Implicit Modeling for Mechanical Design

Why Implicit Modeling

CAD and CAE software use a variety of representations of shapes in Engineering design services in San Francisco CA to define and document real-world parts.

These representations have been developed to accommodate different ways of inputting, interacting with, and manufacturing various shapes, and most modern CAD and CAE systems must include more than one. 

Mechanical design engineer Auburn must master the nuances of each representation (not to mention the UI to control them) and learn to manage the trade-offs and interoperability challenges between them.

Unbreakable modeling operations

Implicit modeling offers a new set of tools that overcome many limitations of traditional techniques such as boundary representation (B-rep) and meshes, which are becoming increasingly problematic in advanced manufacturing and generative design. 

For example, B-rep and mesh modelers are unable to perform routine operations such as offsetting, rounding, drafting, and even simple booleans with sufficient reliability. In addition, they cannot handle the complexity of 3D printed models, manually or in automated workflows, let alone describe parts with varying material properties.

The math behind implicit modeling guarantees that operations like booleans, offsets, rounds, and drafts never fail. With implicit, one can simultaneously boolean together and round the intersection of millions of beams in less time than it took to generate the locations of the beams. Periodic and non-periodic lattice, foam, and texture can be added at any required level of detail.

Automation and geometric complexity

With robust modeling operations, mechanical design engineer Auburn can automate extensive workflows that previously would have required human intervention, such as the design of fixtures, packaging, and support structures. 

In particular, implicit models are well-suited to generate complex geometry for additive manufacturing, along with the contours and infill or hatch patterns required for CAM output. In addition to fine detail, implicit bring new kinds of modeling features that were otherwise impossible, such as variable thickness offsetting, automatic interference removal, graduated material properties, and displacement-mapped textures. We will be describing each of these benefits of implicit modeling in more detail in future blog posts and webinars.

How does one control advanced features such as variable thickness offsets or graduated material density? Implicit models can naturally be modulated or influenced by scalar and vector fields derived from simulation results, Engineering design services in San Francisco CA intent, and manufacturing process knowledge. The strongest advantage of implicit modeling is its ability to work with almost all other kinds of geometry.