Project: HiCAD 3-D

2-D -> 3-D Conversion

• What is 2-D->3-D Conversion?

The 2-D->3-D Conversion module enables you to derive 3-D models almost automatically from existing 2-D data without decreasing productivity. To do this, you require two or more views of a 2-D single part. This may be in the form of a 2-D part drawing created in HiCAD or a 2-D file read from another system via one of HiCAD's interfaces.
In comparison to the time required to create a new 3-D model, this technique is not only faster but provides a universal model that can be used throughout a company.

• Why 3-D?

Studies have shown that the change to 3-D design enables time-savings of up to 50% compared with 2-D design in front of a drawing board. However, the advantages of 3-D models are still somewhat underrated although they do increase the competitive capacity of a company to a considerable extent.

• Only 3-D models allow a realistic visualisation of your products and performances - from the photo-realistic representation for catalogues to animations for presentations at fairs or on the Internet. These advantages enable you to stand out from competition, convince your customers of the quality of your products and thus provide an optimal support to your Sales and Marketing Department!
• During the design process you can use 3-D models to assess prototypes and check their functioning at early design stages. You can avoid errors at later stages, increase the product quality and reduce costs
• Moreover, you can transfer your 3-D model data to NC programs or FEM calculation programs, which allows a distinct acceleration of the production planning and the product development process
• The perfect solution

In the past, the change from 2-D to 3-D was often complicated due to the fact that many CAD software producers usually offer "3-D-only" programs which do no longer support the 2-D design. The production-related know-how inherent in thousands of 2-D drawings was lost, and the time needed for redesigns caused considerable decreases in productivity.

HiCAD, the universal CAD system, combines 2-D and 3-D design in an optimal manner. You are enabled to use 2-D and 3-D objects within one drawing. A transition to a 3-D-oriented working method can be made at any time. You can make further use of your existing 2-D drawings without any problems and, if required, convert them into 3-D model drawings with the HiCAD 2-D->3-D Conversion module.

Topics:

• How to work with the 2-D -> 3-D Conversion Module
• 2-D -> 3-D Conversion: Overview of Functions
• 2-D -> 3-D Conversion: Further Examples

Extruded Solids (3-D)