Introduction to SolidEdge

Modeling Philosophy Overview

Overview: Solid Modeling is the process of creating and modifying solid objects. Each solid has topology defining the surface area and volume of that object. A solid is comprised of faces, edges, and vertices, which define its topology.

Feature-Based Design

Solid Edge creates a model with a method called feature-based design. A feature is an option in Solid Edge that lets you create a shape and form it into a solid. There are many different types of features that add or remove material from the model. A feature-based solid model is a collection of several features. This process makes describing a model much easier because the model is broken down into several smaller features that are easier to define. The feature order describes the way the part is built and it shows the sequence that the model was constructed.

Variables

When a feature is created, there are a series of variables created as well. A Variable Table stores all the necessary dimensions that describe the various features in a solid model. Each variable or dimension can be modified to change the size of the associated feature.