Released July 2006
D-Cubed announces the latest release of the 3D DCM, the geometric constraint engine used to position parts in assemblies, sketch routes in three dimensions, modify the shapes of 3D parts and simulate kinematic motion in many of the world's leading CAD/CAM/CAE/PLM applications. New enhancements specific to version 35.0 are listed below. See the full product description.
The 3D DCM enables users to drag underdefined geometry in a model whilst simultaneously solving the applied dimensions and constraints to preserve the underlying design intent. Such operations enable users to interactively reposition the parts in an assembly, investigate the function of a mechanism and modify the configuration of a 3D part or sketch.
3D DCM dragging allows combinations of translations and rotations to be applied to specific geometries or parts. For example, a part can be rotated around an axis or translated across a plane. However, previous versions of the 3D DCM could have difficulties when the full transformation conflicted with the applied dimensions and constraints. This latest release of the 3D DCM resolves such conflicts, applying those elements of the transformation that are consistent with the dimensions and constraints. The user benefits from significantly more robust and intuitive dragging behaviour.
Symmetry is a common element in many designs and is supported in the 3D DCM using symmetry constraints. These powerful constraints are fully consistent with the variational nature of the 3D DCM in that there is no sequence to the application or solving of the symmetry condition. Dimensions can be applied to either side, or across, a symmetry plane.
The solving of models that contain symmetry constraints has been improved in this latest version. For example, the 3D DCM will more reliably ensure that an underconstrained model moves in the same way regardless of which of a pair of symmetrically constrained geometries is having its location modified by the user.
First released in 1995, the 3D Dimensional Constraint Manager is used in the majority of today's major mechanical CAD applications and is widely acknowledged as the leading 3D geometric constraint technology. Its strengths include a genuinely three-dimensional, fully variational (non-sequential) approach to solving a wide range of sophisticated dimension and constraint schemes applied to the full range of geometry types found in a modern CAD model. The excellent performance of the 3D DCM's unique and highly developed range of constraint solving algorithms is the foundation of the latest interactive approach to assembly part positioning, kinematic simulation, 3D sketching and direct (non-history based) part modification.
D-Cubed software is part of the PLM Components suite of solutions and represents a family of geometric software components that enable key functionality in CAD, CAM, CAE, and PLM applications, including sketching, part and assembly modeling, motion simulation, collision detection, clearance measurement and hidden-line visualization.
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Jim Thorpe
UGS (D-Cubed)
Tel: +44-1223-722655
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Suite 600
Plano, TX
75024
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