Results from Geomagic Freeform's new StructureFX toolkit.
Today, freeform modeling tools are playing an increasingly important role in an engineer’s modeling workflow. While parametric modeling has always been at the heart of CAD design operations, its rigid structure has made it more cumbersome to work with when creating surfaces and organic shapes.
To the contrary, freeform modeling makes designing organic shapes and surfaces simple. By leveraging tools that are more akin to sculpture than technical drafting, freeform modeling gives designers direct control over a surface in ways that might be impossible in a parametric environment.
While most of today’s CAD packages do contain some freeform modeling tools, for engineers looking to have the ultimate control over their most radical design elements, third-party software such as Geomagic Freeform is required to achieve the best results.
In its latest update, Geomagic has made several improvements to make the entire enterprise of digital manufacturing much easier to manage. To begin with, Freeform engineers have upgraded their Geomagic Capture software by allowing an object to be scanned directly into the Freeform interface. Once in Freeform, scanned data can be used as the basis for an organic design that can be manipulated with a full Boolean toolset.
Once a model has been created, Geomagic’s new StructureFX toolkit allows designers to create external and internal lattice structures for an object. With its new cage creation tools, engineers can build custom lattice geometry that corresponds to design requirements. For users looking to remove material from a project, optimize a 3D print or create an orthopedic prosthetic, an automated lattice creation tool can slash modeling times.
Finally, Geomagic also includes updated 3D printing analysis and setup tools. In Freeform 2016, users will be able to rely on enhanced feature analysis and print setup tools that can identify potential printing pitfalls before they happen and ensure that a print can be repeated successfully. Additionally, Freeform also comes equipped with upgraded tools for repairing faulty mesh data.
“Geomagic Freeform shifts your horizons regardless of whether you are an artist, industrial designer or engineer,” said Scotty Ziegler a Geomagic Freeform Plus user. “Digital design becomes tangible with these tools, allowing you to achieve that perfect design and immediately bring it to life via 3D printing or traditional manufacturing processes.”
While parametric modeling can look forward to a long reign over the CAD landscape, freeform modeling is making an impact on engineers around the globe. As digital manufacturing workflows make greater use of reality capture hardware and software, freeform modeling could begin to take on an even more important role in engineering.
Will freeform modeling ever become the dominant CAD paradigm? It’s doubtful, but more surprising things have happened.