Direct Versus History Based Modeling
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.
Versus History-Based Modeling
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
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.
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
- Surface models are not easily interchanged
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
and Edge Data
Did you know
KeyCreator®, formerly known as CADKey®,
was introduced in 1984 as a CAD Package with 3D Digitizing capabilities.
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?
Data is an Authorized Kubotek Service Center, and provides CAD training for
KeyCreator and other software.