See how Solid Edge handles complex shapes in a 3D CAD environment and learn how it can help improve your designs.

Ordered Modeling in Solid Edge

In Solid Edge, the modeling process begins with a base feature controlled by a 2D sketch, which is either a linear, revolved, lofted, or swept extrusion. Each subsequent feature is built on the previous feature. When editing, the model is “rolled back” to the point where the feature was created so that the user cannot try to apply constraints to geometry that does not yet exist.

The drawback is that the user does not see how the edit will interact with the subsequent features. This is typically called “history” or “regeneration based” modeling. In both ordered and synchronous mode Solid Edge offers powerful, easy yet stable modeling in hybrid surface/solid mode, where “Rapid Blue” technology helps the user to create complex shapes in an intuitive and easy way.

Direct modeling features

Direct modeling features in Solid Edge allow the user to change model geometry/topology without being hindered by a native model’s existing—or an imported model’s lack of—parametric and/or history data. This is particularly useful for working with imported models or complex native models. Direct modeling features are available in both Ordered and Synchronous mode. If used in the Ordered mode, the direct modeling edits are appended to the history tree at the point of current rollback just like any other ordered feature.

Synchronous Technology combines the simplicity of direct modeling with the power of parametric design

Last but certainly not least, Solid Edge combines direct modeling with dimension driven design (features and synchronously solving parametric) under what we have coined Synchronous Technology. Parametric relationships can be applied directly to solid features without having to depend on 2D sketch geometry, and common parametric relationships are applied automatically.

Unlike other direct modeling systems, Solid Edge is not driven by the typical history-based modeling system, instead providing parametric dimension-driven modeling by synchronizing geometry, parameters and rules using a decision-making engine, allowing users to apply unpredicted changes. This object-driven editing model is known as the Object Action Interface, which emphasizes a User Interface that provides Direct Manipulation of objects (DMUI). Recent releases add support for sheet metal design, as well as for recognizing bends, folds, and other features of imported sheet metal parts.