ACIS 3D Geometric Modeler and
 Deformable Modeling


1.     Platform, Price, and Company

o        Multiple: http://www.spatial.com/components/specs/

o        Free trial

o        Spatial Corp.:   http://www.spatial.com/

2.     Applications

o        ACIS 3D Geometric Modeler is a solid modeling component, providing software developers—Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)—with the underlying 3D modeling functionality necessary for creating innovative and high-performance software applications.

o        Deformable Modeling is an interactive sculpting tool for creating and manipulating free-form curves and surfaces. Local and global editing features allow for the easy manipulation of B-spline and NURB curves and surfaces, enabling a very high level of artistic design, while retaining the ability to generate a precise machinable surface. Since its introduction over 15 years ago, ACIS has been adopted by some of the world's most recognized software developers and manufacturers as the foundation for a variety of 3D software applications.

3.     Examples/Samples

o        Link to Review and Samples: http://robot-structures.com/usa/document.php?PId=202

4.     Functions

o        ACIS 3D Geometric Modeler

§         ACIS features an open, object-oriented C++ architecture that enables robust 3D geometric modeling capabilities. ACIS integrates wireframe, surface, and solid modeling functionality with both manifold and non-manifold topology, and offers a rich set of geometric operations for the construction and manipulation of complex 3D models. Spatial has improved the existing functionality of ACIS and added new features with Version 7.0:

1.      Ruled Skinning – creates surfaces from two or more profile curves, placing ruled surfaces in-between each section of the profiles.

2.      Skinning to Planar Normal – constrains the take-off vector for each profile to that profile’s planar normal.

3.      Branched Skinning – creates surfaces with profiles that can resolve at two or more branches.

4.      Patterns – repetitive geometry can be re-created

5.      Binary Compatibility of SAB Files (Enhanced)

6.      Blending (Enhanced)

7.      History Streams (Enhanced)

8.      Memory Management (Enhanced

o        Deformable Modeling

§         Deformable Modeling is a more powerful alternative to traditional surfacing techniques such as control point manipulation and lofting, and is intuitive, requiring less manipulation, time and user knowledge while producing a higher-quality result. Functionality includes:

1.      Full, Multi-Surface Capabilities

2.      Advanced Control of Surface Shape

3.      Continuity Control Along Edges

4.      Global and Local Deformations


o        File formats

§         Importing file formats: 3D CAD models (ACIS SAT IGES, STEP, VDA-FS, CATIA, Pro-E, and more)

§         Exporting file formats: ACIS SAT IGES, STEP, VDA-FS, CATIA, Pro-E, and more

§         Additional file formats: others formats may be available. 


5.     Web Resources

o        Press/Publications: http://www.spatial.com/Catalog/Spatial.com/news_events/pr/2004/7/1089404730/index.html?LV3=Y

o        Evaluate Products - Free of charge http://www.spatial.com/downloads/downloads

o        Tutorial: http://www.saxe-coburg.co.uk/pubs/descrip/acis.htm