I have been using CAD software for longer than I care to
admit. CAD is my best friend. CAD enables me to design cabinets much
faster and with a degree of accuracy to 8 decimal places, it just doesn't get any
better than that. When I first started using CAD, the only CAD systems
available were all two dimensional. Still, the speed and accuracy with
which an individual could create a three-view drawing was so much better
than any board drawing that had ever been produced by anyone.
Before the end of that decade, three dimensional CAD
software became available . . . . . and I was hooked for good. The speed,
the precision, the real world modeling capability just was so awesome. I
caught on fast and was quick in getting the computer illiterate designers
to hop aboard the 3D modeling train. Once I showed them what the
possibilities were as far as being able to model anything no matter what
the size to full scale dimensions and then to be able to check the fit of
other modeled components then they were all eager to jump on board.
Three dimensional modeling means that you have three
directional options, X which runs horizontally, Y which runs vertically,
and Z which runs in and out. It's really quite simple for most to learn.
If we compare the three axis, x, y, and z to a table saw, think of x as
your saw fence. Your saw fence can be moved left and right. Now think of y
as your feed direction as you are pushing something into the blade.
Finally think of z as your saw blade and raising or lowering it to a
particular height. That's all there is to it!
There was only one problem for some designers as far as
three dimensional CAD software goes, they had to be able to take a three
view two dimensional drawing and visualize that drawing in three
dimensions. For me, I never had a problem with visualizing things in 3D as
I had always loved creating isometric artist sketches. I remember one
drafter who was the fastest 2D layout guy I ever ran across but the guy
just wasn't able to visualize anything in three dimensions. To this day,
the guy still isn't able to. Needless to say, he's stuck in a job where
his position is fast becoming extinct.
After three dimensional CAD software, solids modeling
became available, then parametrics. Solids modeling was conceived from
three dimensional modeling as you first needed to create the graphics for
a profile and then extrude it into a solid.
Parametrics is a whole different ballgame. Parametrics was
not conceived from three dimensional modeling. Parametrics works by first
sketching any object, then we add dimensions to the sketch and assign
parameters to the dimensions and then finally we assign depths (extrude)
to the parameters of a feature. Pretty cool, huh?
Parametrics does have a drawback though, Pro Engineer
software which is owned by Parametrics Technology Corporation is not user
friendly, it's difficult to learn, and the user interface leaves a lot to
be desired. However, once you learn the software, the capabilities are
almost endless. This stuff will do everything but wipe your nose.
Parametrics based CAD software isn't for everyone though. Parametrics
software is also available from Autodesk as Inventor and from SolidWorks.
The price is still a bit steep and as a matter of fact, the truth is that
in the industry of wood designing, we just don't need parametric
capability. Most everything we design is pretty simple so we aren't
designing complex shapes and compounded radii and surfacing.
Forego the parametrics and get a great 3D or solids
modeling software package such as AutoCAD. Beginning with version 2000,
AutoCAD is now a fully capable 3D and solids modeling CAD package. You
just can't beat it as far as price, functionality, and ease of learning
and use.
Maybe, just maybe, at some point I will go out and buy
AutoDesk Inventor (parametrics based) and make the switch from 3D Solids
to parametrics but right now, there simply isn't a compelling reason to do
so!
