Developer(s) | nPower Software |
---|---|
Operating system | Windows |
Platform | SOLIDWORKS |
Type | Computer-aided design |
License | Proprietary |
Website | http://www.npowersoftware.com/ |
Power Surfacing is a computer-aided design software that allows users to create and edit complex freeform surfaces in SOLIDWORKS. It is developed by nPower Software, a division of IntegrityWare Inc., and is available as an add-in for SOLIDWORKS.
Power Surfacing uses subdivision surface (Sub-D) modeling and Non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) modeling methods together, to provide a flexible and intuitive way of designing organic shapes with high quality class A surfaces. [1] Users can create and manipulate Sub-D models inside SOLIDWORKS, and convert them to NURBS models that are compatible with SOLIDWORKS features and commands. [2] Power Surfacing also supports reverse engineering of scanned meshes with Power Surfacing RE, a separate add-in that can reconstruct Sub-D models from polygonal meshes. [2] [3]
Power Surfacing is designed for industrial design, product design, automotive design, jewelry design, and other applications that require complex freeform surfaces. It aims to simplify the design process and reduce the editing time for organic shapes, compared to traditional surface creation methods. [2] It also provides video tutorials and examples to help users learn how to use the software effectively. [4]
Some of the features of Power Surfacing include: [2]
Power Surfacing functions as a generative design tool, generating iterative, evolutionary results based on initial constraints. [5]
This tool is commonly used to optimize manufacturing processes for parts in various industries, such as automotive, [6] packaging design, [7] and medical implants. [8]
Power Surfacing can also reverse-engineer the shapes of 3D-scanned objects and recreate their geometry algorithmically, facilitating reproduction through industrial production processes. This capability can be employed to digitally replicate physical aspects of human anatomy, such as bones, and modify the model to produce precise-fitting physical Prosthesis for patients. [9]
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is the use of computers to aid in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design. This software is used to increase the productivity of the designer, improve the quality of design, improve communications through documentation, and to create a database for manufacturing. Designs made through CAD software are helpful in protecting products and inventions when used in patent applications. CAD output is often in the form of electronic files for print, machining, or other manufacturing operations. The terms computer-aided drafting (CAD) and computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) are also used.
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Non-uniform rational basis spline (NURBS) is a mathematical model using basis splines (B-splines) that is commonly used in computer graphics for representing curves and surfaces. It offers great flexibility and precision for handling both analytic and modeled shapes. It is a type of curve modeling, as opposed to polygonal modeling or digital sculpting. NURBS curves are commonly used in computer-aided design (CAD), manufacturing (CAM), and engineering (CAE). They are part of numerous industry-wide standards, such as IGES, STEP, ACIS, and PHIGS. Tools for creating and editing NURBS surfaces are found in various 3D graphics and animation software packages.
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Solid modeling is a consistent set of principles for mathematical and computer modeling of three-dimensional shapes (solids). Solid modeling is distinguished within the broader related areas of geometric modeling and computer graphics, such as 3D modeling, by its emphasis on physical fidelity. Together, the principles of geometric and solid modeling form the foundation of 3D-computer-aided design and in general support the creation, exchange, visualization, animation, interrogation, and annotation of digital models of physical objects.
SolidWorks is a solid modeling computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) application published by Dassault Systèmes.
Freeform surface modelling is a technique for engineering freeform surfaces with a CAD or CAID system.
3D scanning is the process of analyzing a real-world object or environment to collect three dimensional data of its shape and possibly its appearance. The collected data can then be used to construct digital 3D models.
Rhinoceros is a commercial 3D computer graphics and computer-aided design (CAD) application software that was developed by Robert McNeel & Associates, an American, privately held, and employee-owned company that was founded in 1978. Rhinoceros geometry is based on the NURBS mathematical model, which focuses on producing mathematically precise representation of curves and freeform surfaces in computer graphics.
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Cobalt is a parametric-based computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D modeling program that runs on both Macintosh and Microsoft Windows operating systems. The program combines the direct-modeling way to create and edit objects and the highly structured, history-driven parametric way exemplified by programs like Pro/ENGINEER. A product of Ashlar-Vellum, Cobalt is Wireframe-based and history-driven with associativity and 2D equation-driven parametrics and constraints. It offers surfacing tools, mold design tools, detailing, and engineering features. Cobalt includes a library of 149,000 mechanical parts.
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Freeform surface or complex surfaces are widely manufactured nowadays. The industries which most often manufactures free-form surfaces are basically aerospace, automotive, die mold industries, bio medical and power sector for turbine blades manufacturing. Generally 3 or 5 axis CNC milling machine is used for this purpose. The manufacturing process of free form surface is not an easy job as the tool path generation in present CAM technology is generally based on geometric computation so tool path are not optimum. The geometry can also be not described explicitly so errors and discontinuities occurrence in the solid structure cannot be avoided. Free-form surfaces are machined with the help of different tool path generation method like adaptive iso-planar tool path generation, constant scallop tool path generation, adaptive iso-parametric method, iso-curvature, isophote and by other methods. The different methods are chosen based on the parameters which is needed to be optimized.