This series of software profiles will focus on CAD software applications meant to be used by engineering organizations for discrete manufacturers. In each post, an overview of the software's capabilities will be provided and details on which industries use them most frequently.
Vitals
CAD Application: SpaceClaim Engineer
Software Provider: SpaceClaim Corporation
Capabilities and Partners
SpaceClaim is a relatively newer CAD application, having launched in 2005, that is primarily focused on enabling design exploration by engineers, bid development by sales engineers, manufacturing preparation by machinists and simulation preparation by analysts.
SpaceClaim is primarily utilizes direct modeling methods for geometric creation and manipulation. The emphasis has been on usability and intuitiveness, boasting very short orientation timeframes for new users. In recent years, SpaceClaim has been enhanced to include drawing and drafting capabilities to produce engineering documentation. Furthermore, enhancements have been made to add sheet metal modeling and unbending capabilities. Additionally, a module is now available for the preparation of 3D models for 3D printing, which often requires some supporting structure as the part is built.
SpaceClaim has extended its reach via partnerships with specialized software providers. They partnered with Algoryx to develop Dynamics for SpaceClaim, which provides automated motion dynamics for casual users. SpaceClaim also has a longstanding partnership with ANSYS, where integrations between their two software applications enable faster and easier simulation preparation.
Most recently, SpaceClaim launched LiveReview, which allows two sessions of SpaceClaim to be synchronized in real time. Essentially, that means one user can manipulate the view or geometry of a model while another user watches the session remotely from another computer, tablet or smartphone. Control can be passed back and forth or even paused.
Looking Forward
One could reasonable argue that SpaceClaim started the CAD revolution.
They were the first ones to suggest that design is different from documentation. That engineers needed to iterate and explore different design alternatives, a completely different task from laying down views on drawings. Furthermore, they posited that parametric feature-based modeling hindered such efforts. Engineers, the logic followed, needed super easy to use direct modeling tools, a completely different application compared to traditional CAD offerings at that time.
By and large, one could argue that this message initiated a change in the industry. Today, practically every CAD application has some form of direct modeling incorporated in it. Practically all of them now agree with the need that engineers need fast and flexible tools for design. SpaceClaim's position has changed to one of black and white, where there were clear distinctions, to ones of shades of gray, where it is argued they are the best of the bunch.
So the remaining outstanding question is simple: where does SpaceClaim reclaim some clearly defined differentiation?
The launch of LiveReview offers some positive answers to that question. It represents a step in a new direction, yet still focusing on design tools. Why is this promising? In my eyes, many of the solutions available today were developed to solve problems that are now 10 to 15 years old. SpaceClaim has little legacy helping them back from approaching longstanding and new design challenges with fresh eyes and emerging technologies, like the cloud. The opportunity for innovation still exists in the industry. SpaceClaim may be the most unhindered of the bunch to address them.