​Usability


Ribbon Interface with Multi-Port Windows
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The Windows-style user interface of ZW3D arranges the menus, toolbars, command line, and dialog boxes in a natural way that make users productive immediately.  Multi-port windows allow for multiple 2D/3D editing/views of a design and easy navigation/transfer between designs.

​Direct Read/Write of Industry 2D/3D Files

ZW3D allows users to make full use of existing designs/parts and collaborate with all team members, regardless of CAD sources.  Directly open, edit, and saves files/layers from SolidWorks, Pro/E, Catia, Inventor, SolidEdge, NX, and ASIC.  ZW3D also supports all the latest industry exchange standards, including importing/exporting to IGES, STEP, DWG, and all popular image formats.
3D Part Design
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Hybrid Solid/Surface Modeling

ZW3D's provides state-of-the-art Solids and Surface Modeling. Moreover, its Hybrid Modeling breaks down the boundaries between solid- and surface-based design. Given the ability to move and operate freely between the two on the same design, users are empowered to select the "best features" of each, explore new opportunities, and realize shapes, designs, and products that were simply not possible before.

A Host of Advanced Design Technologies

The list of advanced design technologies in ZW3D is considerable and includes many not seen in far more expensive 3D systems.  This list includes multiple sketch methods, true parametric modeling, feature-based design, direct editing of surfaces and solids, geometry healing, boolean operations among surfaces/solids, real-time interference checking, and a Design Optimizer that can drive design based on engineering specs.
Reverse Engineering

With built-in reverse engineering in ZW3D, users can use STL, points, and scan data to build surface or 3D models, as well as prepare models for CNC machining or 3D printing by refining meshes, building surfaces and repairing gaps.

2D Drawing Generation and Drafting

ZW3D automatically creates 2D views of 3D designs complete with with projection, sectioning and detailing.  Views include exploded views, detail views, configuration views, and history state views. The 2D sheet is directly linked with a 3D model, so updates to the 3D model are automatically reflected back to the 2D sheet -- ZW3D includes 2D detailing tools that maintain these associations.  Drawing templates can follow industry or customized standards. 
Applications


​Assembly Modeling

ZW3D's assembly capabilities allow users to design, check, and manage small and large assemblies.  Capabilies include top-down or bottom-up design, interference detection, motion simulation with collision checking, assembly history regeneration, in-place shape modeling, constraint-based component positioning, BOM generation, and 2D drawing production.

Sheet Metal Design

With ZW3D, it's easy to create sheet metal features including flanges, lofted flanges, dimples, louvers, and S-Bends.  ZW3D allows for folding/unfolding of selected bends or the entire part and adding of features in folded/unfolded states.
Analysis
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Plastic Draft/Thickness Analysis

For a plastic product design, Draft/Thickness Analysis is critical to ensure structure viability and product mold-ability.  In ZW3D, draft angle and thickness information is available by hovering over any location, positive/negative/need draft is color-coded, and min/max thickness can be calculated and displayed.


FEA Analysis

ZW3D links directly with SimWise FEA exporting an optimized data set for analysis and supports the STL requirements of other leading FEA tools.

Interference Checking
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During the assembly design process, the Interference Check feature helps designers verify that all parts and assembly will fit.  In ZW3D, user can visually check the interference between shapes in one part or among components in an assembly, review detailed results (number/volume/area) of interference regions, and "drag" components to confirm they move as intended.
CAM


CAM Turning/Milling/Verification

ZW3D provides comprehensive CAM tools for programming and controlling 2/3/5-axis milling, turning, and drilling machines. Powered by QuickMill technology, the tools also offer tool path editing, verification, and post-processing capabilities for generating machine specific code required for CNC machines.