Design With 3D CAD Models

Designing products with 3D CAD data has many benefits compared to previous designs in 2D format. Advances in technology, and interfacing the data with other processes allow the following benefits:-

(1) There are many different programs that can be used when designing in 3D. Some of these programs such as solidworks, autocad and pro-engineer are formatted such that they can read and use each others data to create there own files. This is beneficial as the different programs have strengths and weakness with their processing and manipulation of the data.

(2) Design data can be imported into machining centres that enables direct part manufacture so that the designs can be evaluated, or used in full production process. It also allows for tooling cavities to be machined for tooling dies to be used in die casting or plastics moulding.

(3) Design data can also be used to manufacture rapid prototypes or 3D prints. These rapid prototypes can then be used to evaluate the design, by checking clearances in assemblies, the functionality and full movements, and the aesthetics of the design. Once the design has been proven, tooling can then be machined from the data

(4) Significant cost savings can be achieved from evaluating a design in 3D. Once the design has been evaluated and proven, tooling can be machined from the data, which will give the correct sizes post manufacture. With older technology, tooling would require modification to achieve correct sizing, and repeatability of sizing for multiple cavitation could not be guaranteed. This all added cost to the final design of the product.

3D CAD design has become essential for companies to remain competitive in industry, especially with continual technology advances.

Discover more information about 3D CAD design, mechanical design, and plastic product design by visiting, http://www.3dplasticdesign.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stuart_Grigsby

Motion Simulation in Solid Edge using sketches together with Microsoft Excel VBA Programming Part I

Solid Edge has a very useful application called "Motion" which allows a user to simulate the movement of mechanical parts. This enables the machine designers to test and make sure that the movement of their mechanism is the same as they expect before manufacturing parts. This helps save a lot of money.

However, instead of using "Motion" application, I would like to show you how to simulate the motion of mechanical parts using a sketch in Solid Edge together with Microsoft Excel.

Why?

Most of the time, I started my mechanical design with the concept and layout using sketches. If we could simulate the motion of mechanical parts in a sketch, it would help me a lot.

I got this idea when I was playing with sketches and constraints in Solid Edge. Solid Edge allows us to change the dimensions easily by just rotating the mouse wheel.

Watch the following video to see how easy to make the motion in sketch.



So what I have to do is just to have Microsoft Excel VBA changes the dimensional values in Solid Edge sketch.

Here is the results of this idea ...



Let's see how to do this in the next post...


Read more info about Mechanical Engineering Design Handbook