Geometric Modeling

The core strength of all the CAD products is their design capability. All these products started out as B-REP (boundary representation) modelers. As they evolved, they developed more modules to better serve the need of customers. They developed modules for simulation and analysis, finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics, tubing and piping, cable and harness, electric circuit design, and data management solutions.

Companies that deviated too much into other categories and lost focus on their core modeling are in big trouble. PRO-E can be cited as an example.

Usually customers use a surface modeling program like AliasStudio for conceptual design. Then they use a solid modeling program like CATIA for mechanical and manufacturing design. There are some programs out there that can do hybrid modeling ie. surface and solid modeling. CATIA has a surface modeling module. Their recent release of expensive Imagine and Shape module sounds very promising.

They have combined mesh modeling into the manufacturing design process that is pretty innovative in my opinion. I can talk hours and hours of NURBS based modelers and subdivision surface modelers. Imagine and Shape is the first product out there that combines the best of both worlds.

I have to admit I did not have a chance to try the program myself to write any review. But the idea sounds very interesting and as it evolves more, I see other companies do the same after this technology gets proven.