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What is thinkiD DesignXpressions?

think3’s next-generation CAD system, thinkiD DesignXpressions, represents a brand-new approach to design. It delivers on the promise of “Target-Driven Design,” and frees designers from the constraints of traditional computer-based systems.

To begin, designers assign targets. These can be points, curves and even a desired reflection light you want to SEE on a shape. From there, you can focus exclusively on product shape, any way you like, then automatically transform your design into engineering models, preserving design intent for analysis and manufacturing.

Features and Benefits

Global Shape Modeling

Building on its 2001 introduction, think3’s Global Shape Modeling (GSM 3 ) continues to set the bar for industrial design technology. GSM 3 allows faster iterations and unlimited design creativity, with no rebuilding. In fact, harnessing GSM 3 can result in a 90 percent time savings in the modification phase and up to 75 percent in total development costs. GSM 3 , the next level of power, flexibility and creativity, now features:

* GSM Planar.
Designers can interactively manipulate and modify an object's shape without worrying about design intent. This highly accurate and creative approach provides quality you can depend upon. In fact, it has the same creative feel as clay modeling!

* Dynamic Morphing.
In Dynamic Mode, you can truly visualize unlimited creative possibilities. Users can create infinite variations of shape changes from a controlled GSM modification, preview them and then stop to select just the right one.

The next-generation of freedom takes you to the next level with:

Associative Blending Curves and Shapes

Already unique in the industry, think3's tool for blending curves and shapes is now associative (historybased). Designers can use it to test a frame of “parametric free-form design." Associative Blending Curves and Shapes introduces the ultimate "what if" tool for making changes and fine-tuning curves. Users can also smoothly blend shapes and update, while modifying the reference shapes.

Associative Global Sweep

DesignXpressions' distinctive way of sweeping curves along a 2D or 3D path, which can also contain sharp corners, is also now associative. Users can experiment with different shapes by changing driving curves and boundaries. For instance, to prepare objects for moldmaking, designers and engineers can link parting lines of their objects and addendum surfaces generated with Associative Global Sweep. In effect, when changing the object, the parting line will change and the addendum surfaces will update accordingly.

Automotive Grid

The Automotive Grid is a handy, multipurpose tool for designers to manage large objects-cars, trains, airplanes, boats-on a 2D grid layout, rather than standard dimensioning. think3's Automotive Grid stands out from our competitors, when compared with similar high-range products.

Associative Semantic Selection

The system understands and remembers "meaningful associations" the user has selected, i.e., "why" selections are made. In case of drastic changes, the system then automatically updates for you.

Animations Maker

Designers can now conveniently create animations, and check collisions between objects while computing the animation. You can avoid design errors, improve quality and quickly achieve the best possible results. Additionally, users can easily create AVI files that can be viewed by anyone with a Windows PC, providing an effective presentation tool.

2D Shaded Views

Adding realistic visualization, users can now insert high-quality rendered images into their 2D technical drawings. Also associative, 2D Shaded Views provides faster view regeneration and smaller file size for large assemblies. Complementing technical drawings, a user can now create a high-quality, rendered color picture - helpful not only in producing the part but also useful for catalogues, manuals, etc.

Other thinkiD DesignXpressions features:

Reflection Highlights

Eliminate building and rebuilding. You can define the results and think3 technology builds the shape. It’s the first and only technology to drive the modification of a shape by changing the reflection light on the shape, itself.

Real-time Dynamic Rendering

You can work on a model with a level of realism you never thought possible. For example, you can apply GSM 3 to a rendered model and view the rendered model change in real time. Additionally, environmental mapping can be spherical or cubical, and textures can be applied in many ways.

Adaptive Measures

Forget about the math. Powerful, intuitive measuring capabilities pull references from other components. You don’t need to calculate or build a reference spreadsheet. You gain creative freedom and save time.

GSM 3 Zone Modeling

This revolutionary technology removes the limitations of traditional modelers by providing conceptual design and engineering in the same product. Combining the advantages of solid modeling with the flexibility of freeform surface models, you can make creative and precise modifications to any shape — native or imported — with full associativity.

PDM Foundation

Project Browser is the foundation for think3’s collaborative, flexible and fully integrated professional Product Data Management. It offers an integrated document and file management system, sharing the same underlying database as think3’s product suite. As users save 2D drawings and 3D models, the Project Browser automatically captures key engineering information. External references between parts, assemblies and drawings can be viewed using a simple “where-used” command, enabling users to preview the impact of changes to an assembly.

Translators

thinkiD DesignXpressions supports standard 3D translation formats: IGES, Step, STL, VDA, VRML, Wavefront, Viewpoint media, ASCII points, think3 neutral file and 2D translators including DWG, DXF, IGES and Draftmaker. think3’s translation platform, thinkdirect (available separately) supports all major 3D proprietary formats. It addresses the customer’s need for Catia V5 read/write, Pro/E read, and Parasolid. Catia V4 read (including 2D) and write are also available.

Sound too good to be true? Contact us today. Let DesignXpressions help bring your creative designs to life.