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| Developer(s) | Siemens PLM Software |
|---|---|
| Stable release | Solid Edge with Synchronous Technology 2 / 2009 |
| Operating system | Windows XP/Vista |
| Type | CAD software |
| Website | www.solidedge.com |
Solid Edge is a 3D CAD parametric feature solid modeling software. It runs on Microsoft Windows and provides solid modeling, assembly modelling and drafting functionality[1] [2] for mechanical engineers. Through third party applications it has links to many other Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) technologies.
Originally developed and release by Intergraph in 1996 using the ACIS geometric modeling kernel it later changed to using the Parasolid kernel[3]. In 1998 it was purchased and further developed by UGS Corp (the purchase date correspond to the kernel swap).
In 2007, UGS was acquired by the Automation & Drives Division of Siemens AG. UGS company was renamed Siemens PLM Software on October 1, 2007. Since Sep 2006 Siemens also offers a free 2D version called Solid Edge 2D Drafting.
Solid Edge is a direct competitor to Pro/ENGINEER, SolidWorks and Autodesk Inventor.
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Modeling
Traditional
The Traditional modeling process begins with a base feature controlled by a 2D sketch, which is either a linear, revolved, lofted, or swept extrusion. Each subsequent feature is built on the previous feature. When editing, the model is "rolled back" to the point where the feature was created so that the user cannot try to apply constraints to geometry that does not yet exist. The drawback is that the user does not see how the edit will interact with the subsequent features. This is typically called "history" or "regeneration based" modeling.
Direct
The Direct modeling features allows the user to change model geometry/topology without being hindered by a native model's existing - or an imported model's lack of - parametric and/or history data. This is particularly useful for working with imported models or complex native models.
Synchronous
The Synchronous Technology process, officially known as Synchronous Technology, combines the speed and flexibility of direct modeling with precise control of dimension driven design (features and synchronously solving parametrics). Parametric relationships can be applied directly to the solid features without having to depend on 2D sketch geometry, and common parametric relationships are applied automatically. This modeling process is claimed to make certain CAD design activities up to 100 times faster.[4]
Unlike other direct modeling systems, it is not driven by the typical history-based modeling system, instead providing parametric dimension-driven modeling by synchronizing geometry, parameters and rules using a decision-making engine, allowing users to apply unpredicted changes. This object-driven editing model is known as the Object Action Interface, which emphasizes a User Interface that provides Direct Manipulation of objects (DMUI). The latest version, Synchronous Technology 2, adds support for sheet metal designing, and also recognizes bends, folds and other features of imported sheet metal parts.[5]
Synchronous Technology has been integrated into Solid Edge[6] and another Siemens commercial CAD software, NX[7], as an application layer built on the D-Cubed and Parasolid software components.
Assembly
An assembly is built from individual part documents connected by mating constraints, as well as assembly features. Solid Edge supports large assemblies ( over 100,000 parts ).
Features
A draft file consists of the 3D model projected to one or more 2D views of a part or assembly file.
Solid Edge integrates with Sharepoint and Teamcenter to provide product lifecycle management. Solid Edge also integrates with PLM products from third parties.
History
Solid Edge V1 was released in 1995, in October 1997 the Sheet Metal environment was introduced with V3.5. UGS switched from the ACIS modeling kernel to Parasolid in 1998 with V5. Solid Edge with Synchronous Technology was launched in 2008. Solid Edge with Synchronous Technology 2 was launched in 2009.
See also
References
- ^ Dean, Al (2006.09.14). "Solid Edge V19 Review". MCAD Magazine. http://www.mcadonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=289&Itemid=1.
- ^ Dean, Al (2006.06.18). "Solid Edge V20". MCAD Magazine. http://www.mcadonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=430&Itemid=73.
- ^ Henry, Michael (1998.09). "A tale of two CAD systems". Mechanical Engineering Magazine. http://www.memagazine.org/backissues/membersonly/september98/features/twocad/twocad.html.
- ^ Synchronous Technology Website, Siemens PLM Software
- ^ Mechanical Design - MCADonline - Solid Edge with ST2
- ^ Solid Edge with Synchronous Technology 2 - Siemens PLM Software
- ^ YouTube - NX 6 - Demo showing Synchronous Technology
External links
- Solid Edge Web Site
- Solid Edge with Synchronous Technology 2 Launch
- Solid Edge steps up to surfacing
- Discover Synchronous Technology
- Synchronous Technology Introductory Press Release
- Synchronous Technology key messages and FAQ
- Early versions history (in German)
- Reviews
- Review: Solid Edge with ST2, independent software review by Al Dean
- SolidWorks and "Solid Edge with Synchronous Technology" – Part One, video demonstrating direct modeling
- Surely all 3D CAD systems have Synchronous Technology?, video
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