Visual tutor for solid edge

Modeling Philosophy Overview

Overview: Solid Modeling is the process of creating and modifying solid objects. Each solid has topology defining the surface area and volume of that object. A solid is comprised of faces, edges, and vertices, which define its topology.

Feature-Based Design

Solid Edge creates a model with a method called feature-based design. A feature is an option in Solid Edge that lets you create a shape and form it into a solid. There are many different types of features that add or remove material from the model. A feature-based solid model is a collection of several features. This process makes describing a model much easier because the model is broken down into several smaller features that are easier to define. The feature order describes the way the part is built and it shows the sequence that the model was constructed.

Variables

When a feature is created, there are a series of variables created as well. A Variable Table stores all the necessary dimensions that describe the various features in a solid model. Each variable or dimension can be modified to change the size of the associated feature.

Feature Editing (Parametric)

Imagine your model is nearly complete with all the required design elements in place. Due to a last-minute change, based on the results of a finite element analysis, the wall thickness of each web needs to increase for the required part strength. An additional request to increase the size of the blends must also be made to make the design easier to manufacture.

If the model was only curves and was created in 2D, the changes could take several hours to complete and several different views would need modification. You may need to delete and recreate most of the 2D curves. In feature-based design, you make the change in minutes by altering the parameters used to define the features.

Solid Modeling Advantages (Parametric)

One of the main advantages of solid modeling is the ability to analyze the model. Solid Edge calculates detailed mass properties such as weight, volume, and moment of inertia for a solid body. You can also perform analysis directly on a solid model. Other advantages of solid modeling include:

- The ability to rapidly create and change models.

- The ability to create a drawing directly from a solid model.

- The ability to create photo-realistic images from a solid.

- To obtain mass properties information.

- To create rapid-prototyping models.

- To evaluate the form, fit, and function relative to the rest of the assembly.

Design Intent

Overview:

By having the capability to create feature-based models and parameters, you can capture design intent while modeling. During the course of a design, there are going to be several key pieces of information that you wish to convey. In the past, this has mainly been communicated in the form of a detail drawing. Now you can embed this information as you construct a model.

Play the video for an overview of Design Intent. This file contains sound, so be sure to adjust your volume accordingly.

Establishing Design Intent

Design Intent is accomplished by capturing specific geometric constraints and dimensional relationships between features on the model. Variables can also be created to capture common information like typical round or blend sizes, common wall thickness, standard draft angles, and much more. The design intent can then be conveyed by how the feature is created and dimensioned.

In addition, Solid Edge lets you convey items, like critical fits information, by adding a tolerance directly to a profile dimension. Other items, like inspection symbols and appended text, can also be added. At the start of a design, you may not know what sort of design intent is necessary. By using variables, dimensions, patterns and feature editing, you can change or add design intent to the solid model at any point in the design process.

Variables

Path: Tools | Variables | Variables

Use this to...

• Define custom variables for a part.

• Link custom variables to system-defined variables.

• Modify custom or system-defined variables.

• Play the video for an overview of how to create custom variables, and introduce design intent into your model. Do not adjust your volume; there is no sound associated with this video.

Key Points

• Variables can be linked to several features.

• Capture Design Intent in a model.

Process: Create a Custom Variable

1. Select Tools | Variables | Variables. The Variable Table displays.

2. In the last open Name cell, type in the name of the variable and press ENTER.

3. In the Value cell, type in the value for the variable and press ENTER.

4. If desired, select the units of the dimension from the Units pull-down.

The default is Distance.

5. Continue entering names and values until you have defined all variables.

6. Click X to close the variables window.

Process: Editing a Variable

1. Select Tools | Variables | Variables. The Variable Table displays.

2. Click the cell that contains the value to modify.

3. Enter a new value and press ENTER.

4. Continue editing values for all desired variables.

5. Click X to close the variables window.

Process: Linking Variables

1. Select Tools | Variables | Variables. The Variable Table is displayed.

2. Click the Formula cell that contains the value to link.

3. Enter the Variable Name and press ENTER. The model updates to reflect the new value and the Value cell turns gray.

4. Continue linking values for all desired variables.

5. Click X to close the variables window.

Sample Part Workflow

Overview: This topic is intended to provide you with an example of a typical process for creating a solid part. While these steps will not always be the same for every part, they can be considered an excellent guide.

Play the video for an example of a typical workflow. This file contains sound, so be sure to adjust your volume accordingly.

Base Feature

When creating a new part, the first feature created is called the base feature. It is typically a type of protrusion, which means that it is going to create material. For a protrusion, you need to initially create the base profile. This profile consists of a series of curves that form a closed shape. This shape is constrained with geometric constraints and dimensions that control the shape and allow you to adjust the size parametrically. After the profile is complete, you then define the height of the protrusion to complete the base feature.

Additional features

After the base feature is complete, you can then create a series of additional features. You can create additional protrusions that add material to the base feature, or you can create cutout features that remove material. Each additional feature contains a profile that is geometrically constrained and dimensioned. These profiles can consist of either a closed or open profile. In addition to protrusions and cutouts, you can also create hole features. A hole feature is one of the few features that contain pre-defined profiles. The shape of the profile is based on the type of hole selected. However, each hole still needs to be geometrically constrained and dimensioned.

Arrays and Mirrors

After you define the basic shape of the part, the next step is to define any patterns that can be created. Patterns are a big time saver because they allow you to create several copies of a feature in one step. The pattern creates a parametric copy of a feature and places them in a rectangular or circular orientation. This is intended to capture design intent by keeping all features the same size as the original. Another big time saver is mirroring. If you are creating a symmetrical part, simply model half of the part. Then use the mirror it to create the other half. This can greatly reduce the number of features required for the part and minimizes the amount of information in each profile.

Treatment Features

Treatment features consist of items like drafts, rounds, and chamfers. These features are usually created near the end of the modeling process. If you create them near the end or the process, they are easier to delete or modify without affecting previously created features. Keep in mind that there may be times when you will need to place a treatment feature a little higher in the list.

Saving

Saving the model frequently can prevent a lot of headaches down the line. We recommend that you save the part often to avoid loss of data. Sure, it reduces the amount of Undo capability, but it beats having to re-create several hours of work that was lost due to a system crash.