What is Solid Modeling?
Solid modeling is a method of representing three-dimensional objects in a digital environment using CAD (computer-aided design) software. Unlike surface or wireframe models, solid models define both the interior and exterior properties of an object, making them fully “watertight” and topologically unambiguous.
This precision allows engineers and designers to simulate real-world conditions, such as mass, volume, and structural integrity, which are crucial for product development and manufacturing.
The role of solid modeling in digital engineering
Solid modeling enables designers to visualize, test, and optimize their designs in a virtual environment. Engineers use solid models to simulate how different parts of a product will interact under various conditions, such as stress, heat, or fluid dynamics, before any physical materials are used. This capability not only reduces costs but also improves the overall safety and performance of the final product.
What are the benefits of solid modeling?
Improve accuracy
Provide an exact representation of an object’s geometry, including its mass properties such as volume and center of gravity.
Reduce costs
Enable engineers to test designs digitally before creating physical prototypes, solid modeling significantly reduces material waste and development costs.
Faster design iteration
Support quick design changes and iterations, accelerating the product development process. This agility gives companies a competitive advantage by reducing time-to-market.
Enhance visualization
Offer realistic previews of products before physical creation, allowing designers and stakeholders to explore aesthetics, materials, and functionalities in a virtual environment.
Limit production errors
The high accuracy of solid models reduces errors during the manufacturing process, minimizing the need for rework or adjustments during production.
What's the best way to get started with solid modeling in your organization?
Keep reading to discover our recommended approach to simulation-driven design, or reach out to us for a free consultation today.
The first step in implementing solid modeling is choosing the appropriate software based on your industry’s specific needs. Different CAD tools offer varying levels of functionality, so it’s crucial to match the software to your project requirements. SOLIDWORKS is ideal for mechanical design, offering parametric modeling and advanced simulation features. While CATIA is better suited for complex assemblies, particularly in the aerospace and automotive industries.
These include simple forms like cubes, cylinders, and spheres. Use boolean operations (e.g., union, subtraction) to combine or subtract these shapes to form more complex structures. For more advanced designs, explore parametric modeling, which allows you to define dimensions and constraints that can be adjusted dynamically as the design evolves.
These features are essential for refining the model and ensuring it meets functional requirements. Most CAD tools allow you to define these elements parametrically so they can be easily modified later. Ensure that all features align with manufacturing constraints (e.g., minimum wall thickness) to avoid issues during production.
With your solid model in place, you can now use simulation tools within the CAD software to test how the product will behave under real-world conditions. Stress analysis helps to determine how the model will perform under mechanical loads. Thermal analysis is used to test how materials respond to temperature changes. Fluid dynamics analyzes airflow or liquid flow around or through your model. These simulations help identify potential issues early in the design process, such as weak points or material failures.
This may involve adjusting dimensions, changing materials, or modifying structural elements. The iterative nature of solid modeling allows for continuous improvement until the design meets all performance criteria. Use parametric features to quickly update dimensions without having to rebuild the entire model from scratch. Re-run simulations after each adjustment to ensure that changes have resolved any issues without introducing new ones.
Solid models can be directly exported into formats compatible with CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) systems. These systems use the digital model to guide machining tools or 3D printers during production. Ensure that the model is optimized for manufacturing processes such as CNC machining or additive manufacturing. Generate detailed technical drawings or assembly instructions if needed for production teams.
Solid modeling encourages collaboration among team members across different departments, from designers to engineers and manufacturers. With your whole company working from a single source of truth, it’s much easier to manage iterations and ensure everyone is working on the latest version of the design.
Need help with Solid modeling?
Jake Taylor and team are on-hand to provide tailored guidance and support with a deep knowledge of the full Dassault Systèmes portfolio. Reach out for a free consultation today.
Essential software for solid modeling
For complex engineering design and assembly modeling.
For design, engineering, simulation, manufacturing, and data management.
For virtual testing, analyzing, and optimizing product performance.
For end-to-end PLM (product lifecycle management) and collaborative innovation.
View our extensive range of software solutions