2D in Solid Edge

[brrian]

Hi. I've been looking at both Inventor and SolidWorks as replacements for Mechanical Desktop (what we currently use). I just opened my eyes to Solid Edge and so far I like what I see.

We'd probably use the software in sort of a hybrid 2D/3D way... most stuff we do would be in 3D, but some of it would stay 2D (no want or need for it to be 3D--flat stuff).

Do you think that Solid Edge is more suited to 2D than IV and SWX are? I've extensively evaluated both, and although you can work in 2D in both, it's not very easy to do. SE seems to have better tools to do so, but I haven't used it yet. What do you all think? I've read about some improvements in V16 that may make this even better.

Your comments/questions are appreciated. Thanks!

Brian

 

[fredericmenage]

Yes,

Definitely check out 2D possibilities with Solid Edge. You have the same sketching tools for 2D views and 3D profiles.

You can also draw 2D geometries inside views that were generated from a 3D model.

Finally, There are a lot of tools that help doing the transition from 2D to 3D and/or incorporating 2D data in 3D files using an hybrid approach.

Fred

 

[rghay]

brrian,

Three years ago I also worked for a company using Mechanical Desktop v3, v4, and then v5.

One of our more common parts consisted of a tapered conic and two lofts and numerous fillets and blends. The time to create a model was typically 8-14 hours. Blends were always an issue as to the sequence and whether the blend could even be created.

We took the same part to a S.E. user and the first time he sat down with the drawings took only 2 hours and 20 minutes to build the model while we watched. And .... he had all of the blends in place.

We were quite impressed!

Hope this helps.

 

[PatCouture]

Hi

I have used MDT6 for a year and a half before migrating to SE v14, it's been six months now with SE and I would never go back. At that time I was considering both SW and SE, SE was far ahead in draft. There were more 2d capabilities in the draft as you can simply use the draft to draw a sketch and print it, and with SW you had to do a sketch in a part file and bringing it in the draft. Now I think that they corrected it so I can't say that SW is still behind.

Be aware of how you want to use the software, yes SE can help you work only in 2D and he is great in 3D, but don't think it will be the same as MDT because there is still somethings I miss from MDT but overall SE is more easy and fun to use.

Also UGS announced a lot of new stuff for a hybrid type of working between 2D and 3D for SE V16, that I think would be great, but it still to see.

In my case I choosed SE and I don't regret my choice but take a deep look at each software and give a hard time to each VAR make them redraw some parts that you want to do with it and be sure that they don't fool you with macros or somethings like that. Also don't give them to much time between the time you give them sample and the time they show you how the software works, because it's the speed that they will show it to you that you will be able to reach once you got use to the software. If you give them to much time they will use workaround to show you that they can do it when it's not really what you want.

Finally Solid Edge deserve as much if not much consideration than Solid works and Inventor. And you won't be disappointed only if you really see what each one can do and can't do. Because honestly they all have their flaws and no VAR will tell them to you. So be ready.

Good luck

Patrick

 

[hrvisser]

I totally agree with Patrick. The hybrid approach in SE is very powerfull. In V15 you can use Çreate 3D'. Drafting is stronger than in SW as far I know. I use SE a lot, SW much less and I don't have Inventor.

I like SE the best.

Henk