CAD surface quality results from the algorithmic properties of the CAD systems used, from the design history and from conversion processes via interfaces. CAD data with qualitative deficiencies often has to be imported and further processed in order to manufacture molds and dies. In addition to curvature, the most important evaluation criteria for CAD free-form surfaces include gaps and overlaps between the individual surfaces, polynomial degree and the number of surface segments as well as the layout of the surfaces in the overall topology. CAD surface quality can be improved in Tebis with little time and effort, which allows for better processing of the CAD data in design and manufacturing and its transfer to other CAD systems. This is realized with both automatic and manual optimization of the surfaces and results in quality up to class A.
The quality analysis shows the location of problem areas in the part at a glance. This allows examination of curves, surfaces and composite surfaces (topologies).
Automatic surface optimization in Tebis reduces the number of surface patches completely automatically. It also detects gaps and overlaps between individual surfaces and corrects these completely automatically to form a watertight surface model. It detects areas with high risk points in the surface layout, including kinks, trimmed surfaces with excessively large base surfaces, micro-segmented curves and surfaces. These CAD models can lead to problems later in the design and manufacturing processes. Tebis also corrects these areas in CAD surfaces automatically, which improves CAD surface quality. The result can be seen in a preview before actual execution.
Tebis has functions for surface design pros for handling base surfaces and N-corner surfaces, removing triangle surfaces, creating logical surface structures and much more.
Experienced surface designers can use the functions for converting curves and base surfaces to Class A in order to quickly create surfaces with reflections in harmony with all adjacent surfaces. The optimized surfaces always remain within the range of an adjustable distance tolerance from the original surfaces. The optimization of the surface models works independent of the origin of the surface data.
For a model of medium complexity, developing high-quality CAD design surfaces for the outer skin of a vehicle now takes roughly 50 hours. (Previously, it took about twice the time.)