Solid Edge is a 3D CAD, parametric feature and synchronous technology solid modeling software owned by Siemens AG. It provides solid modeling, assembly modeling and 2D orthographic view functionality for mechanical designers. Solid Edge uses Parasolid kernel.
For users from electrical manufacturing Solid Edge provides integrated electrical design, for mechanical manufacturers of use would be design tools with topology optimization. To add to it, Solid Edge can supply scalable data management capabilities which are built in the program, CNC machining and 3D printing capabilities. Solid Edge portal provides cloud-based collaboration for viewing and sharing CAD-files.
Autodesk Inventor is a CAD application for 3D mechanical design, simulation, visualization and documentation. It is built on ShapeManager, geometric modeling kernel by Autodesk.
Inventor enables 2D and 3D data integration in a single environment, virtually representing the final product. It allows users to check the form, fit, and functions of the product before it is built. The application provides strong parametric, direct edit and freeform modeling tools as well as multi-CAD translation abilities.
A CAD file is an output of a CAD software, containing key information about the designed object: its geometry and topology representation, 3D model hierarchy, metadata, and visual attributes depending on the format of the file.
Read moreIn the 4th part of the series, we will take a look at the features of working with wireframe models in 3D CAD software.
Read moreIn the 3rd and 4th parts of the series, we will talk about surface display modes in 3D CAD programs, starting with the shading mode.
Read more