Solid Edge

Infobox_Software
name = Solid Edge


caption =
developer = Siemens PLM Software
latest_release_version = Solid Edge with Synchronous Technology
latest_release_date = 2008
operating_system = Windows XP/Vista
genre = CAD software
license =
website = [http://www.solidedge.com/ www.solidedge.com] Solid Edge is a 3D CAD parametric feature solid modeling software. It runs on Microsoft Windows and provides solid modeling, assembly modelling and drafting functionality [cite web
last = Dean
first = Al
title = Solid Edge V19 Review
publisher = MCAD Magazine
date = 2006.09.14
url = http://www.mcadonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=289&Itemid=1 ] [cite web
last = Dean
first = Al
title = Solid Edge V20
publisher = MCAD Magazine
date = 2006.06.18
url = http://www.mcadonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=430&Itemid=73 ] for mechanical engineers. Through third party applications it has links to many other Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) technologies.

Originally developed and release by Intergraph in 1996 using the ACIS geometric modeling kernel it later changed to using the Parasolid kernel [cite web
last = Henry
first = Michael
title = A tale of two CAD systems
publisher = Mechanical Engineering Magazine
date = 1998.09
url = http://www.memagazine.org/backissues/membersonly/september98/features/twocad/twocad.html ] . In 1998 it was purchased and further developed by UGS Corp (the purchase date correspond to the kernel swap).

In 2007, UGS was acquired by the Automation & Drives Division of Siemens AG. UGS company was renamed Siemens PLM Software on October 1 2007.Since Sep 2006 Siemens also offers a free 2D version called Solid Edge 2D Drafting.

Part Modeling

The modeling process begins with a base feature, 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.

Direct modeling

The direct modeling features allows the user to change model geometry/topology for which the user does not have access to the parametric data. This is particularly useful for working with imported models.

Assembly Modeling

An assembly is built from individual part documents connected by mating constraints, as well as assembly features. Solid Edge supports large assemblies ( over 100,000 parts ).

Draft

A draft file consists of the 3D model projected to one or more 2D views of a part or assembly file.

PLM

Solid Edge integrates with Sharepoint and Teamcenter to provide product lifecycle management. Solid Edge also integrates with PLM products from third parties.

Version History

*Solid Edge V1 (1995)
*Solid Edge V2 (1996)
*Solid Edge V3 (Spring 1997)
*Solid Edge V3.5 (October 1997 - introduced the sheet metal environment)
*Solid Edge V4 (1998)
*Solid Edge V5 (1998 - UGS + switched from ACIS modeling kernel to Parasolid )
*Solid Edge V6 (1999)
*Solid Edge V7 (1999)
*Solid Edge V8 (2000)
*Solid Edge V9 (2001)
*Solid Edge V10 (2001)
*Solid Edge V11 (2002)
*Solid Edge V12 (2002)
*Solid Edge V14 (2003 - "Rapid Blue")
*Solid Edge V15 (2003)
*Solid Edge V16 (2004)
*Solid Edge V17 (March 2005)
*Solid Edge V18 (September 2005)
*Solid Edge V19 (June 2006)
*Solid Edge V20 (August 2007)
*Solid Edge with Synchronous Technology (2008)

See also

*Associative engine
*Freeform surface modelling
*Comparison of CAD Software

References

External links

* [http://www.solidedge.com/ Solid Edge Web Site]
* [http://manufacturing.cadalyst.com/manufacturing/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=101540 Solid Edge steps up to surfacing]
* [http://solidedge.cad.de/historie/historie.html Early versions history (in German)]
* [http://www.solid-edge.fr Product Reseller (in France)]