Delcam PowerShape Solid Doctor give total control over model data repair

Solid Doctor can be used on CAD models from all sources, including IGES, STEP and native CATIA files. It uses a combination of automatic data repair tools together with the surface creation and editing options that are available from PowerShape. Simple repairs can be carried out quickly and easily, says Delcam, while more complex problems can be dealt with by deleting and replacing existing surfaces within the model. First Solid Doctor analyses the model to determine the extent of any inconsistency issues in topology or geometry. These errors are labelled on the model and divided into separate categories. For each category or class of inconsistency, Solid Doctor recommends the most appropriate course of action, including a possible automatic fix. The user then applies the automated repair sequence. Each corrected issue has its label changed from red to green as it is repaired. The repairs can be inspected individually to ensure that the results are as required or the whole model can be checked again to highlight any further inconsistencies. The second repair stage involves using Delcam's trim region editing tools to correct larger issues that require manual repair, such as mismatches between the edges of the various surfaces within the model. These include direct editing options for the trim boundaries, which allow quick and flexible adjustment of the surface edges to overcome errors in the model. More serious problems that remain will usually require replacement surfaces in the affected area to be generated using PowerShape's Smart Surfacing technology. The user simply deletes the existing surfaces and sketches around the area to be repaired. PowerShape will then analyse the boundary and suggest the most appropriate type of surface to fill the space. Tangency can be maintained with the surrounding surfaces if required. If the user is not happy with the initial selection made by the software, alternative solutions can be run through until an acceptable result is achieved. The satisfactorily repaired surfaces are incorporated into the solid model automatically. This process continues until all the inconsistencies have been resolved. Providing the user with total control over how the part is repaired allows even poor quality or badly damaged data to be efficiently repaired. Delcam PowerShape CAD 2013 also includes a Replace Face option that allows a selected face or group of faces to be replaced with another face or group of faces, either from the same solid or from a separate solid or surface model. In its most basic form, Replace Face can be used for offsetting surfaces of the model to provide machining allowances or clearances for electrodes for EDM. It can also be used for more complex modifications to product designs. In all cases, any other faces within the design that are affected by the change are extended and re-trimmed as necessary to maintain a closed solid. Another option available in the 2013 release of the Delcam PowerShape 2013 release is a Solid Core command. This automatically selects the smallest rectangular or cylindrical shape that will fully enclose a group of solid faces. It can be used to create blanks for the manufacture of electrodes or when modelling slides within moulds to accommodate undercuts. Groups of faces can now be selected by surrounding them with a boundary, either by dragging the mouse or by clicking a series of points. Simpler methods have been added to then rotate the selected faces around a point or a cylinder, or to move them along a line. For reverse engineering, PowerShape now allows point-cloud data to be captured directly. Point data can be displayed on-screen instantly as a laser attachment is passed over the object being scanned. This ensures that all the required information can be captured as any gaps in the data will be apparent immediately. Another option in PowerShape 2013 is the ability to perform 2D nesting of 2D profiles or 3D parts. Once the numbers of each component required and the minimum spacing needed between each item has been specified, PowerShape calculates the most efficient layout using the minimum amount of material. The shape of any unused material can be saved so that it can be used for later projects. The nesting option will be important for any company using sheet materials, including those in the press tool, composites and footwear industries, or for laying out multiple 3D parts for efficient machining.