SpaceClaim

Modeling technology

SpaceClaim's 3D direct modeling technology is primarily expressed through its user interface in four tools: pull, move, fill, and combine:

• Pull contains most creation features found in traditional CAD systems, determining its behavior through users’ selection and though the use of secondary tool guides. For example, using the Pull tool on a face by default offsets the face, but using the Pull tool on an edge rounds the edge.
• Move repositions components and geometry, and can also be used to create patterns (often called arrays).
• Fill primarily removes geometry from a part by extending geometry to fill in the surrounding area. Popular uses include deleting rounds and holes from a model. SpaceClaim Engineer also includes more specialized tools for model preparation.
• Combine performs boolean and splitting operations, such as merging parts and subtracting parts from each other.

These functions were developed in the modelling kernel ACIS licensed to SpaceClaim by Dassault Systèmes.

History

In September 2005, Mike Payne, Danny Dean, David Taylor, and Blake Courter founded SpaceClaim Corporation. Mike Payne was previously a founder of PTC and SolidWorks, CTO of Dassault Systèmes, and COO of Spatial. On April 1, 2007, SpaceClaim released SpaceClaim 2007 Professional, its first commercial release.

On September 30, 2008, Chris Randles become CEO and Mike Payne become chairman of the board.

On July 21, 2009, SpaceClaim announced support for multi-touch hardware.

On April 29, 2014, technical software company ANSYS (NASDAQ: ANSS) acquired SpaceClaim for $85 million in cash, plus considerations. http://gfxspeak.com/2014/05/01/acquires-spaceclaim-million/. ANSYS is specialized in developing software for product development simulation and analysis, and has sold a version of SpaceClaim (named ANSYS SpaceClaim Direct Modeler) as an option for its CAE software since 2009.

Release history

References

References

1. Wade Roush, [http://www.xconomy.com/boston/2010/04/13/spaceclaim-captures-5-million-series-d-funding-to-democratize-3d-modeling SpaceClaim Captures $5 Million Series D Funding to “Democratize” 3D Modeling], Xconomy Boston, May 13, 2010, sourced on January 9, 2011
2. link. (2014-05-02)
3. David Mantey, [http://www.pddnet.com/news-ansys-spaceclaim-3d-direct-modeling-090909 ANSYS & SpaceClaim Streamline Engineering Design & Simulation Product Development] {{Webarchive. link. (2011-10-06 , Product Design & Development, September 09, 2009, "ANSYS and SpaceClaim entered a licensing and distribution agreement this morning to offer SpaceClaim 3D Direct Modeling as an option within the ANSYS Simulation Driven Product," sourced on January 11, 2011)
4. Larry Boulden, [http://www.designworldonline.com/articles/4770/245/Manageable-Modeling-for-Waterjet-Machining.aspx Manageable Modeling for Waterjet Machining] {{Webarchive. link. (2011-01-10 , Design World Online, October 07, 2009, "FlowMaster now includes SpaceClaim Engineer and Style software packages," sourced on January 11, 2011)
5. "SpaceClaim Frequently Asked Questions". SpaceClaim Corporation.
6. DEVELOP3D. (2011-04-13). "The Chris Randles interview".
7. link. (2010-05-25 , USA Today, November 12, 2009, "SpaceClaim is about to bring out sophisticated 3D modeling software for engineers that exploits multitouch," sourced on January 13, 2011.)
8. Stephen H. Wildstrom, [https://web.archive.org/web/20091031150656/http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/09_45/b4154000369932.htm Multitouch Moves to the Big Screen: PCs], Business Week, October 28, 2009, "SpaceClaim Engineer, a high-end design program, will allow 3D rotation of a model by touching one finger to the point you want to use as a pivot and rotating the drawing with a second finger," sourced on January 13, 2011