A comprehensive set of Parasolid-based 3D solid modeling tools was created, leveraging D-Cubed 2D and 3D solvers. I oversaw the modeling system’s design, development, and testing, as well running go-to-market with beta user community, creating content, and supporting user events.
- Dimension-driven constraints for 2D sketches and 3D assemblies
- Works on all elements in the design file
- A design a system for parametric cells and templated placement
- Variables and parameters system
- In-model manipulation, precise input, integration with Accudraw and snapping
Driving key parameters through variables allows creation of reusable parametric components.
Before the new tools, MicroStation had two completely separate 3D modeling toolkits: one that was conventional 3D modeling, and one called Feature Modelling, a comprehensive but archaic set of parametric 3d solids with its own sketcher (folded back into MicroStation after the cancellation of the stand-alone MicroStation Modeler product). We produced a new, unified set of tools, making them seamlessly integrated within the core of MicroStation.
The tree of modeling operations is retained, so profiles for operations such as this extrusion remain editable.
We continued the project, extending development of history-aware parametric modeling to NURBS curves and surfaces, to allow real-time trimming and editing of the underlying profile curves. The 3D modeling tools we developed remain the current core system in Bentley MicroStation used globally by AEC users.