3D Solid Modeling

[ModelWarships]

I see plenty of really nice 3D surface models. But do any of you do solid models? If so what software do you use? I am using AutoCAD 07 and am somewhat disapointed with the lofting features. Looks like I have to create a surface first and slice away at the solids. I would like to bypass this step and loft solid regions. Is anyone doing this without jumping through hoops?

[kevjon]

Being draftsman who has used Autocad, Solidworks and Inventor which all have solid modellers built in, I have found them to be not up to the task for creating/lofting the complex surfaces and blends of aircraft. I would imagine the hull of a ship would have the same problems.

The solid modellers could be used for a lot of tanks but even then the turrets have complex shapes and curves which would be a problem.

I haven't used Autocad 2007 as yet. Still waiting for our IT department to deploy the software. I did go to the demo and the new 3D modeller looked really good, almost nurbs like but not having used it I haven't been able to see what the limitations are.

Keep in mind that if you intend to uv map your model and texture & render it nearly all programs require a good clean mesh. Converting nurbs models to a good mesh has always been a problem and solid models might be the same.

That is why most of us are modelling with meshes. Really time consuming though and I am really looking forward to the day that solid modellers or nurbs modellers take a significant leap forward to make it easy to create complex compound curved shapes & blends.

[ModelWarships]

While I would like to render my models eventually, I am more interested in creating models that can be prototyped. Besides you can render with solids, it's just not as photo realistic.

[Martocticvs]

Welcome to Military Meshes, Timothy!

I've never tried using any cad type program for ship modelling, but I do certainly see the benefits of it from the rapid prototyping point of view. Ship models I make on here are (theoretically anyway!) intended for use in renders only, so thats fine with me. However I do rather enjoy building real solid ship models. Although finding space to put them is something of a mission these days!

[Bigtodd]

Tim,

I am using Solidworks and can make just about anything you can imagine.

Todd

[Archetype]

hey todd any updates on your attempts ?

[Bigtodd]

yeah I will post something in a day or two.

[kevjon]

Posted by ModelWarships
I am more interested in creating models that can be prototyped

Solid modellers would be Ok for this but creating the compound shapes of a ships hull would probably have to be done via nurbs surfaces or mesh. Rhino is a really good tool for nurbs surfaces if you find AutoCAD 07 not up to the task.

Posted by Bigtodd
I am using Solidworks and can make just about anything you can imagine
I'd be most interested too in seeing some of the things you've created with solid works. Especially anything with compound curves like aircraft fuselages, ships hulls or car body work.

[jclark]

any reason why you NEED it to be a solids modeler? really the only difference is how the modelers track closed volume. Rhino is a solids modeler as long as you stitch all surfaces to form a closed volume.

surface modeling allows you to focus on what you reall need for surfaces that will be rendered. this is to say, solids modeling isn't always the most productive.

[ModelWarships]

I guess I should attach a render of one of my solid model projects.

Solids are better suited for stl output to make resin masters. They are also easy to convert to other formats that are used by manufactures.

[ModelWarships]

Recently I installed Solidworks 07 (30 day trial) but I am having so much trouble adapting to it, that is is back to AutoCAD for me. Besides mY 08 version just arrived last week. I might be trying out Inventor next just to make sure I am not missing out.

I have heard good things about Rhino and ship hulls. I will probably give them a try too. AutoCAD recently added lofting to it's commands, but it is hit and miss. I spent months trying to get the hull on the Benson/Gleaves class dd right.

[Martocticvs]

So you built that ship using autocad? That's pretty impressive I have to say.

[ModelWarships]

AutoCAD may not be the best program for working in 3D. But it is far more capable than most users are aware.

[ModelWarships]

Do any of you have experience in converting your files to solid models?

[kevjon]

Do you mean converting a mesh to a solid model ? I don't think it can be done.

You certainly can convert a solid model to a mesh though.

[Lukem]

I didn't think lofting was that recent an addition, or has it just changed name? But I do have to say that you are doing more with AutoCAD than I thought was possible, and I use the program as part of my day job.

Any ideas on what is new in 2008?

[ModelWarships]

Lofting and solid modeling are much improved. Lofting was added in 2007. It has been available in Mech Desktop for some time though. The folks at Autodesk don't really promote the 3D solid modeling capabilities as they would rather steer those who want it into other packages for more $. I get a lot of calls from vendors who seem to be convinced that AutoCAD is a 2D program only. I actually use AutoCAD Mech. which has a lot of mechanical tools for designers. But the real reason I got it was was for the built in IGES translator, not available in plain vanilla AutoCAD. I have completed my test drive of Solidworks and while it does have some nice tools (unfolding sheetmetal), the interface and part modeling is greek to me. I think I will give Inventor a test drive soon, but I have used AutoCAD since it's first official release (2.6) and find it hard to change my ways.

Overall I like 08 but I am having fits with some 3D display bugs so may revert to 2007 for production and continue to play at home with 08. I have a subscription so I get every new releases. But am less than enthusiastic about this new release. It's bad enough having to redo all my customization every year, just as I start to master the new releases. But when bugs come up, it drives me mad. I am going to replace my work PC as my video card is not certified for the new release and it is just not fast enough anymore. That may help, but it means I will waste a few days getting everything back to where I had it.

AutoCAD has improved the rendering, and now has some walk and fly tools that I have yet to master. I would like do some animation with my ship. I am working on a USS Laffey DD-459. I would like to portray it duking it out with the Hiei at point blank range at Guadalcanal on Friday the 13th Nov. 42. A night battle should be a real challenge. That is one reason to hang out here as you guys have some really awesome renderings and I want to learn how you do it.

[kevjon]

With the inclusion of Mental Ray renderer and good material library in Autocad 2007 maybe its possible to create similar quality works as the guys do with such apps as Max, modo, C4D and Lightwave etc. The UV mapping tools however are a bit basic.

I think you'll find solidworks to be a better application than Inventor cause its been around longer. Here in Australia most Industrial Designers have chosen Solidworks over Inventor although Inventor is improving very quickly with Autodesks squillions behind it.

[Obizzz]

Inventor was lacking in surface tools, at least the versions I used 1-2 years ago, other than that I really liked it.

Solidworks is probably a better allround package.