AutoCADderFriday, February 06, 2009
AutoCAD 2010 is coming
Yesterday, Autodesk has revealed the secrets of its new flagship product - AutoCAD 2010.
Well, some of the secrets were already known or were expected - see e.g. my posts about the new DWG format, about dynamic blocks, or constraints, plus the usual common practice of embedding the Extensions (Bonus Packs) from the previous version. But this doesn't lessen the fact that the new AutoCAD 2010 (aka "Gator") is fast and bites.
The most important new functionality in ACAD2010 is: freeform 3D modeling, parametric drawings (and blocks, constraints) and raising the PDF format at (almost) the same level as DWF(x).
Freeform modeling opens new options for conceptual modeling in AutoCAD. I like the freedom of arbitrary conversions between solid and surface models, even on organic shapes. Plus you can print your 3D models on a 3D printer - well you probably don't have one, but AutoCAD allows to use a print provider (public service).
Parametrics resembles the Inventor sketch environment. The autoconstrain function will analyze your 2D drawing and applies the detected constraints automatically. You can simply make your drawings parametric using a dimensioning-like procedure. Parametric drawings change their shape just by changing a numerical parameter.
The publishing functionality now mixes the DWF and PDF formats in common dialogs. So you can decide which format you will use. You can now read in (underlay) PDF files and even osnap to their geometry.
There are more new features in customization (context ribbons), hatches, texts, dimensions, viewports, measuring, etc.
AutoCAD LT 2010 will have most of the new functions (except 3D and parametrics) and some older limitations of the LT version will fall (align, attribute extraction, non-rectangular viewports...). But don't forget - Autodesk is not just AutoCAD (and LT). The full "2010 family" of Autodesk products has more than 50 members!
Well, some of the secrets were already known or were expected - see e.g. my posts about the new DWG format, about dynamic blocks, or constraints, plus the usual common practice of embedding the Extensions (Bonus Packs) from the previous version. But this doesn't lessen the fact that the new AutoCAD 2010 (aka "Gator") is fast and bites.
The most important new functionality in ACAD2010 is: freeform 3D modeling, parametric drawings (and blocks, constraints) and raising the PDF format at (almost) the same level as DWF(x).
Freeform modeling opens new options for conceptual modeling in AutoCAD. I like the freedom of arbitrary conversions between solid and surface models, even on organic shapes. Plus you can print your 3D models on a 3D printer - well you probably don't have one, but AutoCAD allows to use a print provider (public service).
Parametrics resembles the Inventor sketch environment. The autoconstrain function will analyze your 2D drawing and applies the detected constraints automatically. You can simply make your drawings parametric using a dimensioning-like procedure. Parametric drawings change their shape just by changing a numerical parameter.
The publishing functionality now mixes the DWF and PDF formats in common dialogs. So you can decide which format you will use. You can now read in (underlay) PDF files and even osnap to their geometry.
There are more new features in customization (context ribbons), hatches, texts, dimensions, viewports, measuring, etc.
AutoCAD LT 2010 will have most of the new functions (except 3D and parametrics) and some older limitations of the LT version will fall (align, attribute extraction, non-rectangular viewports...). But don't forget - Autodesk is not just AutoCAD (and LT). The full "2010 family" of Autodesk products has more than 50 members!
Labels: 3D, AutoCAD 2010, DWG, LT 2010, parametric, PDF
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Constraints in AutoCAD - 2009 or 2010?
Parametric constraints for AutoCAD geometry is something that has been discussed for several releases already. There were even some beta tests when AutoCAD 2009 was to be released last year. Remnants of these tests has been inadverently left in the code of the released version - this is why AutoCAD 2009 knows the variables CONSTRAINTRELAX and CONSTRAINTSOLVEMODE (with no apparent functionality - yet).
It is very probable that some kind of constraints will make it to the next release - 2010. This could bring AutoCAD forward as many designs are parametric by nature and using constraints can simplify the process of both the initial design and later design options.
It is very probable that some kind of constraints will make it to the next release - 2010. This could bring AutoCAD forward as many designs are parametric by nature and using constraints can simplify the process of both the initial design and later design options.
Labels: AutoCAD 2010, constraint, parametric
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Variable constraints (parametrics) in AutoCAD
IMSI/Design has released an AutoCAD add-on for those who need a parametric 2D sketching tool with associative geometric and dimensional constraints -- IDX Variable Constraint System (VCS).
You can imagine VCS as a parametric sketch environment similar to e.g. Inventor. By changing a single parameter you can quickly change the geometry of a whole diagram.
While this can be interesting for some applications, the price tag of this add-on is rather high (500$). In many cases, full Inventor could be justified and may serve better. Or - as Autodesk is said to be planning it - a similar tool may be in the works for AutoCAD subscription customers or for a higher release.
In any case - parametric 2D drawings (DWG) are available for those who need it.
You can imagine VCS as a parametric sketch environment similar to e.g. Inventor. By changing a single parameter you can quickly change the geometry of a whole diagram.
While this can be interesting for some applications, the price tag of this add-on is rather high (500$). In many cases, full Inventor could be justified and may serve better. Or - as Autodesk is said to be planning it - a similar tool may be in the works for AutoCAD subscription customers or for a higher release.
In any case - parametric 2D drawings (DWG) are available for those who need it.
Labels: 2D, AutoCAD, parametric, sketch
