Re: Vector&BooleanOp

> Date: Thu, 5 Jul 2001 06:45:20 +0100 (BST)
> From: Peter Chen <cadcamcenter@...>
>Subject: Vector&BooleanOp
>

> Been very used to construct 3D
>models using commands like:
>
>box
>cylinder
>slice
>union
>subtract
>etc.
>
>Very quickly, is there a Vector equivalent for these?

Vector is not really a tool to construct 3D models. It is a tool to quickly design edged details and certain kinds of 3D geometry.
It is wireframe based, and as such that limits somewhat the complexity that is presently available in 3D solid representations.

I hope this sounds like helpful, rather than excuses:

1) Box- Vector- Rectangle, use 2 to define cubics

2) Cylinder- Vector Arcs, use 2 to define conics, and Ellipse to define sections in 3D. There is also wrap cylinder that transmogrifies geometry from X-Y-Z to X-C-(Z+R) (C=circumference)

3) Slice - Vector - 3D-Cut above Z. The coordinate axis is portable in Vector. You can move it or rotate it anywhere in 3D.

4) Union/Subtract - Vector - I cannot define these in less than a paragraph, as they are routines, not functions. One interesting feature, is that Vector can make a single offset curve from two or more overlapping contours. It offsets the Union of the multiple contours.

Because many people want to be able to cut complex 3D objects, we developed StlWork. It does not care what 3D design program you use, as long as you can get it to STL format. It also comes with a copy of StlTrans for translating similar formats into STL (DXF mesh, 3ds,vrml, etc).

We have in the past recommended and sold Amapi, as it fit the budget and it's next competitors were in serious financial trouble.

Here are a list of budget 3D solid design programs. I have been evaluating all of them to provide a reference to people that want to do this kind of work, but don't want to spend $3000 or more just for a 3D design program. These are all priced at less than $800. Some are in the link lists of the group, many are not. They get on my list by 1) price 2) 3D solid Cad only 3) can create geometry compatible with StlWork. (I don't include StlTrans, even though it can create 3D beveled letters and extrusions, and has 3D Raster to Vector to model and GIS capabilities. It doesn't have enough of the modeling tools that are needed to create even simple 3D components)

Here is my current list alphabetically:

Amapi
Amorphium
Bcad
Blender
DesignCad
Intellicad
Minos
Rhino
SolidEdge Origin
Strata
TurboCad

Some of these are obscure, they all have quirks, and no matter what system you use, 3D solid modeling will not be a short easy learning curve. On this list TurboCad has a commercial level solid kernel (acis). The latest Intellicad has viewing/pass through, but not design or modify capabilities for acis. Origin has a similar I believe, but I'm told that it will not do much more than simple geometric primitives. I have tested all but TurboCad and SolidEdge. Today Amorphium is my favorite. The program is now owned and distributed by a company that is not in financial difficulty, has had a new release, and remains relatively inexpensive at $250 USD. (Also you can find upgradable copies of the old release in unopened boxes for around $40 or less)

Best Regards,

Fred Smith
IMService