SOLID EDGE + NX
Anthony Adelmann #4050035
What is it? Solid Edge • 3D Cad Parametric Modeling Software • More orientated for assembly NX • Software Suite • Perform motion and manufacturability studies, package design and tooling and fixture design. •
Product Manufacturing Information (PMI)
Who is it made for? • Engineers, Product Designers • Solid Edge competitors: Pro/Engineer, Solidworks and Autodesk Inventor
• NX Competitors: Catia
What makes Solid Edge Unique? • Synchronous Technology • Parametric relationships can be applied directly to the solid features without having to depend on 2D sketch geometry.
What makes NX unique?
NX suite allows you to use CAD, CAM, CAE and PDM. NX allows one to combine constraint-driven modeling with direct modeling (parametric).
Motion and Manufacturability
Package Design
Tooling and Fixture Design
Compatibility • Solid Edge and NX are compatible with numerous other programs. The program that will be most familiar to many is Autocad. Solid Edge and NX are very Autocad user friendly. Indeed, they even have a special help menu just for Autocad users. If you import Autocad into Solid Edge you must save the Autocad file as .SAT.
To create a basic volume: To begin, you must select which reference plan you would like to work in.
Once that is selected you can then select which shape you would like to draw.
Now simply extrude the volume in whichever direction you like to whatever value you want.
Here is an introduction to basic parametric modeling using Solid Edge. Simply begin by drawing the shape you would like.
If the distances are not equal, don’t worry. This can be fixed through a formula.
After you draw your shape, you can set up direct relationships between the parts.
Type in your formula.
The model will automatically update to your formula. From now on, whenever you change the base radius (the driving dimension), the half radius (the driven dimension) will automatically update to maintain the mathematical relationship that you set up.
Updated model!
Under Tool, go to Variables, then Variables
Now the Variable Table appears. On this table all of the components are broken down with their name and value.
From now on, whenever you change the base radius (the driving dimension), the half radius (the driven dimension) will automatically update to maintain the mathematical relationship that you set up.
Advantages • Can design and modify almost anything easily using parametric means. • Very good tutorials for taking advantage of parametric modeling.
Disadvantages • Different building strategy than other 3D software that I know of.
Own Judgement • Once you can make sense of its building strategy, and steep learning curve it is very powerful.