D-Cubed: Latest release of the PGM, Version 56.0
Released October 2009
Siemens PLM Software announces the latest release of the D-Cubed Profile Geometry Manager (PGM), a software component that adds a range of productivity tools to the 2D environment in 2D or 3D design and manufacturing applications. New functionality specific to version 56.0 is listed below. A full product description can be found here.
Functional enhancement: tangent extension caps
The PGM automatically bridges the gaps that arise between edges that are offset from a base loop. Various cap types have previously been supported, including a curve extension cap, illustrated below left, where adjacent offset edges are extended until they intersect. Version 56 introduces a new cap type, the tangent extension cap, illustrated below right, which extends curved edges with a tangent line. Tangent extension caps can be created by extending any geometry type, including arcs and splines.
Curve extensions caps are not suitable for offsetting curved edges through large distances on their concave side, as illustrated below in the upper image. The arc cannot be offset through a distance greater than 15 units because the offset arc and its adjacent offset lines will no longer intersect. With version 56, tangent extension caps can be used in such scenarios, resulting in the behaviour illustrated in the lower image.
The new functionality makes the PGM a more versatile solution for creating the wide range of offset profiles used in CAD and CAM applications. Tangent extension caps are fully supported in the standalone version of the PGM. Additional support for 2D DCM interactions with tangent extension caps will be completed in a subsequent release.
Integration enhancement: multiple offset loop distances
The PGM has previously enabled applications to create offset loops where the value of the offset distance varies for different offset geometries, as illustrated below:
New functions have been released in version 56 that significantly simplify the creation of offset loops of this kind.
About the D-Cubed PGM
First released in 2003, the PGM enhances the productivity of 2D applications, particularly those based on the D-Cubed 2D DCM. It enables a variety of 2D operations, including an extended range of variational sketching operations beyond those provided by the 2D DCM. This is achieved by working with higher level geometric data structures to automatically generate design changes. Examples include offsetting loops whilst inserting, extending and trimming edges, adding constraints to loops rather than to individual curves, and solving the shape of loops whilst maintaining their perimeter length or area.
About PLM Components: Parasolid and D-Cubed
PLM Components are software tools that support innovation and promote interoperability in CAD, CAM, CAE and PLM applications. Siemens PLM Software develops these components, uses them throughout its own applications and licenses them to independent software vendors and end-user organizations. PLM Components include the Parasolid and D-Cubed products, widely used technologies that provide 3D part and assembly modeling, editing and interoperability, 2D/3D parametric sketching, motion simulation, collision detection, clearance measurement and visualization functionality. Applications include mechanical CAD, CAM, CAE, mold design, sheet metal, AEC, GIS, structural, plant and ship design, CMM, reverse engineering and sales configuration. For more information, please visit www.plm.automation.siemens.com/open/.
Contact
Jonathon Rimmer
Siemens PLM Software (D-Cubed Components)
Tel: +44-1223-722635