3D modeling is, along with 3D scanning, the most used method to obtain an STL for your 3D print. In industrial sectors, designers are using CAD design to prototype, iterate and obtain manufacturable parts. Parametric modeling allows the creation of complex geometries for 3D printing with high precision and possibilities of modification in the design process.
Types of design processes
CAD design is the most common way to obtain a 3D file for 3D printing but there are many ways to design an object in a CAD software before 3D printing it.
Parametric modeling
The most used by professional designers and industrials is parametric modelling. The principle is to define parameters on the components of your sketch and the different features. The components will then be parametrically driven and easily modified thanks to the tree history. More, you can mathematically define relationship for parameters that allows modifying the design of your object by changing a few values.
Direct modeling
This technique is more natural and “on-the-fly” than parametric modeling. The direct modeling (or Explicit modeling) technique focuses on the model geometry to create the object that can be easily shared, modified and iterated.
Surface modeling
Based on a Nurbs system, surface modeling is a technique that allows free geometry and more natural shapes from curves. It is perfectly fitted for organic bodies or smooth shapes like car bodies, turbine blades.
If you want to learn more about the different software and tutorials about CAD modeling, refer to this page.
How to save time with parameters
The first thing to consider before starting with a parametrically driven CAD model, is how and where the parameters will be used.
Parametric design is based on the sketches of your model. These sketches contain dimensions, constraints and relationship between the elements of your drawing. The advantage of setting the parameters early in the design process is that you can then go back to your sketches to automatically modify the features of your final design.
This makes this modeling technique particularly fitted for manufacturing technique and especially 3D printing as you can iterate your model faster.
Parametrically Driven Cube
Parametric design can also be used to give parameters to features you want to control. For example, at Sculpteo, we designed a grid-shaped square.
Source: Parametric design: How to save time on 3D modeling (sculpteo.com)