3D Sculptor for Subdivision Modelling

TriMech’s Enterprise Solutions Team brings together experts from Adaptive, Forward Vision, Design Rule, Desktop Engineering, and Majenta Solutions Dassault Systèmes Division to form an elite solutions team.

The team's core function is to use their wealth of experience to deliver enterprise solutions from the Dassault Systèmes portfolio of products and solutions, including CATIA, DELMIA, ENOVIA, SIMULIA and the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform.

Explore the TriMech Enterpise site to find the full portfolio and more information on our offerings.

Intuitive online tools for organic freeform modelling

The 3D Sculptor role is a browser-based, 3D subdivision modelling solution that enables industrial designers, engineers, and artists to create organic forms faster and more easily than traditional parametric tools.

Built on the cloud-based 3DEXPERIENCE platform from Dassault Systèmes, 3D Sculptor lets you create organic shapes with simple push-pull tools. These files can be imported into SOLIDWORKS for full integration into parts, assemblies, and technical drawings.

3D Sculptor is included with 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Professional and Premium packages but is also available as a standalone purchase.

What is Subdivision Modelling?

Often likened to clay modelling, subdivision modelling consists of modifying solid model surfaces by pushing, pulling, scaling, rotating, and shaping the body with features.

Subdividing is the act of dividing surface areas into smaller, more detailed regions. Surfaces are broken into faces by intersecting ‘edge loops’ which follow the surface shape, and individual faces, edges, and vertices can all be selected and manipulated to create this freeform geometry.

Subdivision modelling allows for a more fluid design approach, with the ability to accurately replicate organic shapes or ergonomic designs faster than traditional parametric methods.

Can SOLIDWORKS do Subdivision Modelling?

Traditionally, SOLIDWORKS has not had the ability to natively create subdivision models.

However, with the introduction of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, the 3D Sculptor role enables designers, engineers and digital artists to create highly stylized, organic, and ergonomically shaped products. These models can be easily imported into traditional Desktop SOLIDWORKS or 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS when connected to your 3DXEXPERIENCE platform.

SOLIDWORKS does not have the toolset to natively control subdivision parameters. Files created in the xShape app are treated as solid bodies that can be referenced and modified with additional features in SOLIDWORKS.

Edits to the subdivision model must be made in the browser-based xShape app, and the changes can be synchronised to the model used in SOLIDWORKS.

How much does 3D Sculptor cost?

The 3D Sculptor role is a supplement to your design process, so to get the most accurate price for your needs, get in touch with our team via 01926 333 777 or by filling out the form below.

Organic geometry of a chair being modelled with subdivision push & pull methods.

Push-pull Modelling

Modify shapes and create complex forms quickly by pushing & pulling geometry with powerful tools.

Orthographic sketches laid out in xShape at the beginning phase of modelling.

Sketch Guides

Import images and sketches to use as guides to create accurate and detailed ergonomic forms.

Image of SOLIDWORKS containing handle modelled with 3D Sculptor role.

SOLIDWORKS Compatibility

Switch between SOLIDWORKS and online subdivision modelling for the ultimate design experience.

Surface geometry being created at the base of a vacuum cleaner in xShape.

Surfaces to NURBS Conversion

Automatically converts subdivision surfaces to NURBS (Non-uniform rotational b-spline) geometry.

Image of completed bright green leafblower at end of development phase.

Flexible Development Cycle

Modify your products and iterate designs throughout the development cycle using referenced geometry.

Completed ergonomic leather chair modelled in xShape.

Integrated Lifecycle Management

Manage revisions and control file access through the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and complete PLM/PDM.

Key Features of 3D Sculptor

Phase 1 of modelling with primitives in browser based subdivision modelling software xShape.

Sub-D Modelling in the Cloud

3D Sculptor includes the xShape app, a 3D Sub-D modelling application that features:

Push and pull geometry with ease and utilise precision control to aid innovation and iteration.
Intuitive tools enable rapid modelling of complex surfaces and freeform, organic shapes.
Accelerate design of stylized and ergonomic products faster than traditional parametric tools.

Image of handle being rotated with active subdivision elements.

Direct Data Interchange

3D Sculptor features direct imports and exports so users can easily bring their designs into SOLIDWORKS and other 3DEXPERIENCE Works solutions.

Easily switch between 3D Sculptor, SOLIDWORKS, and other solutions like 3D Creator.
Fully referenced files automatically update between software applications when modified.
Utilise different modelling toolsets to enhance products for optimum user experience.

Collaborative Tools

Built-in revision management allows you to focus on design, not on managing data. Connect with key stakeholders with communication tools that enable users to:

Change the shape of a product any time without requiring complete remodelling.
Enhance collaboration through simple and straightforward markup tools.
Avoid data translation or clean up with automatic downstream preparation.

Final phase of saw handle modelled in the xShape app laid out on an engineering drawing.

Connect to SOLIDWORKS Desktop

Connect your traditional desktop experience with SOLIDWORKS to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

Easily access models created with 3D Sculptor directly inside SOLIDWORKS via the task pane.
Combine subdivision modelling with the power of SOLIDWORKS to design efficiently.
Streamline workflows with the collaborative nature of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS different to Desktop SOLIDWORKS?

3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS differs to Desktop SOLIDWORKS in 4 key areas:

Licensing

3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS is locally installed on your machine, but licensed through the Cloud and launched via the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. This means you need an internet connection to use the software (unless you enable offline mode for up to 30 consecutive days!).

With named-user licensing, users can log in and access design apps and data to design from anywhere, no matter what device they are using, including tablets and mobiles.

3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS is leased quarterly or annually, meaning there is no perpetual purchase option. Unlike desktop SOLIDWORKS, serial numbers are no longer required to activate the product.

Upgrades

As a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model, 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS updates automatically, so there’s no longer any need to schedule downtime for upgrades.

3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS is always on the latest version, so you gain access to new tools immediately and it ensures there is no version mismatch between collaborators.

Browser-based CAD

Design from any browser with the 3D Creator role. Work on your SOLIDWORKS models or inspect and mark up designs from your mobile!

3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Professional adds the powerful sub-division modelling 3D Sculptor role. Intuitive ‘clay modelling’ tools are easy to use to help you sculpt organic shapes easily.

User Interface

3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS introduces some new tools and removes some outmoded features from the desktop installation of SOLIDWORKS, so you might notice some slight tweaks to the system options and general interface.

On the whole, though, there are no major changes to the interface. In fact, the interfaces of desktop SOLIDWORKS and 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS are almost identical, and new capabilities like lifecycle and data management are integrated directly into the Command Manager for maximum convenience.

Is 3D Sculptor included with SOLIDWORKS?

The 3D Sculptor role is available as a standalone purchase and is included within 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Professional and Premium packages.

3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Professional contains everything within the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Standard package plus:

Browser-based sub-division modelling with the 3D Sculptor Role.
Additional design validation tools including Design Checker, TolAnalyst, and Costing.
SOLIDWORKS Visualize Connected for photorealistic static and animated product renders.

3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Premium includes everything in the 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Professional package plus:

Advanced surfacing
Pipe, tube, electrical cable, wire, and section routing
Kinematics & FEA analysis

Each version of 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS is modular, so additional roles can be integrated for extra functionality as you require them.

Do I have to have SOLIDWORKS to use 3D Sculptor?

The 3D Sculptor role is available as a standalone purchase.

As a supplementary tool in your design workflow, the 3D Sculptor role is often paired with SOLIDWORKS to create organic and ergonomic models.

Users of the role must have an activated account on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

How do I activate 3D Sculptor?

The 3D Sculptor role will be available to you after activating the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and being assigned the role by your platform Administrator.

Learn how to activate your 3DEXPERIENCE platform account and get started with our free walkthroughs.

What’s the difference between 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS, SOLIDWORKS Connector, Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS, SOLIDWORKS Connected and desktop SOLIDWORKS?

There are lots of terms that float around regarding SOLIDWORKS and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. To clear things up:

3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS and SOLIDWORKS Connected are one and the same. This design solution is managed, installed, and accessed entirely through the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

The SOLIDWORKS Connector is the convenient name of an application called Design with SOLIDWORKS within the Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS role. This role pairs a traditional installation of desktop SOLIDWORKS with the Design with SOLIDWORKS application to connect to other applications on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

Desktop SOLIDWORKS is distinct from the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. However, it can be connected to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform via the SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services.

We know that’s a lot of similar terms – so that’s why we’re here to help.

In partnership with fellow TriMech Group members TriMech and Javelin, Solid Solutions has created a dedicated resource of comprehensive information, tutorials, and guidance for using and understanding what the 3DEXPERIENCE platform has to offer.

Learn more about roles and applications, and which are best suited to help your business grow, over on our dedicated website, or Contact Us to speak with our expert consultants.

Get a Price for 3D Sculptor

Our expert consultants will help you choose the right software for your business and help you get started using 3D Sculptor.

Please fill in the form below to enquire about 3D Sculptor today and one of our consultants will be in touch to assist you. Alternatively, give us a call on 01 297 4440 or email sales@solidsolutions.ie

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3D SCULPTOR

Browser-based Subdivision Modelling

Key Features of 3D Sculptor