Dealing with Sophisticated Freeform Shapes

Ann Arbor, Michigan, 20 September 2012—CIMdata, the leading global Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) consulting and research firm announces a new paper advising CAD users on the importance of tools that allow them to deal with complex, freeform shapes.

Product aesthetics—characterized by form, dimension, color, and material—can help drive sales by appealing to a consumer’s senses and eliciting pride in ownership. Eye-catching and valued products are commonly composed of sleek, curved silhouettes generated by the product designer modeling sophisticated surfaces. However, the complexity of freeform geometry can be challenging to both the designer and their CAD software, often forcing limitations on the desired product form. When selecting a CAD solution, prospective users must diligently assess their requirements for sophisticated shape definition and focus their choice on a solution that delivers satisfactory results and allows for robust interaction.

This paper, the fourth in a series, identifies and discusses a number of functional capabilities for dealing with sophisticated freeform geometry within CAD solutions that have proven to be critical for leading edge users. The first three papers dealt with geometric model change editing, multi-CAD data, and large assemblies, respectively.

“CAD Selection Considerations: Complex Geometry” is available to be freely downloaded from CIMdata’s Publications web page.

About CIMdata

CIMdata, a leading independent worldwide firm, provides strategic management consulting to maximize an enterprise’s ability to design and deliver innovative products and services through the application of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions. Since its founding in 1983, CIMdata has delivered world-class knowledge, expertise, and best-practice methods on PLM solutions. These solutions incorporate both business processes and a wide-ranging set of PLM-enabling technologies.

CIMdata works with both industrial organizations and suppliers of technologies and services seeking competitive advantage in the global economy. In addition to consulting, CIMdata conducts research, provides PLM-focused subscription services, and produces several commercial publications. The company also provides industry education through PLM certificate programs, seminars, and conferences worldwide. CIMdata serves clients around the world from offices in North America, Europe, and Asia- Pacific. To learn more about CIMdata’s services, visit our website at www.CIMdata.com, follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CIMdataPLMNews, or contact CIMdata at: 3909 Research Park Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA. Tel: +1 (734) 668-9922. Fax: +1 (734) 668-1957; or at Oogststraat 20, 6004 CV Weert, The Netherlands. Tel: +31 (0) 495 533 666.

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