Re: SolidWorks With SpaceClaim Bolted On

http://www.upfrontezine.com/current.htm

"During last week's semi-public/private media event, it became quickly
apparent that the next release of high-end NX and mid-range Solid Edge
software will add non-history (freeform) editing to their current
history-parametric modeling. It does editing with -- or without -- the
history tree. Some bloggers describe it as 'SolidWorks with SpaceClaim
bolted on'. Here's how Siemens describes it:

"...first-ever history-free, feature-based modeling technology..."

"...combines the best of constraint-driven techniques with direct
modeling..."

"...simultaneously synchronizes geometry and rules through a new
decision-making inference engine."

"...the efficiency of parametric dimension-driven modeling without the
computational overhead of pre-planned dependencies."

"Suggestive Selection automatically infers the function of various
design elements without the need for feature or constraint
definitions."

"New inference technology automatically infers common constraints and
executes typical commands based on cursor position."

Siemens' executive vp of products Chuck Grindstaff emphasized that
synch-tech is not a bolt-on; the company spent years integrating it
into the databases of NX and Solid Edge. Once the software becomes
generally available this summer, feedback from users will determine
how spectacular synch tech is -- or not.

Although the technology resides in the ParaSolid and D-Cubed
components, it is patent-pending, and Siemens has no intention of
sharing it with competitors through its ParaSolid and D-Cubed
licensing programs.

This announcement:

    * validates IronCAD and Kubotec USA (KeyCreator), because their
software already does much of this.
    * pressures PTC to integrate its freeform modeler (CoCreate) with
Pro/Engineer.
    * pressures Dassault to deliver a rumored freeform modeler under
its V6 banner.
    * pressures Autodesk, which does not have freeform MCAD modeling,
except through a partial-working DWG link to its Alias industrial
design software."

Jon Banquer
San Diego, CA