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VX CAD/CAM v10
1 Oct, 2004 By: Don LaCourse CadalystAll-in-one CAD/CAM package
VX CAD/CAM is known for its ability to import and heal advanced surface data from other 3D CAD applications, a fact that has helped it find a niche in industrial design, mold making, and CAM applications in particular. Version 10 builds on this foundation with new global shape deformation (morphing) tools, new point cloud tools, standard parts and mold base libraries, and many enhancements to the VX CAM application.
 Figure 1. This helicopter engine was designed in VX CAD/CAM by Masquito Aircraft (www.masquito.be). |
VX CAD/CAM is a hybrid mechanical CAD application built on the proprietary VX modeling kernel. Hybrid means the product supports integrated advanced surface and solid modeling tools, and has done so since it was first introduced in 1999. VX CAD/CAM is the flagship product from VX Corp., a developer of 3D MCAD tools since 1985.
New Modeling Tools
Version 10 includes some interesting new modeling (figure 1) and editing tools. The most exciting is a series of Morph Shape (global shape deformation) commands that let you deform any shape (open or closed) by controlled warping of face geometry (figure 2). Figure 2: VX CAD/CAM v10 s new model morphing capabilities let you explore new shapes by dragging pulling and warping existing models with tools that provide symmetry with dimensional precision. |
The commands let you grab a point, edge, or curve on any face and move (or drag) it to deform the original shape (figures 3a-3e ). This change is an historical operation, meaning you can parametrically edit it later in the design. The deformation spans seams of multiple surfaces.
Like many VX commands, this one provides a number of ways to control how a deformation proceeds (such as along direction, along path, to point, and about axis), what surfaces are locked, which ones can move, and other things that affect the shape of the deformation. The range of deformations possible with these tools is quite impressive.
 V X cad/cam v10 |
Another area where VX CAD/CAM excels is reverse engineering using scan data from 3D scanning and CMM (coordinate measuring machines) devices such as Romer CimCore (www.romer.com) and MicroScribe (www.immersion.com. Version 10's ScanShape tools are significantly expanded (figure 4). With them you can section scan data to fit surfaces through smaller subsections. VX reports significant speed enhancements to the overall process and the ability to handle 360° scan data.
Many modeling commands are enhanced. The Bi-rail Loft now supports rails from a cylinder or cone, and the FEM Patch lets you orient surface direction (figure 5). It recreates fillets after draft is applied and automatically identifies all holes associated with an imported face.
 Figure 3a: The Morph Shape commands let you grab a point, edge, or curve on any face and change it, Morph by offset |
The Morph Shape commands are not unique in the industry. They're similar to the Global Shape and Zone Modeling commands in think3's thinkdesign and the Blue Dot/Blue Surf commands in Solid Edge. They are however, very easy to use considering the number of options available.
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