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(continued...) Additional relations between entities can include distances, angular positions, symmetry and fixed geometry.
Editing can include dragging points on curves or adjusting values of surface control points either by graphical sliders or numerically in a u, v control values table.
By careful construction technique such as using a common edge to define attached surfaces, models can be created with what are described as durable joins so that even during substantial edits the model behaves predictably and robustly.
In addition to the integration with SolidWorks, surface, curve and point data can be shared with other modellers through IGES import and export.
SurfaceWorks Flattener is available as a separately licensable add-on utility with one license being able to serve five SurfaceWorks users on a single LAN.
Based on established MSPLEX technology, Flattener enables surfaces to be unwrapped or unfolded, whilst taking into account the distribution of in-plane strain required to produce the specified 3D shape.
By exporting an expanded outline of the surface as a 2D DXF file, patterns can be NC cut which through the application of a suitable compounding process such as die pressing, can be evolved into curved surfaces precisely fitting the designed form.
Although solid modelling is very efficient for the majority of modelling, principally prismatic forms, there are inevitably times when alternative methods of construction are appropriate.
Despite not being a SolidWorks Gold Partner offering full single window integration, SurfaceWorks does an excellent job of making surface modelling approachable.
Whether used as a surfacing toolset for SolidWorks or in the standalone Solo format, the relational approach anticipates the inevitable editing required in the design phase by making underlying geometry easily accessible and by reacting predictably.
Although the design-centric modellers are progressively adding surfacing functionality, it is unlikely they will achieve the same level of control and flexibility in the immediate future.
In the meantime the trade-off will remain between native tool ease of use and ultimate functionality.
At present SurfaceWorks is excellent where multiple interrelated freeform surfaces are required and where control over location, tangency, and smoothness is necessary between adjoining surfaces.