Dynamic modeling

For MCAD 3D software, there are two main modeling approaches in the market:

* Dynamic Modeling approach
* Parametric Modeling approach

Short introduction to Parametric Modeling

Parametric use change states to maintain information about building the model and use expressions (parameters and constraints) to constrain associations between the geometric entities, this is often referred to as a model's history or history tree. While this ability can help a user make a modification at any state and to regenerate the model's boundary representation based on those changes, the change often has to be predictable and allowable within the expressions. So or example, changing the length or diameter of a shaft might be a predictable series of changes. Parametric modeling has therefore been traditionally exploited in "family of part" design, where a designs topology remains constant, and only physical sizes are altered.

Some of the pitfalls of parametric modeling are that the expressions and intent in building the model are often only understood by the original designer, and that designers taking over other people's design work often struggle to understand and work with the expressions. Another common challenge is that fast unpredicted changes are difficult to accommodate within the rigid series of expression tying the model together.

Introducing Dynamic Modeling

A Dynamic Modeling based approach is history-free, and does not force the designer to maintain information about the building of the model and the expression used to constrain associations. Designs changes can be made at any stage, making 3D design creation and modification fast, easy and flexible. With it, companies can meet the challenge of short product lifecycles and demands for rapid innovation. Dynamic Modeling supports the direct modification of models without any restriction from parameters, constraints, or expressions used to constrain associations between geometric entities.

Dynamic Modeling has therefore been traditionally exploited in situations were new designs must be created quickly, altered substantially at a moments notice, and leveraging existing designs across teams - all characteristics in industries such as high tech electronics and machinery.

It may appear that the pitfalls of dynamic modeling are that the approach has no real solution for quick generation of "family of part" designs, where a designs topology remains constant, and only physical sizes are altered. However, most dynamic modelers (such as CoCreate OneSpace Modeling) offer approaches to created relationships between geometry, allowing family of parts to be created effictively.