We’ve talked a lot on 3D CAD World about the various 3D modeling paradigms, history-based and direct modeling. Last week, we took a closer look at SpaceClaim’s direct modeling software, SpaceClaim Engineer 2014. Another 3D CAD software that’s known for its direct approach to modeling is Kubotek’s KeyCreator software.
Now a new release of the software, v12.5, is shipping so I thought this might be a good idea to take another look at the software, which employs what the company refers to as a “hybrid” approach to modeling.
KeyCreator is touted to to be very easy to use, and offers users optional integrated modules for CAD, CAM, finite-element analysis (FEA), CAD comparison, and photorealistic rendering–all within a hybrid CAD modeling environment. This means that users can work in 2D, wireframe, 3D and surfacing, all within the same environment.
What’s new?
New features and functionality of this new release of KeyCreator include CAD animation, Direct Dimension Editing Tree, and a wire EDM option for 2- and 2.5-axis milling.
Let’s look at bit deeper into these:
* CAD animation. This new tool provides another way to visualize or communicate the function and assembly of designs. Standard settings, such as motion speed, camera and timeline control, aid how a design is viewed, while more advanced features depict how designs will interact and/or react with other bodies or conditions. Capabilities, such as collision detection, help users pinpoint problems that result from the motion of designs and quickly diagnose and solve any issues with an assembly model.
* Wire EDM option. The KeyCreator Machinist NC module now offers a Wire EDM option for 2-axis NC milling. The integration of KeyCreator Direct CAD and KeyCreator Machinist takes advantage of many direct editing features and functions, while creating ultra-fast tool path generation. The benefit to users is that they can optimize machining strategies by running multiple tool path options.
* Direct dimensioning editing tree. This new capability further extends the software’s Direct Dimension editing features by allowing users to assign formulas and relationships between dimensions. With basic programming experience, users can configure and save commands to run automated design adjustments, saving time and reducing errors when operations are re-executed later.
Other enhancements to KeyCreator include, interoperability updates, refinement of modeling and visualization tools and other improvements to user-specific options to help users complete tasks to their liking and while meeting their modeling goals.
Sound too good to be true? Well, try it out yourself. A free trial of KeyCreator Direct CAD is available here.
