Convergent Modeling makes it easy to merge scanned data with other modeling methods. (Image courtesy of…)
According to Siemens, Convergent Modeling gives designers the ability to use “a combination of facets, surfaces and solids, without the need for time-consuming data conversion.” In addition to its ability to juggle multiple types of modeling data, Convergent Modeling makes it easier for engineers to optimize their projects for 3D printing.
In Siemens' view, older CAD packages were limited in the types of optimization they could provide a designer because those packages were built around tools that would improve components for traditional manufacturing methods. Given that 3D printing can create geometries that can’t be achieved by traditional manufacturing, new methods of optimization had to be developed to make the best use of additive manufacturing. That's what Siemens is pushing with Convergent Modeling.
Because of Convergent Modeling's ability to seamlessly use scanned geometry, surface geometry and solid geometry, designers can optimize shapes by bringing in data from the real world and blending it with surface geometry or solid geometry. So when Siemens says that Convergent Modeling will help engineers optimize products for 3D printing what they're saying is that Convergent makes it easier to build complex geometries quickly and with fewer errors.
“We anticipate Convergent Modeling will be a critical tool for efficiently working with facet geometry. This new one-of-a-kind technology is expected to provide huge savings in time and cost and help eliminate the error-prone rework phase, common when working with scanned geometry,” said Joe Bohman, vice president of product engineering software at Siemens. “It also removes the limitations associated with traditional CAD modeling when it comes to optimizing parts for 3D printing.NX11 simplifies the design process and supports the evolution of additive manufacturing to help companies realize a whole new level of creativity in product development.”
Beyond Convergent Modeling, NX 11 also features improvements to Simcenter 3D. In this latest release, Simcenter will run all of NX's simulation features providing a tidy workflow for designers moving between modeling and simulation workspaces. Aside from its abilities to simulate structural, acoustics, flow, motion and multi-physics simulation, Simcenter will also come with a rotating machinery simulator, an improved environment for interior and exterior acoustic analysis, and upgraded damage analysis for composite manufacturing.
Though there are numerous other updates in NX 11, the last that we’ll highlight is the packages expanded capabilities for CAM. In NX 11, users will have access to robotic machining tools as well as hybrid manufacturing features that bring the software right in line with the state-of-the-art in manufacturing.