Because of streamlined workflows and dedicated CAD for analysis tools, users often see model pre-processing time cut down from weeks or days to hours or minutes. No longer do you have to outsource CAD modifications to another department or firm. SpaceClaim was built to empower every engineer and analyst to quickly modify and optimize CAD files. Whether modifying existing geometry or creating simplified representations, SpaceClaim removes the geometry bottleneck and lets engineers focus on the physics. True simulation-driven product development is now possible with SpaceClaim handling all your front end geometry needs.

In spite of the capability offered by most CAD, CAM or Simulation systems to import data coming from another CAD package, it often heppens that these imported models are useless because of precision or topology problems.

SpaceClaim can help you to solve this issue. Indeed, not only can it read most of the native or standard CAD formats like SolidWorks, CREO, NX, CATIA, INVENTOR, Rhino, ECAD, STEP, IGES, DXF, ACIS, Parasolids), but it also provides healing functions that will allow downstream systems to open and use these models.

Advanced tools for detection and healing of defects allow to automatically recreate missing faces, sew faces, remove too tiny faces, correct tangency,…

Once corrected, these models can be exported to many formats, being sure they can be used in the downstream system without any problem.

Restoring faceted data integrity
SpaceClaim’s intuitive interface allows users to create, edit, and prepare models for 3D printing faster and more efficiently than before. With the STL prep module (faceted data toolkit), you can work directly with STL files as well as leverage automated many prep tools for 3D printing applications.

Intuitive workflows inquire of a faceted file’s integrity and further repair the file to a printable model. Regardless of the imperfection, such as overlapping, intersecting, or over-connected triangles, SpaceClaim’s tools will rapidly and automatically heal all STL bodies so they are print ready.

Full STL Editing Capabilities
Next, solid-like operations help you ensure your faceted data is just the way you want it. Use familiar manipulation tools like Pull and Move to edit a collection of facets and change the form of the model. Boolean tools let you add or subtract surface or solid data from the faceted model, giving you further freedom to rapidly make changes.

Optimization tool mean you can smooth facets and reduce noise from a course scan of an object. Shelling and infilling help balance the strength the weight ratio, while minimizing material consumption. And finally, a series of analysis tools helps ensure your model has adequate wall thickness and overhang protection in critical areas.

The hybrid nature of SpaceClaim’s STL prep module means you can combine the best of solid modeling techniques and the flexibility of its STL editing tools. You can choose which tools will get you to the optimized result you desire.

The Challenge of Prepping Models for Manufacturing
Traditional history-based CAD software was developed for design engineers to create detailed models and associated documentation. When it’s time to make parts, however, its complicated constraints and internal dependencies can get in the way of getting the job done. Too often, manufacturing engineers can get caught up in the theory of CAD and lose focus on getting parts out the door. If the designs aren’t right, it can be difficult to make the changes on-the-fly. SpaceClaim makes it easy to fix problems and confirm the change with the customer.

Why SpaceClaim is Ideal for Machining
SpaceClaim is designed to let you create, edit or repair an 3-D CAD data. SpaceClaim’s unique user interface enables you to work in 3D but, but it is not a lifestyle tool like complex CAD systems. You don’t need to use SpaceClaim daily to remain proficient. Engineers who aren’t CAD specialists — and don’t want to be — can learn SpaceClaim in hours instead of weeks.

Repair of Geometry
SpaceClaim’s automated repair tools are ideal for turning corrupt or incomplete data to usable surfaces or solids for downstream CNC use. You can focus on the toolpath creation of a model since SpaceClaim will automatically heal disjointed surfaces and repair things like holes and gaps.

Fixture and Tooling Creation
The versatile tools of SpaceClaim let you rapidly extract geometry necessary for fixturing or tooling of any objects. Use these same tools to construct solids or even extend surface edges allowing for adequate runoff in various manufacturing operations.

You’ll find SpaceClaim is full of dedicated tools that propel your efforts in the extracting or preparing of geometry needed for any manufacturing application.

Converting scanned or faceted data into usable 3D models:

For reverse engineering, SpaceClaim is unmatched in terms of power, ease of use and flexibility. Intuitive tools function to rapidly and easily convert any faceted data to surfaces or solids for downstream use. Regardless of the scan integrity, any STL file can be rapidly converted to CAD format.

Autosurfacing with Skin Surface
A groundbreaking tool called Skin Surface gives you a powerful method for autosurfacing to surface or solid geometry from prismatic or organic shapes. You can now push the boundaries of what was previously feasible and rapidly reconstruct surface data around scans of complex shapes like living organisms. While this may have been possible before, never was it as simple as Ansys SpaceClaim has made. The Skin surface tool can also be used to reconstruct fixtures or jigs around faceted data, or to modify geometry of things like worn out parts.