Solid Edge

Ordered

The ordered modeling process begins with a base feature controlled by a 2D sketch, which is either a linear, revolved, lofted, or swept extrusion. Each subsequent feature is built on the previous feature. When editing, the model is "rolled back" to the point where the feature was created so that the user cannot try to apply constraints to geometry that does not yet exist. The drawback is that the user does not see how the edit will interact with subsequent features. This is typically called history or regeneration based modeling. In both ordered and synchronous mode, Solid Edge offers powerful, easy, yet stable modeling in hybrid surface/solid mode, where Rapid Blue technology helps to create complex shapes intuitively and easily.

Direct

The Direct modeling features allows changing model geometry and topology without being hindered by a native model's existing, or an imported model's lack of, parametric or history data. This is very useful for working with imported models or complex native models. Direct modeling features are available in both Ordered and Synchronous mode. If used in Ordered mode, direct modeling edits are appended to the history tree at the point of current rollback, just like any other ordered feature.

Synchronous

The software combines direct modeling with dimension driven design (features and synchronously solving parametrics) under the name "Synchronous Technology".^[4] Parametric relationships can be applied directly to the solid features without having to depend on 2D sketch geometry, and common parametric relationships are applied automatically.

Unlike other direct modeling systems, it is not driven by the typical history-based modeling system, instead providing parametric dimension-driven modeling by synchronizing geometry, parameters and rules using a decision-making engine, allowing users to apply unpredicted changes. This object-driven editing model is known as the Object Action Interface, which emphasizes a User Interface that provides Direct Manipulation of objects (DMUI). ST2 added support for sheet metal designing, and also recognizing bends, folds and other features of imported sheet metal parts.

Synchronous Technology has been integrated into Solid Edge and another Siemens commercial CAD software, NX, as an application layer built on the D-Cubed and Parasolid software components.

Convergent Modeling

With Solid Edge ST10, Siemens introduced Convergent Modeling which adds the ability to work with polygon mesh data alongside more traditional solid and surface modelling techniques.

Assembly

An assembly is built from individual part documents connected by mating constraints, as well as assembly features and directed parts like frames which only exist in the Assembly context. Solid Edge supports large assemblies with over 1,000,000 parts.