A Guide to Parametric Modeling

Parametric Modeling:

Definition – Term parametric modeling can also be referred to as algorithmic programming. To understand the topic, we can make it simpler. Parametric means to express a set of quantities as explicit functions of several independent variables known as parameters and Modelling means a blueprint to turn an idea into action. Together Parametric Modelling can be defined as “To translate an idea through parameters into action “. Parametric modeling has been a gold standard for creating 3D models from the late 1980s.

Parametric modeling is categorized as below:

  1. Propagation based systems – Wherewith data flow model one calculates from known to unknown.
  2. Constrain systems – That solves constant and discrete constraint sets.

Form-finding this is one of the techniques that propagation-based systems introduce. The concept behind Form-finding is to optimize those design goals against the constraints of their set design.

Nature has always served as an inspiration for architects and designers. Computer technology has provided the tools for understanding and researching nature’s structure and applying it to concrete building shapes and patterns of urban organization.

Why we use parametric modeling?

Designers were having a problem with Math and geometry that win into their designs. The Parametric Modeling Software arranges the complex formulas needed to create function geometry that distinguishes the mathematical foundations of a hexagon from those they want to have one.

Once the designer could create feature geometry without mathematically proving the boundary of a shape, they were free to build models that explore the limits of their imagination.

Beyond automating the time-consuming mathematics of design, parametric models brought forward serious and profound advantages. For e.g.: once you created a feature for many designs you could archive the feature for future reference, it could be recalled rather than being remodeled.

Disability to recall geometrical information means that the parametric modeling can embed knowledge into your part and that knowledge can be passed from engineer to engineer throughout the life cycle of a product.

Parametric modeling is sort of like homer’s AutoSys in which generations of engineers can find the history of how the flange and piper segment-first came together. For e.g. If you build an aircraft wing segment, you can run it through a virtual wind tunnel and identify any design flaws before making it into production.

This is also true for tension cables you might have to design for suspension bridge software allow you to apply accurate material properties to your models so you can analyze the strength of your cable before you ever bring it into the real world. It derives much with power and usefulness from its strong mathematics foundations for the most part it is like an asset.

Advantages:

  • As every piece of geometry has the concrete mathematical foundation precision it can be built into a feature by relating it to another thing.
  • It allows the use of constraints to lock geometry into place so that it can’t be altered by accident design are done with design intent in mind.
  • If we leap to another level, we see sketches become strong features that we see mirrored with the same strength. As features are built to create the shape of a model each piece of geometry can be related to the once that preceded it. As these features accumulate more relations are created and stronger model is built.
  • The parametric model introduced the concept that if you modify one dimension of a feature any related features would update immediately. This is useful when you are designing complex models or are looking to make configuration of a part.
  • Being a good manufacturing tool parametric model can reduce your production time, as it can be easily incorporated into your production process. It can be accurately analyzed by any software tools to give the designer a true depiction of how it would behave in the real world.

Parametric Modelling software:

The market today provides multiple product options for parametric modeling. This program can be classified as, on a broad level. The programs are classified as Small scale use, Large scale use and Industry-specific modeling.

There are various modeling CAD software developed using the Parametric Technique.  Let’s know about a few of them.

Solidworks – It is a parametric software and the best one to work on Mechanical parts. This method of modeling will help you create successful models, work on mechanical projects and advanced product designs.

CATIA – A parametric software model which more specifically deals with 3D modeling. This CAD tool allows you to work with parametric models and will be suitable for complex designs and projects. The program is aimed at professionals as it is a versatile platform with a wide range of technical tools.

FreeCAD – It’s an open-source 3D software, with an intuitive interface. It is a feature-based software used for architecture or mechanical engineering projects.

Inventor – It is an Autodesk developed software. Inventor offers great parametric possibilities for making good 3D models and particularly great mechanical designs.

Siemens NX – Is also called Unigraphics that allows you to work on parametric as well as nonparametric models providing great engineering analysis.

Creo Parametric – Creo Parametric software is developed by Parametric Technology Corporation (PTC) which allows you to work on complex surfaces, designs or even 2D or 3D model assemblies. This type of model is used in the automotive sector.

As time changes and new technologies develop for better there is betterment in Parametric modeling aswell. Introducing Parametric Modeling 2.0. One can find out more about it from https://www.onshape.com/cad-blog/introducing-parametric-modeling-2.0

Stay tuned for more interesting topics related to different subjects.