Computer-aided styling

Computer Aided Styling (CAS) (German: Computer-aided design) refers to the virtual development process in design. Objects are modeled on the basis of sketches (renderings), oral statements or tactile data (point cloud) in a 3D software. The CAS process is increasingly replacing the classic form of identification with Clay (Industrieplastilin) or model (eg, foam, Ureol) filler. Although the CAS process offers many advantages, such as modeling) to design data (package, variety, going back to older versions and cost modeling, however, the assessment of the design on the screen is made more difficult than the classic model. This is because of the artificial (virtual) lighting, the reduction or increased a computer monitor, the most unusual viewing angle and the two-dimensionality on the screen. Some of these disadvantages by more complex visualizations of digital projectors, large plasma screens or even three-dimensional balanced (eg CAVE). These funds are available only in costly projects. If we represent the data is physically (eg STL, 3D-print or CNC milling machines), loses it, a proportion of the cost advantage.

The largest application of CAS can be found in the automotive industry and aerospace industry. In the early design stages Polygonmodellierer such as Autodesk Maya (software), or Cinema 4D are used. This Modelliermethode allows quick design changes, and many variants in a very short time. The surface quality is determined by the faceting but not very high. Nevertheless, the data for the first Hartmodelle (stereolithography) or be used as a base for a clay model. This is calculated from the polygon model of a CNC program and were cut out of the clay.

In later design phases are NURBS modeler like Autodesk Alias Studio (see also alias (companies)), ICEM Surf, or Rhinoceros used. Rhinoceros is found due to the relatively low purchase price, again mostly in industrial design offices and small businesses. ICEM Surf is widely used in the automotive industry and is focusing his attention on the strong Strak.

The resulting geometry can be, depending on the quality of the design used for preliminary studies and concept development to production design. Using special visualization software such as RTT DeltaGen CAS models are generated from static renderings, animations and movies. These visualizations are used by the corporate communications to advertising presence and allow the shortening of product cycles, by the early onset of marketing. Real-time visualization is mainly used for design decision, as well as for interactive applications like games and product configurators.