Epec's Blog | Electronics Manufacturing Solutions

The two main categories of 3D modeling can be defined as solid modeling and surface modeling. Solid modeling consists of extruding and cutting away from solid geometric volumes. This is great for subtractive and additive manufacturing methods such as milling and 3D printing.

The advent of 3D printing has drastically changed how products and designs come to market. From rapid prototyping to personalized manufacturing, 3D printing offers endless possibilities. However, to harness its full potential, designers must understand the unique considerations and constraints associated with this transformative technology.

Legacy design is a term used to describe technology, systems, and products that were developed in the past and are still being manufactured and supported. A main concern with legacy designs is dealing with hardware and software components that are no longer actively supported or improved by the original vendor and may no longer be compatible with newer technologies.

Companies rely on engineering departments to design and develop parts and assemblies for machinery and applications. Before a part goes through the assembly line, engineers use computer-aided programs to develop 3D models and simulations.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) systems and software began replacing drawing boards during the 1980s. Today, there’s hardly an engineer anywhere who uses pencil and paper to produce engineering drawings. Everyone uses CAD, for the simple reason that it offers many advantages.

Although there are best practices when it comes to 3D modeling, every designer ends up developing their own style of modeling. This can cause challenges when you are tasked with working with someone else’s model. It can become frustrating when you go to make an edit that causes other parts of the model to change or fail entirely.