Analysts Decry CAD Shortcomings

Clean models mean clean data, If geometry is done right for the start you should not have the problems of "cleaning up". I have had to clean up lots of other peoples "2d & 3d" geometry for CAM & FEA. Make it right and it should import smoothly into your FEA software, Also software compatibility Often Companies put a large investment in a Cad software then skimp on analysis software. They should be getting a package that are designed to work well together. Also some engineers tend to analyze things that don't need to be analyzed, Let's say a rubberband used as a tank tread.

Jim C

"Make it right" for who?

I frequently see, and use, CAD modeling techniques that are clean and efficient for the Designer, only to see the same models bomb for the Analyst. And I see this with Design and Analysis software from the same developer where no model translation is needed (I won't name names).

Put a Designer, an Analyst and a Manufacturer in the same room and allow each to model the same part as he chooses. In most cases they will create the part three different ways.

I see the problem as an issue of software serving, or failing to serve, different needs. Wiping after modeling is a good practice but doesn't get to the root of the problem.

While CAD has come a long way I would like to see a giant leap in the software capabilty. I would like to have good parametric solid modeling that transitions right into rendering, animation, and analysis. Give me a Solidworks or Catia with Cosmos, Mastercam, and lightwave built right in.