based modelers require the CAD user to define parameters and
constraints when designing a part. The parameters provide relationships to
other features in the 3D part, and constraints allow that part to be
constructed unambigously.These parameters, features, and constraints are stored
in the order they were built in the history tree and must be accessed through
that tree to be changed.

History-Based Modelers have shortcomings.
 •    Engineering changes can be a difficult, painful
process. A new user has to decipher and untangle the history tree so that he
can make changes.
 •    Each CAD software package has its own proprietary
file format so parts are not easily interchangeable.
 •    Assemblies can be time consuming to set up and
manipulate.
•    There is no stand-alone 2D drawing capability.
•    Surface models are not easily interchanged with solids.

KeyCreator uses Direct Modeling to create and edit 3D Models. NO
user-defined history tree is needed. Why? Because KeyCreator creates the
feature tree and KeyCreator allows direct dimension driven editing.  In
other words parametric, feature-based editing of all geometry.

KeyCreator has Comprehensive 2D drafting. KeyCreator produces complete
2D drawing sheets associated to the 3D model. KeyCreator uses levels (aka
layers) to manage 2D information, so 2D drafting can be standaone if desired.

KeyCreator Reads Native CAD Files from other CAD software like Pro/E,
Solidworks, Unigraphics, CATIA, Parasolids, ACIS, STEP, IGES. No fixing, no
healing, just read it in, edit, and GO!   Wait … how about the
parametrics? That’s KeyCreator’s job. No need to use the import as reference
geometry and re-parameterize it. Just go to work.

KeyCreator incorporates surface modeling. With KeyCreator you can create
a free-form surface model and then convert it to a solid model to facilitate
operations like shelling and fillets. Excellent healing tools insure that the
part is completely contiguous and accurate. KeyCreator is therefore a TRUE
Hybrid Modeler (a hybrid of solid and surface models).

KeyCreator’s assembly modeling features can manage all data in a single
file. It does this by using level management – that same invaluable 2D tool
which is noticeably absent in the other Solid Modelers. For very large
assemblies, KeyCreator can export parts in the assembly to multiple part files
and then reference those parts as entities.

KeyCreator is a complete Mechanical CAD solution with a unique ability to read
any CAD data format and then easily manipulate geometry, making it an
invaluable resource for any engineering design and manufacturing application.

KeyCreator and Edge Data

Did you know that …
… KeyCreator®, formerly known as CADKey®,  was introduced in 1984 as a CAD
Package with 3D Digitizing capabilities.

… Kubotek Corporation purchased CADKey in 2003, renamed the software
KeyCreator, invested heavily in R&D, added advanced 3D, CAM, and universal
CAD translation.

… Edge Data, one of the first AutoCAD dealers in the country, has been
providing New England with CAD products and training since 1983
…Today Edge Data is an Authorized Kubotek Service Center, and provides CAD
training for KeyCreator and other software.

John Groener
Edge Data Corp.
authorized kubotek service center

www.edgedata.com

978-537-9800
john@edgedata.com

Source: CAD Freedom and Precision – Views and News from KubotekUSA – Direct Versus History Based Modeling
Go to Source: CAD Freedom and Precision – Views and News from KubotekUSA

Professional Land Surveyor News: Autodesk and Trimble Create AutoCAD Civil 3D Data Exchange Tool to Help Break Down Barrier Between Engineering and Construction

October 13, 2009 in AutoCAD, CAD

Autodesk and Trimble Create AutoCAD Civil 3D Data Exchange Tool to Help Break Down
Barrier Between Engineering and Construction
Extension Enables Automated Data Exchange Between AutoCAD Civil 3D Model
and Trimble Construction Solutions
SUNNYVALE and SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Oct. 6, 2009 — Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) and Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) announced that they have collaborated to develop a fully [...]


Source: Eric D. Colburn, Professional Land Surveyor – Professional Land Surveyor News: Autodesk and Trimble Create AutoCAD Civil 3D Data Exchange Tool to Help Break Down Barrier Between Engineering and Construction
Go to Source: Eric D. Colburn, Professional Land Surveyor

Far Process Summary

September 16, 2009 in AutoCAD, CAD, Revit

The intention of this blog is to provide you with an overview of the FAR Process and describe how your company can automate the creation of Revit Families as well as manage your library of Revit Families more efficiently and effectively utilizing the FAR Process.

The objectives of the FAR Process are:

  • To create a Revit Family automatically that is usable, maintainable and sustainable throughout the life of the building project.
  • To create a tool for Manufacturers to manage/control their product data for Architects using the BIM format without being dependent upon an outside provider to create and maintain their Revit families.
  • To create an automated Revit Family created that includes product data provided directly from the Manufacturer and is ready to be downloaded into BIM projects.

Overview of the FAR Process:

The FAR Process is built from 3 main components:

1. FAR Creator
2. FAR Data Set

3. FAR Manager

The FAR Creator is not just one application. It is a set of API’s that will be built for each Manufacturer based on their software and their industry. The FAR Creator takes the product data provided by the Manufacturer to create the FAR Data Set required for the FAR Process.

  • Each Manufacturer will be able to use their own set of API’s to create the FAR Data Set necessary for automating the creation of their own Revit families, from their own manufacturing data using the FAR Process for custom and future product developments.
  • The FAR Creator allows the Manufacturer to have the ability for updating architect data automatically when changes are made to the engineering data.

The FAR Data Set is a text file that contains the product data and instructions for the FAR Manager.

The FAR Manager uses the FAR Data Set to create a Revit Family within Revit. The FAR Manager also includes a Content Manager interface which allows the user to manage their families within their own file system

We have 4 short video segments on YouTube demonstrating the capabilities of the FAR Manager; BIM Manager Utility Tool and the ability to create a Revit Family from an Inventor file.

Click on the following links to see the YouTube video clips:

1.) FAR Manager Search capabilities
2.) FAR Manager – Importing Types capabilities
3.) BIM Manager Utility Tool capabilities
4.) creating a Revit Family from an Inventor file

Contact us to discuss how you can begin automating Revit Families for your company with the FAR Process.

Source: CAD Enhancement, Inc. – Far Process Summary
Go to Source: CAD Enhancement, Inc.

Far Creator

September 10, 2009 in AutoCAD, CAD, Revit

The FAR Process is built from 3 main components; the FAR Manager, the FAR Data and the FAR Creator. The FAR Creator is the piece of the puzzle for the Manufacturers that will take their product data whether it originates in Inventor, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Pro E, etc. in order to create the FAR Data set required to automate the creation of a Revit Family.

The FAR Creator really is not one application but a set of API’s that will be built for each Manufacturers, based on their software and their industry. The ultimate goal is to get the FAR Creator set up for the Manufacturer so they will not be dependent upon an outside provider for creating and maintaining their Revit families. Each Manufacturer will be able to use their own set of API’s to create the FAR Data necessary for automating the creation of their own Revit families using the FAR Process for custom and future product developments.

Another cost advantage with the FAR Process is that the FAR Creator allows the Manufacturer to have the ability for updating architect data automatically when changes are made to the engineering data – thus eliminating the need to manage multiple sets of data.

In addition, we feel one of the greatest advantages of the FAR Process for Manufacturers and Architects is found when working with customized product data. The FAR Creator allows the ability to create the FAR Data set for customized products for Architects automatically, thus eliminating the cost and reducing the amount of time for both the Manufacturer and the Architect to create this data.

The FAR Creator creates the data and automates the creation of the Revit Family to appear as if it were done manually. The FAR Process has the ability to automatically create an efficient, effective and high quality Revit family consistently, each and every time.

Please feel free to contact us if you are interested in seeing a demonstration of the FAR Process.

Patrick Johnson

Source: CAD Enhancement, Inc. – Far Creator
Go to Source: CAD Enhancement, Inc.

SolidWorks World 2010: Call for Papers

August 20, 2009 in CAD, SolidWorks

SolidWorks World wouldn’t be the same without the Breakout Sessions and their presenters.  Each year, there is a call for papers.  This is where anyone with experience in a particular topic can propose a presentation as a speaker.  Not everyone who submits a paper will have their presentation accepted.  However, you never know.

Topics of interest [...]

Source: SolidWorks Legion – SolidWorks World 2010: Call for Papers
Go to Source: SolidWorks Legion

How to Keep both Water and Data Flowing with AutoCAD Map 3D

August 11, 2009 in AutoCAD, CAD

My colleagues Peter Southwood, Neal Niemiec and I recently had the pleasure of participating in a series of webcasts, hosted by DLT Solutions, Inc., on the topic of using AutoCAD Map 3D to improve data access, data confidence and utility of water and wastewater data. Descriptions and links to the archived webcasts appear below.

Analyzing your Water/Wastewater Data with AutoCAD Map 3D
Presenter: Michael Schlosser, Autodesk
AutoCAD Map 3D is a leading engineering platform for creating and managing your water/wastewater design information. However, AutoCAD Map 3D also has powerful querying and analysis capabilities that help you to examine your water/wastewater networks in new and useful ways. This presentation shows how queries, thematic mapping, buffers, and overlay analysis can be used to better leverage your water/wastewater data.
Recorded on July 29, 2009
Length: 50 min
Link to Webcast: http://www.dlt.com/Analyze-Water-Archive

Improving Data Confidence with AutoCAD Map 3D for Water/Wastewater
Presenter: Neal Niemiec, Autodesk
Managing water and wastewater systems within budget and to agreed upon service levels requires reliable information about the network throughout the infrastructure lifecycle. However, this requirement is threatened by a lack of data standards which can negatively impact budgets, operations, and maintenance activities. AutoCAD Map 3D improves data confidence with industry specific attribute fields, symbology and classification templates. This presentation focuses on the water/wastewater utility toolkits for creating and maintaining data according to specified standards.
Recorded on July 14, 2009
Length: 41 min
Link to webcast: www.dlt.com/autodesk/DataConfidence-Archive

Improving Access to your Water/Wastewater Data with AutoCAD Map 3D
Presenter: Peter Southwood, Autodesk
Access to current and accurate data about your water/wastewater network is crucial for sound decision making. AutoCAD Map 3D aggregates critical CAD, GIS and utility data for field, management and regulatory purposes. This presentation focus on how to improve data access and addresses connecting to data using Feature Data Objects (FDO), attaching to DWG files, importing/exporting foreign CAD/GIS data sources and creating PDF/DWF files.
Recorded on June 22, 2009
Length: 58 min
Link to webcast:
www.dlt.com/Improve-Access-Archive

Source: geoExpressions – How to Keep both Water and Data Flowing with AutoCAD Map 3D
Go to Source: geoExpressions

Need More Map Tools?

August 5, 2009 in AutoCAD, CAD

Have you ever wonder even with all the great functions and tools available with AutoCAD Map3D there is still one or two tools that are lacking? Have you noticed that the last few releases the new functions have been geared towards FDO functions and nothing towards the enhancements to Object Data objects or any of the other basic map tools that made AutoCAD Map stand out from simple AutoCAD? Well fear no more. DotSoft LLC is to the rescue, with their new MapTools. 

Now let me say something first before I get to far into the MapTools functions. When I started this weblog a few years back I told myself the blog was for tips, tricks and how-do for AutoCAD Map3D (and a little Civil 3D) and not a site to sell readers/followers anything. However seeing that there are still some users out there, my customers included, that are not ready for the move to FDO right yet I feel blogging about these tools is fair enough, besides it’s my blog I can do what I want. :)

If you are not familiar with the Dotsoft  they are the good folks that brought us the fine add-on called ToolPac. If you are or were a ToolPac user then you know the MapTools will be just as valuable once you start using them, there is at least one tool in the set that I’m sure some one will like.

I will point out some of the tools and follow up on later posts of how they work. First there is the Grid Editor for Object Data tables. You can select one or many object that have object data attached and view all the object data values in a grid view to all the object you selected. No more trying to select all and getting the “varies” in the property palette. Not only can you view the data but also edit it there in the grid editor. Second tool for object data is the Property Exchange tool. This tool allows you to populate the object’s property from the object data attached to it. Example you have an elevation field in the object data, the property exchange will take the object data  value and move you objects to those elevations. This works good for layers also. Not only can you populate the object properties from the object data, you can also go the other way and populate the object data from the object properties.

Have you ever needed to work in two different coordinate system at the same time in the same map? Well MapTools has an alternate coordinate system tool that allows you to this. It allows allows you to label points as LL even if you are working in a map that has a state plane coordinate system assigned to it. There is even a nice tracking tool that displays the alternate coordinates as you move you crosshairs.   Then there are the polyline tools, check for closing and reverse the segments are a couple of those commands there but the big one a lot of users have been asking for is the break ploylines and not lose the object data attached to the polylines, well MapTools has this.

So there you go with a few extra tools that are available for AutoCAD Map3D. Now the ones I mention are not all there is but the ones that  I ran testing the MapTools as DotSoft was developing them. So if you are interested give them a look at on their site and let Terry know and/or leave a reply here if you are interested or want some thing else in the bundle.  Stay tuned to the blog and you may get a free seat of the MapTools, details to follow in a few days.

Source: Map 3D and Murphs Law – Need More Map Tools?
Go to Source: Map 3D and Murphs Law

New Online Resource: GIS Skills for Engineers

August 4, 2009 in AutoCAD, CAD

Over the last several months, I have had the pleasure of facilitating a number of seminars in Canada and the United States aimed at demonstrating the six crucial GIS skills needed by Engineering and CAD professionals. I have blogged about this seminar series in the past. This time I want to call your attention to a great resource entitled GIS Skills for Engineers that is now available via the web. This resource is part of Autodesk’s help documentation for AutoCAD Map 3D and highlights a number of important GIS skills including:

Data Preparation
Data Conversion
Data Access
Data Editing
Data Management
Styling and Theming Features
Analysis
Sharing Data with Others
Map Layout and Cartography
Printing, Plotting, and Publishing

The best part of GIS Skills for Engineers is the accompanying animations which demonstrate the skills in action. For example, if you wanted to know how to perform a polygon overlay analysis to determine which parcels in a city fall within zones classified as “Retail”, check out this animation.

Source: geoExpressions – New Online Resource: GIS Skills for Engineers
Go to Source: geoExpressions