Solid Modeler

ME 459 Advanced Topics in Design and Manufacturing

1. CSG construction

Advantages

• Direct use of machining primitives

Disadvantages

• Inconvinient for the designer to determine simultaneously a sequence of feature creation for all design iterations
• The use of machining volume may be too restrictive
• Problem of non-unique trees. A feature can be constructed in multiple ways
• Tree complexity
• Surface finish and tolerance may be a problem

2. B-rep

Advantages

• A better picture of the model can be displayed
• Face and edge definitions are complete

Disadvantages

• Need large storage of memory
• Non-uniqueness in part presentation