Solid Edge V17 - Software Review

Peter Kitson

ISBN : -

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Introduction

As MCAD readers should be aware, Solid Edge is the mainstream or mid-range portion of UGS’ arsenal of products, offering comprehensive 3D and 2D tools for the masses. The last few releases have seen the application gain some pretty impressive technology that rather than being just for purposes of ‘show’, actually solves many of the growing user base’s core problems – whether that’s easing the transition from a 2D to 3D centric workflow, part or assembly design, data reuse and of course, the old chestnut of draughting productivity.

One of the most interesting chunks of technology introduced in the last release was Zero D that, while not unique, probably did see the first introduction of such tools into a mainstream, mid-range application. Zero D allows the user to tackle the very early stages of product development without the overhead of CAD usage or even creating any data files. Here, we’re talking about the very formative stages, perhaps prior to getting the green light for a project, when you need to establish a basic framework for a product’s structure (for organisation purposes, or for assigning work loads to staff). This is done in the usual hierarchical format in terms of a master assembly, sub-assemblies and systems (which can be intelligently duplicated to maintain links), even down to specific parts but without need to actual define any geometry, 2D or 3D.