Think like a machinist when creating solid models Article by Milton Florest President Tooling Research Inc. 81 Diamond St. Walpole, MA 02081 Website www.tooling-research.com 508 668 1950 Since the introduction of Solid Modeling in the early 90’s product designs have become more complex than ever before.  Up until then solid modeling software was extremely expensive and only the largest companies could afford it. The software was  difficult to operate and the learning curve to become proficient was often a deterrent to making the switch from either the drafting board or the 2D software programs available at the time. Since then, solid modeling software has become easier to use and less expensive to own.  This has been both a boon to the machining industry on one hand and a boondoggle on the other. Most designers and engineers learn the basics of solid modeling in colleges or technical schools, and are launched into the business world to begin designing machinery and components with just the knowledge required to manipulate the chosen software. Solid modeling programs such as Solid Works, and AutoCad Inventor have become so user friendly that most students are up and running within a few days but the concept of effective designing is usually a learn as you go process. The flexibility of today’s modeling software allows the creation of some of the most unique designs ever conceived and this has had both positive and negative consequences. First lets examine the good things that have come from the use of these solid modeling programs. Efficiencies of design: Because of the ease with which a model can be altered on a computer it is a simple matter to change the designs as you go. As you review your model you can make these changes quickly either for aesthetic considerations or functionality. For those readers old enough to remember drawing boards, you know what a design change used to entail. Efficiencies of assembly: Assemblies can be created on the computer just as if the actual product was being assembled on the bench, often providing insight into possible interference or other problematic areas before committing to production. Ergonomically correct shapes: Solid modeling software today includes the ability to create free form shapes, and to manipulate those shapes with relative ease, so the designer is free to create anything his or her mind can imagine., with very few restrictions.   *