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Alongside the core ICEM Shape Design Centre platform, there are also a range of add-ons that extend the use of the ICEM developed tools further. As you’d expect these are driven by the automotive styling workflow and that focus on purpose is evident. Firstly, the ICEM Shape Design Theme module covers the sketch-based design workflow, where 2D concepts are used as the basis for 3D modelling and product definition. It provides you with a range of tools that allow you to take that 2D data and use it to create a mock-up.
Secondly, there is a whole host of modules to support the physical mock-up workflow still prevalent in the auto-industry. These allow you to take a physical model and capture its form, work with point cloud and mesh data, and then take it through to the sectioning or surfacing workflow. ICEM Shape Design Scan handles the inevitable import, filtering, trimming, tessellation and character line definition of digitised data with the analysis and inspection tools you require. Where Scan finishes off, the Quick Surfacer module picks up and allows you to use the captured data to reconstructs surfaces using a variety of methods, ranging from free form fitting of surfaces to the use of more explicit methods, such as the creation of mechanical shapes and primitives (planes, cylinders, spheres, cones).
Sitting between these two workflows is the ICEM Shape Design Form module. Essentially, this allows you to use predominantly polygonal modelling tools to create, edit, or enhance a shape from a concept or an existing physical model. Whereas many studios use clay models to conduct this type of work, the idea here is to allow the same work to be done using digital tools, with all the inherent benefits in terms of editability, data reuse and such. In terms of rendering, there are two options available. The first is the ICEM Shape Design Renderer (ISD Renderer) application that follows the traditional rendering process, using a ray-tracing engine. This allows you to create ultra-realistic images (both static and animated) with all the cutting-edge bells and whistles you’d expect, such as soft shadows, accurate reflections and refractions of light.
Meanwhile, the ICEM Shape Design Real Time Renderer module takes this further and allows the designer to do much the same but in a much more interactive manner. This module takes advantage of all of today’s graphics card technology, and allows you to dynamically create and manipulate materials, lights and environments and immediately view the result of design changes and evaluation of variants.
In terms of product configuration, you can use the ICEM Shape Design tools, either as a part of your existing Catia installation or as a standalone product – both work and integrate with any existing licensing you have. In term of modules and their packaging, there are three basic configurations.
The CE3 configuration is made up of ICEM Shape Design Centre and Real Time (SRT) rendering. It offers base level surfacing capabilities and the Real Time Rendering tools for customers wishing to focus on creating complex surface models and real time visualisation. The RE3 config includes ICEM Shape Design Centre, Scan(SDS), Quick Surfacing (SDQ)and Form (SDF). Essentially, this offer the base surfacing tools plus those reverse engineering add-ons required for those wishing to focus on the creation of complex surface models from raw point data, captured from physical models. Finally, the EX3 bundle is again built on the ICEM Shape Design Centre product but adds the Expert module, which brings the full suite of surfacing capabilities including Global Modelling capabilities within the Expert product to those looking to purely concentrate of the development of very high quality surfaces.