author
Sam
Weisbard
Chicago-based Studio/Maya consultant for training and production work
sweisbard@attbi.com
special
thanks to
Design Engine
for hosting these pages.
Why to use StudioTools when you have Pro/ENGINEER, Solidworks, etc.
08.22.01
The biggest draw is that Studio is a freeform surfacing tool. It doesn't do solids (inherently, though it can export a set of surfaces as a closed solid), and it is not rigidly and always parametric, so it doesn't require the use of dimensions on everything as the shape is created. This is very powerful for people trying to find a shape they like. In Pro/E splines and curvy surfaces are much harder, more tedious to create and then to reshape on the fly. Pro/E is not a conceptual tool for exterior (visible to the consumer) surfaces.
Studio not only lets one draw faster with fewer snags and inputs, it also lets one manipulate a basic freeform shape in many subtle and dramatic ways to create loads of design variations in the search for the best shape solution. Our surface models are more malleable because of the tools we have.
Studio also does much more realistic real time shading and final rendering. It shows logos, surface finishes, transparency, etc. in real time on screen and lets the user manipulate the placement, orientation, etc. of graphics and textures, lighting conditions, instantly. The final renderings are so good they're to market to the public and to the other departments in the company, because marketing people typical can't visualize an engineer or designer's concept from paper sketches or Pro/E screen captured shaded models plus a lot of arm waving.
Using Studio gives manufacturers an edge making smoother shapes, more ideas, better designs, faster, and present them inside and outside the company without being embarrased by the low image quality of Pro/E alone.
And when the models are built to good tolerances they can go straight from Studio to rapid prototyping machines like stereolithography devices, or through the step or iges formats to an nc mill (numerical control) for automated milling of prototypes out of wood, resin, or metal. And the surface data can be imported into Pro/E and used as the basis for the backside engineering, things like bosses, ribs, and other elements that are the core of engineering and are better done in Pro/E.
Companies that make products as diverse as bicycle components, watches, headlights, trade show exhibits and pacemakers use Studio to shape their forms, send them to manufacturing, and present them.