Parasolid
Parasolid is a geometric modeling kernel developed by Siemens PLM Software. It is used in various CAD (Computer-Aided Design) systems to provide robust 3D modeling capabilities. Here is detailed information about Parasolid:
History and Development
- Parasolid was originally developed by Unigraphics Solutions, which was later acquired by Siemens in 2007.
- The first version of Parasolid was released in 1986, making it one of the oldest and most established geometric modeling kernels available today.
- It has been continuously updated and expanded to support new features and technologies in CAD systems.
Key Features
- Robust Geometry Handling: Parasolid can handle complex geometric operations with high accuracy, including boolean operations, blends, and fillets.
- Interoperability: It supports data exchange with various CAD formats, ensuring compatibility with different systems.
- Performance: Known for its fast performance in handling large assemblies and complex models.
- Advanced Modeling: Offers tools for advanced solid, surface, and wireframe modeling, as well as direct modeling capabilities.
- APIs: Provides APIs in several programming languages like C++, C#, Python, and others, allowing developers to integrate Parasolid into their software solutions.
Applications
- Parasolid is embedded in numerous commercial CAD software applications, including NX (formerly known as Unigraphics), Solid Edge, Autodesk Inventor, and others.
- It's also used in engineering simulation software, CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing), and CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) systems for model preparation and analysis.
- Beyond CAD, Parasolid's capabilities are utilized in areas like reverse engineering, 3D printing, and medical device design.
Notable Enhancements
- Recent versions have focused on improving performance, particularly in the handling of very large assemblies, reducing memory usage, and enhancing the speed of geometric operations.
- Parasolid has introduced features for additive manufacturing support, including lattice structures and topology optimization.
- Integration with cloud services for collaborative design has also been a focus, allowing for real-time model manipulation across different locations.
Competitive Landscape
- Parasolid competes with other geometric modeling kernels like ACIS, Open CASCADE, and D-Cubed. However, its longevity, extensive feature set, and support for complex modeling operations give it a strong market position.
External Links
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