SDRC's Imageware V. 10 Advances 3D Modeling and Verification

SDRC (Cincinnati, OH) has released version 10 of its Imageware software for design, build, and full inspection of high quality free-form shaped products. SDRC's Imageware provides advanced 3D surface modeling and verification from concept design through manufacturing for automotive, aerospace, consumer products, and other applications.

Imageware comprises three main products:

• Surfacer captures design intent and conducts reverse engineering functions.
  
• Verdict provides complete, accurate, and fast analysis.
  
• Build!IT is a product-driven process for building and inspecting assembly tooling.

The integration of Imageware technology into I-DEAS, SDRC's e-design automation software, "will allow our customers to more closely align their styling and engineering groups, resulting in faster product cycles and higher quality products," explains Bill Carrelli, SDRC VP-corporate marketing.

"SDRC is continuing to expand its application portfolio by providing customer-driven solutions for surface modeling, reverse engineering, geometric verification, and digital inspection," states Mark Goldstein, SDRC VP-products group.

"This release, with more than 120 enhancements, represents our largest Imageware product release to date. Additionally, with the new I-DEAS Surfacer Feature providing a tight Surfacer/I-DEAS integration, SDRC provides an integrated solution that ties the physical world to the digital world, providing even more robust capabilities for total e-design automation," says Goldstein.

Imageware v. 10 highlights

The nature of surface development requires flexible tools for the creation and modification of product design. Imageware v. 10 provides the capability of rapid exploration of multiple designs and provides a more natural workflow for obtaining high quality models, says SDRC. Capabilities include:

• Interactive and intuitive surface matching and modification;
  
• Full support for NURBS, Bezier, and Rational entities along with auto trim/auto extend capabilities;
  
• Trim/snip capabilities to limit surface boundaries by maintaining or adjusting control point structure based on adopting trimming curve characteristics;
  
• Automatic surfacing through automated creation of multiple surfaces while maintaining curvature continuity.

Real-time diagnostics

Imageware v. 10 is designed to allow full model verification of surface quality with more user control and better detail for more thorough evaluations. These extended capabilities are intended to update work over multiple surfaces in real-time and provide users with immediate feedback. Users benefit through evaluation earlier in the design process with more accurate results. Early identification allows users to refine high-quality models prior to downstream manufacture. Users have full control over model evaluation from sectioning, reflections and highlights including draft angle, tool radius, curvature checking, continuity management and environment/lighting scenarios.

Computer-aided verification

Imageware v. 10 provides detailed inspection of data during the development process by offering multiple methods of verifying all aspects of the design. Users can verify CAV model orientation, alignment and accuracy against reference information through interactive and iterative processes. Users benefit from the automated approach of calculating the "best fit" scenario or by user controlled parameters. The result is users are able to output their analysis through enhanced CAD reporting both graphically and through text reporting.

System interoperability

Imageware v. 10 offers enhanced databridges to major softwares, including CATIA, Unigraphics, Pro/Engineer, and CADDS5 to provide seamless data integration. I-DEAS 8 provides a tight integration between Surfacer and I-DEAS through the "free-form feature". This new technology integrates the aesthetic design, styling and inspection functionality of Imageware with existing I-DEAS part design capabilities and data management. Users benefit by making aesthetic design changes to the product shape quickly that propagate and update in I-DEAS, allowing users to take advantage of one common work environment.

Imageware v. 10 products are immediately available, with a Japanese version scheduled for Q2, 2000. For local and international pricing, contact SDRC's worldwide network of local distributors and representatives, or call SDRC directly at 1-800-848-7372.

SDRC, I-DEAS and Surfacer are registered trademarks, and Imageware, Verdict, and Build!IT are trademarks of Structural Dynamics Research Corporation.

SDRC, 2000 Eastman Drive, Milford, OH 45150-2789, USA; phone: 513-576-2400