What does 'parametric' refer with regards to 3D modeling software?

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If you are a candidate for a design role, then this question may be asked to gauge your familiarity with different types of Computer Aided Design (CAD) software. Parametric modeling is a popular type of modeling within the engineering world, and it describes software that defines geometry with a series of relationships (or parameters). It is similar to drawing shapes in Microsoft Powerpoint in that they can be changed at any point in the process, whereas direct modeling is more like drawing in Microsoft Paint. Once you lay down a layer, it is fixed and can only be erased or drawn over. Direct modeling is often more simple and intuitive in the earlier phases of design, but it can be more time consuming to modify as the design progresses.

"Parametric refers to a type of approach within 3D modeling or Computer Aided Design (CAD) software. The parameters refer to the relationships that define the geometry in the software, which can be changed as the design progresses through different iterations. An example of this type of software would be SolidWorks. Another approach would be direct modeling, which involves drawing or dimensioning a shape directly without the use of constraints. An example of this would be Google Sketchup. These methods can be used in parallel as well, such as software like PTC's Creo which is capable of both."

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How to Answer: What does 'parametric' refer with regards to 3D modeling software?

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6. What does 'parametric' refer with regards to 3D modeling software?

How to Answer

If you are a candidate for a design role, then this question may be asked to gauge your familiarity with different types of Computer Aided Design (CAD) software. Parametric modeling is a popular type of modeling within the engineering world, and it describes software that defines geometry with a series of relationships (or parameters). It is similar to drawing shapes in Microsoft Powerpoint in that they can be changed at any point in the process, whereas direct modeling is more like drawing in Microsoft Paint. Once you lay down a layer, it is fixed and can only be erased or drawn over. Direct modeling is often more simple and intuitive in the earlier phases of design, but it can be more time consuming to modify as the design progresses.

Written by Jason Toby on October 12th, 2020

Answer Example

"Parametric refers to a type of approach within 3D modeling or Computer Aided Design (CAD) software. The parameters refer to the relationships that define the geometry in the software, which can be changed as the design progresses through different iterations. An example of this type of software would be SolidWorks. Another approach would be direct modeling, which involves drawing or dimensioning a shape directly without the use of constraints. An example of this would be Google Sketchup. These methods can be used in parallel as well, such as software like PTC's Creo which is capable of both."

Written by Jason Toby on October 12th, 2020

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