A remeshed model with more accurate geometry. (Image courtesy of MachineWorks.)
For those not steeped in the world of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) or finite element analysis (FEA), Polygonica was first developed 20 years ago as the backbone of MachineWorks’ API, which was designed to solve complex geometric problems in CNC machining.
According to David Knight, a Polygonica sales manager, “A few years ago we decided [Polygonica] has markets beyond machining.”
Since that time, Polygonica has been employed in the gaming, simulation and 3D printing markets, where it’s been deployed to ensure that the geometry being translated from a CAD model to G-code is accurate. This is a critical step in digital manufacturing.
In a continuation of its commitment to accurate geometry, Polygonica 1.4 will feature a new remeshing API that will modify the shape and size of the polygons that make up a solid model. While it might seem counter-intuitive to change the shape of a mesh’s structure to improve the overall resolution of model, Polygonica’s engineers claim that remeshing lends more regular faceting to a model, a trait that anyone working with CFD or FEA applications will appreciate.
Point cloud processing has also been improved in Polygonica 1.4, making the program capable of building point clouds that can be used in interactive applications. To achieve these results, a number of new tools have been added to the application—including point cloud set registration, filtering, smoothing sampling and normal calculation.
Finally, 1.4 will feature an optimized clash detection algorithm designed to make it possible to measure the severity of a clash. Negative clash tolerances can also be added to models to remove smaller boundary collisions that have little consequence in a simulation environment.
While MachineWorks hasn’t said if this sneak peek has let all of 1.4’s cats out of the bag, I expect there will be a few more surprises when the software debuts later this summer.