CAD User Online Article Archive

Review

Silver linings

From CAD User AEC Magazine Vol 22 No 7 - JULY/AUGUST 2009

ParaClouds Gem 3.0 is a 3D Pattern Modeller that uses generative design tools to create complex surfaces for SketchUp and other CAD and graphic design software packages

Fascinated by the possibilities of GenerativeComponents, yet haven't got round to investing in Bentley's MicroStation solution? Wanting to get more out of your designs, and fed up looking at plain walls? Or look at it another way - how do you feel about using SketchUp to design some fabulous 3D portico with complex integrated panels, using a powerful generative design tool with 3D texture modelling and advanced mesh offsetting tools?

You don't need to tell your client that it was produced using tools that are a fraction of the cost of the comparable software. ParaCloud's Gem 2.0 is a 3D Pattern Modeller. It allows you to transform any surface by overlaying the shape with 3D components, automatically transforming them to fit into its geometry - creating stunning 3D patterns. Using your design as a basis for new and exciting shapes, it allows you to select a surface, set targets for the generation of the 3D components, and export them into mainstream CAD packages for incorporation into your design concepts - adding style and panache to the most mundane building. Besides SketchUp Pro, it works with TopMod, Rhino3D, Cinema 4D, 3DS Max, Maya, AutoCAD or any 3D software supporting OBJ, DXF and VRML 2.0. The latest version - Gem 3.0 - has just been released, and includes Smart Mesh Editing, powerful new subdivisions and mesh editing tools that allow users to subdivide and deform the faces of polygon surfaces.

You can use selection sets and points of interest to enhance and control the modelling process. Sounds complicated, but is really quite simple, and you can be up and running and creating stunning effects with just a few hours of practice. Or you can use rulebased tools for offsetting, deforming, and mapping your geometry. These allow transformations according to target, height and focus points. The rule interpolation is defined by an editable ratio graph offering flexible control. GEM converts the polygon faces of a surface into dynamic volumetric containers by creating an offset reference surface. It also introduces new and improved offset tools including normal offset, projection offset and rulebased offset according to points of interest or height. It is into these containers that the software places, and manipulates, the components you have created.

Its not just a one-trick pony, either, as up to 10 different components can be incorporated into a single file - applied according to selection or rule-based mapping. Increasing the number of components adds richness and possibilities to your design. You can also create rule-based face maps for components population based on points height or randomly scatter components within the dynamic containers Additional subdivision tools are introduced in version 3.0, introducing variable modes of operations, assigned by their proximity to targets, randomly assigned or using a fixed value. All subdivisions can be assigned by Face Map or globally. Face editing tools have also been extended, with additional control for the Face Echo command, to echo a single edge, to squeeze points, or to shift faces or peel off a point normal to the face.

Other new Face Map tools include Checkerboard, Alternate Map and Sequence Map, all of which make it easier to handle the components population and also to separate the mesh file for Ribs output - 3D structures along the mesh edges or diagonals. The surfaces created are fabulous but complex, and, to be especially appreciated, need to be produced as prototypes on 3D printers. In which case, the unfolded layout tool aligns the mesh faces to the Top Plane of the World Coordinate System, creating an organized output for 3D printing or CNC milling of each component. Ribs are an essential part of this process, and can be easily unfolded in a CAD system for Laser Cutting - or for 3D printing. The assembly sequence is documented in a separate DXF file containing the Face ID and Assembly Markers.

Advantages? Low cost, very easy to learn and NO SCRIPTING! And, if you need more encouragement or advice from old hands with the software, you can join the ParaCloud Community, which comes with loads of tutorials, studies and other news - including a special online workshop for Rhino/wdMax/Maya and SketchUp users. www.paracloud.com

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