

The XY coordinates of developed surfaces can be saved into a text file for further processing. VariCAD can also create developed (unbent) surfaces of 3D solids or sheet metal parts. Surface Development (Sheet Metal Unbending) There are calculations of tension and compression springs, pre-stressed bolted connections, pins and parallel keys, grooved shafts, bearings, beams under combined stress (bending and torsion), spur and bevel gearing geometry, and belt drives. Mechanical parts calculations are also included - for standard parts used every day by mechanical designers. VariCAD can calculate 2D section area, surface area, volume, mass, center of gravity, and moment of inertia. VariCAD can check 3D assemblies for possible collisions (overlapping volume) between components. One excellent feature of 3D modeling is component interference checking. Solid groups can be defined as well, making selection and visibility changes simple, for multiple objects.
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In such case, editing of one object causes update of all its identical copies. Linked copies of solids can also be defined (so called identical solids). If the link between a part and assembly is defined, any changes made to the part file are reflected in the assembly file and vice-versa. VariCAD also provides tools for assembly support. Changing parameter values, you can change shapes or locations of solids. Whenever you enter a dimension of solid, a distance in constraint or dimension in 2D profile used for solid creation, you can optionally use parameter or even a mathematical expression containing parameters. Constraints can be defined among elements of a solid, among entire solids or within a 2D profile creating a solid (for instance, by extrusion). For instance, if you constrain a groove to the end of a shaft and the shaft length is changed, the groove remains in constant distance from the end edge. If other objects are changed or transformed, constrained object changes its position automatically. More exactly, you can remove degrees of freedom of constrained objects. Once defined, constraints allow you "to stick" object at defined location. Also, you can easily edit Boolean trees - either selecting solid parts from 3D, or selecting them from a list displaying structure.Īlthough you can comfortably transform solids or their parts, you can optionally define geometrical constraints.

VariCAD provides a lot of possibilities of solid transformations or their editing. Predefined operations like drilling of holes, face milling or groove milling are also available. Boolean operations have options of automatic trimming (so called selective Boolean operations). Solids can be added or subtracted, thus forming Boolean trees representing real mechanical parts. More complex tools include rotation blending between two profiles, lofting between a circle and rectangle or between different profiles, and creation of helical surfaces. Solids can be created also by profile rotation, extrusion, or lofting.

VariCAD provides a library of basic 3D shapes (like a box, cylinder, cone, etc.), which are easily modified by editing their dimensions. VariCAD provides tools for 2D updates after changes of 3D models. Models created in 3D are easily converted into conventional 2D documentation. The 3D approach is usually more intuitive than 2D drafting. Designing in 3D is generally more "natural," in that it closely represents actual parts and assemblies. You can start by creating a 3D model and then use it to automatically create drawings files, or you can draw only in 2D. All commands were created with a focus on ease of use. It has been carefully tailored and tuned to reflect the thought process of a designer, so that ideas can be captured and communicated with a minimal number of steps. VariCAD's Graphical User Interface (GUI) has been designed to allow quick and intuitive 3D/2D orientation.

VariCAD delivers an excellent performance-to-price ratio, making it one of the smartest choices on the market today.
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The software is sold as one "fully loaded" package, with all features and functions, for one very affordable price. The comprehensive CAD software enables designers to quickly create, evaluate, and modify their models. VariCAD is 3D / 2D CAD software primarily intended for mechanical engineering design.
