SW2009 to introduce disappointing version of equation-driven curves
Solidworks briefly published then pulled a PDF showing what was new in SWX 2009. Among the items listed was equation-driven curves.
This is a feature that is long overdue. SW’s current connect-the-dots-with-a-rusty-crayon curve-thru-points is not an acceptable substitute. I was excited to see they had finally introduced an equation-driven curve feature. That is, until I read the descriptioin…
According to that “what’s new” document, the equation-driven curve feature only allows a user to create 2D curves with functions y=f(x). An improvement, but hardly close to where they need to go. Only works in two dimensions. Does not allow for higher degrees of “x”, as one would find in conics or common forms like wave washers or gear teeth.
SW needs to introduce parameterized curves: x=f(i), y=g(i), z=h(i) for i=0 to 1, like the rest of the grownups in math-land.
List of things y=f(x) curves can’t do:
- involutes (gear teeth)
- cardioids
- spirals around a path
- wave-washer outlines
Disappointing. Keep trying, SW. In another five years, you could catch up to where Pro/E was ten years ago.
One Response to 'SW2009 to introduce disappointing version of equation-driven curves'
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
on May 24th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
I feel your pain regarding the need for true parametric curve representation.
I am currently trying to solve a mixed parametric trig/algebraic equation with respect to x, so I can satisfy the f(x)-only requirement. It would be so much easier to just use the parametric form.
And by the way, Admin, here is an additional material to your disappointment: we can’t reference dimensions within f(x) for curves.
I almost feel like doing something about it. Thoughts of API keep coming to mind…
Eugene