Parasolid is now cross-platform

[Thomas Holm]

Yesterday i found out that the Parasolid solids modeling software engine is now available for MacOSX. This means that this important software component, used in many serious modeling applications, is now cross-platform and possible to implement for example in Archicad.

Wouldn't this be a good way to improve the free- form solids modeling capabilbites of Archicad, thus widening its possible user base to including civil engineering and details modeling applications, as well as speeding it up and making it more intelligent?

Coupled with GDL, I think it would mean a great advantage.

It is now used in programs like Solid Edge and Microstation, to name a couple.

See press release at

http://www.eds.com/news/news_release_template.shtml?rowid=3675

What do you think?

Thomas

[Anonymous]

Seems like it could be very cool.

I have read that about 40% of computer solids modeling is in this format. The question is what are the realistic possibilities. Are there useful models available now? How would it fit into a parametric environment? (Is it already a parametric modeler?) What are the practical uses?

[Thomas Holm]

I have read that about 40% of computer solids modeling is in this format. The question is what are the realistic possibilities. Are there useful models available now? How would it fit into a parametric environment? (Is it already a parametric modeler?) What are the practical uses?

Matthew, Parasolid is the geometry engine inside SolidWorks, SolidEdge, DesignWave, IronCAD, Unigraphics and many other products. Check out
www.ugsolutions.com/products/parasolid/
It's fully parametric, and used daily in MCAD environmets, mainly product design of various kinds. I'd say (without being able to name them) you've already got a lot of things around you at home and in your office, designed with one or the other software using Parasolid.

I realise it may be overkill for Archicad. But I would like Archicad to be a more complete true 3D modeler that it is now, allowing me to create free-form buildings and details without having to resort to GDL or other design software. On the other hand, I don't want Archicad to get more expensive that it is. Maybe I should keep shut 😉

[Anonymous]

Thomas wrote:
Matthew, Parasolid is the geometry engine inside SolidWorks, SolidEdge, DesignWave, IronCAD, Unigraphics and many other products. Check out http://www.ugsolutions.com/products/parasolid

It's fully parametric, and used daily in MCAD environmets, mainly product design of various kinds. I'd say (without being able to name them) you've already got a lot of things around you at home and in your office, designed with one or the other software using Parasolid.

It would be cool if lots of props and products became available easily. Of course things like toasters and table lamps would have to be free or cheap unless one is doing high end interiors.

I realise it may be overkill for Archicad. But I would like Archicad to be a more complete true 3D modeler that it is now, allowing me to create free-form buildings and details without having to resort to GDL or other design software. On the other hand, I don't want Archicad to get more expensive that it is. Maybe I should keep shut 😉

It could always be an add-on for those who need it, maybe an add alternate to ArchiForma. On the other hand, of course, software prices tend to stay the same while features are added to justify the upgrade fees. ArchiCAD costs about the same as it did back when there was no section tool (or even an arrow tool believe it or not) and PMKs had to be resaved individually each time the plans were reissued.

In any case, it would be cool to see a GDL/Parasolid connection. It might even be one of those things that has implications and possibilities far beyond our limited perspective.