Virtual Reality CAD Modeling - What are its strengths and how can it be used effectively?
Channel: Matthew Hines
Date: 2020-11-24

tldr;

Virtual Reality has unique capabilities that greatly extend, but not necessarily immediately replace, non-VR CAD modeling programs.

For this project, the 3D printer parts and assembly were originally created in FreeCAD.
https://github.com/mirage335/TazIntermediate
https://github.com/mirage335/TazIntermediate/tree/master/_doc/VR

01:28
GravitySketch

02:17-02:39
GravitySketch - Brief demo of unique VR capability.

07:06
MakeVR

09:23-12:15
MakeVR - Demo of precise assembly/snap capability.

12:40
VR Headset Choice - How Resolution, FOV, etc, affects CAD modeling. Specifically regarding Pimax Vision 8kX vs other headsets.

19:00
A word about SteamVR... (bad) 

00:07-01:28
Virtual Reality CAD Modeling. What are its strengths and how can it be used effectively?

Traditional 2D CAD modeling programs already are fairly effective at allowing a user to draw a 2D sketch, extrude that into a 3D part like a piece of wood, and then to assemble multiple parts together into an object like a tabletop.

Where Virtual Reality excels is in building on this kind of capability, to allowing drawing lines freely in 3D space, or allowing assemblies to be created very quickly with or without constraints. Both of these capabilities are extremely valuable for conceptual modeling where speed and mental working memory are absolutely a high priority. Or for creating documentation to demonstrate the correct order of operations to assemble a complex machine, to demonstrate how to route wires so they won't be pinched or worn out or cut on moving machinery. 

Virtual Reality CAD modeling really has its strength when you need to work with 3D things in 3D space. 


errata
* VR headset refresh rate of 60Hz would be workable for CAD modeling. GPU refresh rate is more important in this regard, as 30Hz, or with 'Smart Smoothing' active, the experience would be less tolerable.
* A statement about MakeVR snap behavior may be imprecise. To be clear, MakeVR may support other snap positions. Implying otherwise was not intended.
* SteamVR is also unhelpful because it may need to be restarted entirely for important resolution/performance settings to take effect.
* YouTube seems to have degraded my video quality. Also, no video footage can adequately portray the steroscopic, huge, true-scale, high-resolution, appearance in VR.