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Home Xometry Community CAD & Software How to ensure solid models for load-bearing designs

How to ensure solid models for load-bearing designs

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M
5

Hi everyone, I’m designing a structural component for a load-bearing assembly and need to ensure the CAD model is fully solid to avoid issues during manufacturing. What are the best practices for verifying that all points, curves, and vertices are properly connected and that the geometry consists only of closed shapes? Additionally, are there tools or methods to generate accurate technical illustrations from such a model to clearly communicate the design intent?

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Solved by Noah Lowe
Hi Mike, your question seems to imply that you may be using the incorrect software to develop your design. It sounds as if you are using surface modeling software (like Blender) instead of a CAD package. You should try software like Fusion 360 and Solidworks that can detect poor geometry with tools like validate model and solid check. Solid check is especially powerful as it can detect invalid/open surfaces as well as edge/surface gaps.
    • M

      Hi everyone, I’m designing a structural component for a load-bearing assembly and need to ensure the CAD model is fully solid to avoid issues during manufacturing. What are the best practices for verifying that all points, curves, and vertices are properly connected and that the geometry consists only of closed shapes? Additionally, are there tools or methods to generate accurate technical illustrations from such a model to clearly communicate the design intent?

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      Reply
    • N

      Hi Mike, your question seems to imply that you may be using the incorrect software to develop your design. It sounds as if you are using surface modeling software (like Blender) instead of a CAD package. You should try software like Fusion 360 and Solidworks that can detect poor geometry with tools like validate model and solid check. Solid check is especially powerful as it can detect invalid/open surfaces as well as edge/surface gaps.

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      • M
        Noah Lowe

        Thank you, I have looked into this software but some of it seems quite expensive.

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      • N
        Mike O

        There are many packages online that have free versions with some limitations. There are also completely free ones like FreeCAD.

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    • D

      Noah has made some good suggestions, but it’s important to note that it can be difficult to become proficient with using this software. If you are already using surfacing software to design your parts you might find it easier to import the geometry into these CAD packages and just make use of the geometry check and drawing features.

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      • N
        DSinek

        It might be challenging to import surface geometry into a CAD package in a format that can be modified, so also keep this in mind.

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How to ensure solid models for load-bearing designs
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