Solid Edge

Solid Edge

Developer:	UGS PLM Software
Latest release:	V20 / July 2007
OS:	Windows XP/Vista
Genre:	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] 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^[2]. 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 and is now known as UGS PLM Software.

The company was renamed again and since October 1st 2007, the name is Siemens PLM Software.

Part Modeling

The modeling process begins with a base feature, 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 subsequent features.

Surface modeling

Solid Edge supports surface modeling as well. It uses the Rapid Blue to allow the creation and editing of surface geometry without having to first roll back the model to that point. This allows the user to see how the edit affects the resulting model.

Direct modeling

The direct modeling features allows the user to change model geometry/topology for which the user does not have access to the parametric data. This is particularly useful for working with imported models.

Assembly Modeling

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 ).

Draft

A draft file consists of the 3D model projected to one or more 2D views of a part or assembly file.

PLM

Solid Edge integrates with Sharepoint and UGS TeamCenter to provide product lifecycle management. Solid Edge also integrates with PLM products from third parties.

Version History

Solid Edge V1 (1995)

Solid Edge V2 (1996)

Solid Edge V3 (Spring 1997)

Solid Edge V3.5 (October 1997 - introduced the sheet metal environment)

Solid Edge V4 (1998)

Solid Edge V5 (1998 - UGS + switched from ACIS modeling kernel to Parasolid )

Solid Edge V6 (1999)

Solid Edge V7 (1999)

Solid Edge V8 (2000)

Solid Edge V9 (2001)

Solid Edge V10 (2001)

Solid Edge V11 (2002)

Solid Edge V12 (2002)

Solid Edge V14 (2003 - "Rapid Blue")

Solid Edge V15 (2003)

Solid Edge V16 (2004)

Solid Edge V17 (March 2005)

Solid Edge V18 (September 2005)

Solid Edge V19 (June 2006)

Solid Edge V20 (August 2007)

References

^ Dean, Al (2006.09.14). Solid Edge V19 Review. MCAD Magazine.
^ Henry, Michael (1998.09). A tale of two CAD systems. Mechanical Engineering Magazine.

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