ICEM FAQ

You can create surfaces from a variety of initial situations:

• Start from scratch
• Start from a 2D sketch
• Start with Input from digitised physical models via touch probe
• Develop surface models from ordered or unordered (point clouds) digitised data
• Import geometry from existing CAD models (direct translators are available for Pro/ENGINEER, CDRS, CATIA, CADDS, I-DEAS Master Series, and Unigraphics)

Most surface modelling packages allow only approximate control over the shape and quality of surfaces. ICEM Surf allows precise direct control over all surface attributes and displays the current surface characteristics dynamically as you make changes to your model. In addition all surface diagnostics (sections, reflection lines, etc.) that help to analyse the current surface quality are dynamic and associative.

Direct dynamic surface modelling can be done in colour shaded display mode (highlight mode) and in stereo mode. ICEM Surf’s Realtime Renderer allows you to model and evaluate your product in a realistic environment.

ICEM Surf provides truly productive global modelling features that allow designers to make changes that span many surface patches. These techniques support the rapid exploration of dramatic design alternatives without redefining the underlying surface model.

The unique scan modelling capabilities of ICEM Surf give access to innovative and more efficient shape definition methods in the product design process. Scans (point clouds) can be modelled and diagnosed similar to curves and surfaces in ICEM Surf. Virtual Clay Modelling has become reality.

If the entire design process is done in ICEM Surf, you work with precise data and surface quality from the very first beginning. This means that no additional work is required for improving data before you may carry out the next design step, saving your precious time.

ICEM Surf today has become a universal modelling system for surfaces and scans in all application areas, from Styling and Conceptual Design up to Tool & Die Design, via Visualisation, Class A Surface Modelling, and Engineering. This means that the entire design process from the first idea to the manufacturable product can be captured by one single application – ICEM Surf. Nevertheless, depending on a customer's environment, any other data input at any stage in the design process can be imported to ICEM Surf. Analogously, ICEM Surf data can be transferred into any other application further down in the process chain. For these systems, ICEM Surf is the catalyst or collaborator in this process. Packages like CDRS and Alias/Wavefront, for instance, are used for conceptual iterations, and data models can be transferred to ICEM Surf for feasibility studies and surface evaluations prior to manufacturing. These surfaces can then be transferred to other major packages like Pro/ENGINEER, I-DEAS Master Series and Catia or manufacturing applications like Powermill or Worknc through a direct or standard translator.

Direct creation of free-form surfaces from digitised data or from scratch without underlying objects. Surfaces are worked on directly without the need for a network of curves. Modifications are carried out directly in real time.

As the surfaces are directly manipulated, surface diagnostics like cross sections, highlights or split lines are dynamically updated. With ICEM Surf you always see what you get.

When a design modification is introduced, engineers can use ICEM Surf's powerful Feature Based Modelling. This feature allows structural design elements that have to be matched to aesthetic surfaces to be automatically updated to a modified aesthetic surface.

ICEM Surf also has special functionality to painlessly handle the input of digitised models. Surface models can be developed from ordered or unordered digitised data in a fraction of the time required by other systems. Special diagnostic tools guide the user to form the correct balance between smoothness and adherence to the digitised data.

Yes, ICEM Surf supports IGES, VDA/FS, AutoForm, and SET (Standard d'Echange et de Transfert) input and output as well as direct translators to and from Pro/ENGINEER, CDRS, CATIA, CADDS, Unigraphics, and I-DEAS Master Series. You can use ICEM Surf design and analysis tools at any step in your development process.