Imagine Shape (IMA): a revolution in surface style design.
CATIA - Imagine Shape (IMA) has truly been designed to introduce "emotion engineering" into V5: so ideas spring into life instantly and easily for everyone. With Imagine Shape, moving from an idea to a 3D representation becomes child's play.
- IMA introduces many innovative concepts, and enables design of visually daring surfaces and shapes. Its many applications vary from rapid prototyping to simulation as well as shaping of new design ideas.
- Its user interface is very straightforward, making it easy for a non-specialist to use it for surface design.
The technology behind Imagine Shape:
Image Shape is based on a powerful and efficient technology, called surface subdivision. Surface subdivision technology uses a mesh representation. The user can control each point in the mesh. Each change to the mesh results in change to the shape of the associated surface. The idea is to control the shape using a meshing that envelops it. Starting with a sphere or other basic form, the shape is used like digital modelling clay so as to change it to the shape desired, having the surfaces and curves required. Using this technique, any idea can be modelled in just a few minutes, with a high level of control. Compared to the older, traditional approach, where much expertise was required to produce models, this is a revolutionary step forward. This product makes CAD modelling accessible to everyone. The speed at which designs can be created makes it a formidable tool. With its emphasis on creativity and aesthetics, users can act as true "emotion artists".
The surfaces created are exact, can be open or closed, and the connections between the surfaces thereby obtained have G2 continuity. Needless to say, the surfaces created can all be used in other CATIA V5 modules.
IMA allows designers to imagine and create variations in a few seconds, without having to be overly concerned about the quality or continuity of surfaces
In CATIA V5, IMA is integrated with GSD (Generative Shape Design), Part Design and Functional Modelling.
As part of a manufacturing process, an object produced using IMA can be directly used in early style design, such as designing mechanical parts, moulds, etc. These processes can therefore start very early in the design phase, as soon as initial ideas have been completed, which provides maximum optimisation of delivery times. This of course allows Imagine Shape to be used thereafter to change an object's shape, in order to reflect changes to Style or mechanical constraints. The complete integration means that mechanical or mould design will of course be updated automatically.
