Instant 3D vs Move/Size Features

I wanted to put the myths to rest for good. This is a head-to-head comparison between the new-to-2008 Instant3D and the tool called Move/Size Features which is very similar and has existed in obscurity since say SW99 or so up until SW07. If you don’t agree with my point of view, the burden is now on you to demonstrate functionality rather than simply ranting “oh, Instant3D is soooo much better”.   

Move/Size Features is on the left, and Instant3D is on the right. Originally (SW95) SW allowed users to drag features all over the place by default. Users would fling features off of the part just by trying to box select something, so SW eventually disabled this, and then after some time made a setting that was turned off by default, called Move/Size Features. This setting existed until it was replaced in SW08 with Instant3D, which adds some functionality, removes some functionality, and looks like something completely new, but it really isn’t anything (or much) new. Also, Instant3D is again turned on by default. SolidWorks doesn’t seem to have learned much from history.

Let’s start comparing the functions with a simple rectangular extrude, centered on the origin, and underdefined.

   

Here M/S F and I3D look completely different, but the functionality is similar. Each allows you to drag a handle to change the depth of the extrusion, and each allows you to drag the size of the block. I3D requires you to drag arrows attached to the faces, while M/S F allows you to drag the sketch underlying the feature. Frankly, dragging the sketch is a lot better because you can drag a corner, and resize both directions at the same time, which you cannot do with I3D.

Score: +1 for M/S F

Unfortunately, SW has introduced a regression bug into M/S F so that it often has to be rebuilt (Ctrl-B) after dragging. This has not always been the case. I used SW07sp4.0 and SW08sp2.0 for this test. I don’t know when the regression first showed up.

Both M/S F and I3D show a transparent preview for a feature while editing its sketch:

  

The next comparison is how each deals with features. Make a hex boss in the top of the parts.

  

Ok, this one is a little different. Both functions allow you to drag features around the part, including to other faces. Both functions enable you to resize the feature in question. I3D has a cool advantage in that it allows you to drag the depth of a cut outside of the part in order to make a boss. I have to admit, this is cool. However, to do this, it seems that SolidWorks has given up 2 significant pieces of functionality. M/S F has the ability to rotate features using the curved arrows, and when you have I3D turned on, you do not have the ability to use Ctrl-Drag to copy a feature within the graphics window. That’s a big cost.

Score: +2 M/S F, +1 I3D

Here’s one of my favorites:

You can use I3D to drag the size of fillets. It is a bit odd, because you can’t do this while creating the fillet, only after the fillet has been created. So its goofy, but its still cool.

 

You can also select a sketch and just pull it to make a boss or a cut. Of course you can’t do this from inside the sketch, you have to be outside the sketch. They seem to be sure to hobble every improvement with a workflow faux pas.

Score: +2 I3D

****

I’ll add Live Section to the list of stuff that I3D does, even though I think this is more demo-ware than one that users will use. It essentially allows you to make Instant3D type changes when you are in section mode. Conceptually, its a great idea. I suppose if I did a lot of cast brackets this would be useful. The functionality looks great, and is very attractive, but I’m having some difficulty thinking of times when I would use it. The Help tries to pair this with the 3D clipart stuff, but that is pure demo-ware. The most important thing to know about “disection” is how to turn it off.