The 18th Release of ParaSolid

Some CAD vendors use their own home-grown solids modeling kernel, like think3 and Autodesk. Most use a kernel from Dassault Systemes (Spatial ACIS) or UGS (ParaSolid). It's good to see what's in the new release of a kernel, because then you know what to expect in a future release of the MCAD software you use.

New in ParaSolid v18:

- Finer user control in local editing.
- More ways to thicken, taper, and emboss.
- Enhanced blending and filleting in tightly-curved regions.
- Localized behavior for hidden line removal and sectioning.
- Improvements to data tracking, rollback efficiency, and partition management.

Comments

[Jon Banquer]

I have yet to use a modeler that makes use of the Parasolid kernel, besides Unigraphics, where the surface and solid tools feel truly integrated.

I don't believe, and have not for some time, that if a company wants to build a hybrid modeler that using Parasolid is the way to go.

What I would like to know more about is the CATIA CAA kernel.

Perhaps SpaceClaim will use it for their new product?

Jon Banquer
Phoenix, Arizona

[Evan Yares]

Autodesk's solid modeling kernel is home grown?

Not exactly. So far as I know, it's ACIS with a few changes. Hard to say how many changes, though. Unlike Spatial and UGS, Autodesk does not document the native file format for their kernel.