Abstract: A computer-based method is disclosed for identifying a parting line for molding a real-world part based on computer model of the part. The method includes receiving a computer-based representation of a modeled part and a parting direction for the mold to make a real-world version of the part. Then a computer-based processor characterizes each respective one of a plurality of faces in the computer-based representation of the modeled part as a positive draft face or a negative draft face. The method includes identifying, as at least a segment of the parting line, a boundary edge between a first one of the positive draft faces and a first one of the negative draft faces that neighbors the first one of the positive draft faces.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system create a three-dimensional (3D) model represented by a sub-division surface and defining a solid or a surface model. A selected entity of the 3D model is selected and with one or more surrounding entities a determination is made of a type of operation to perform. The operation is an add operation or a remove operation, and the operation changes the topology of the 3D model.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system create a three-dimensional (3D) model represented by a sub-division surface and defining a solid or a surface model. A selected entity of the 3D model is selected and with one or more surrounding entities a determination is made of a type of operation to perform. The operation is an add operation or a remove operation, and the operation changes the topology of the 3D model.

Abstract: Methods for the transformation of shapes in Computer Aided Design (CAD) applications applying a general function composition mechanism. This method allows the geometry of a shape expressed in terms of surface and curve functions and positions to be transformed by any generic function while maintaining the topography of the shape. Once the underlying geometry of the shape has been represented as a set of functions and positions, the functions and positions are composed with a transformation function to define new surface and curve functions. Once the new functions and positions have been created, the geometry of the transformed shape can be found by passing each point in the domain of each original geometry function through the new transformed function. This shape may then be displayed to the user, and the steps of this method repeated for refinement of the transformation function.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented for five-axis NC milling process simulation and dimensional verification. An algorithm is utilized which employs a dexel representation of the workpiece and milling tool to reduce the complexity of the solid representation and associated Boolean operations. This representation is exploited to obtain high computational efficiency which affords real-time visual verification of milling processes. Simulation is presented as animated images while a unique discrete dexel verification algorithm simultaneously performs calculations of milling error between the emerging workpiece and actual design surfaces. Milling errors are depicted by levels of color on the milled workpiece. The verification result precisely reveals the quality of the tool paths in a realistic depiction of the actual process, which is helpful for determining tool path modifications and additional finishing processes.