Comparative analysis of surface modeling in computer-aided design systems

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the surface modeling capabilities of two leading contemporary computeraided design (CAD) software packages: KOMPAS-3D and SOLIDWORKS. The research focuses on evaluating their efficiency in creating complex components using surface modeling tools. As a test case, a geometrically intricate component – the VM-sinus mandrel for mold sleeves with a 125×125 mm cross-section – was selected. These copper sleeves play a crucial role in the primary cooling of molten metal within the crystallizer, ensuring the formation of a precisely shaped ingot. Given these functional demands, the mandrel requires exceptional accuracy and geometric precision. Due to the complexity of its structure, surface modeling (SM) tools represent the most practical and efficient approach to its digital design. In this study, various surface modeling tools available in both software systems were assessed, with the most suitable and functionally comparable tools selected for direct comparison. The 3D model was successfully created in both CAD environments, allowing for an objective assessment of interface usability and computational performance under identical conditions. The findings reveal several key insights: SOLIDWORKS demonstrated a simpler and faster approach to model creation, the user interface of SOLIDWORKS was more streamlined and intuitive, offering a superior user experience compared to KOMPAS-3D, in terms of computational performance and stability, both software packages exhibited equally high efficiency when handling surface modeling tasks.