Cobalt (CAD program)

Cobalt is a parametric-based computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D modeling program that runs on both Macintosh and Microsoft Windows operating systems. The program combines the direct-modeling way to create and edit objects (exemplified by programs such as SpaceClaim) and the highly structured, history-driven parametric way exemplified by programs like Pro/ENGINEER. A product of Ashlar-Vellum, Cobalt is Wireframe-based and history-driven with associativity and 2D equation-driven parametrics and constraints. It offers surfacing tools, mold design tools, detailing, and engineering features. Cobalt includes a library of 149,000 mechanical parts.
Cobalt's interface, which the company named the "Vellum interface" after its eponymous flagship product, was designed in 1988 by Dr. Martin Newell (who created the Utah teapot in 1975 and went on to work at Xerox PARC, where the WIMP paradigm for graphical user interfaces was invented) and Dan Fitzpatrick. The central feature of the Vellum interface is its "Drafting Assistant," which facilitates the creation and alignment of the new geometry.
Cobalt has received praise for its free-form surfaces on solid modeled objects.
The distinguishing characteristics of Cobalt are its ease of use and the quick learning curve for new users. Cobalt inherited its 2D and 3D wire frame features from "Vellum." However, with Cobalt, wire frame geometry—which does not have to be planar—can be subsequently revolved or extruded relative to any plane or along a curved path to create 3D solids. Cobalt also allows 3D objects to be created directly using 3D tools while still retaining the designer's ability to edit those objects via history-driven parametrics and later to add further constraints. Both types of solids—extruded 2D wire frame and directly created 3D solids—can be seamlessly mixed in the same drawing. Whereas most history-based parametric solid modelers require the designer to rigorously follow a logical progression while creating models and tend to require that the designer think ahead about the planned order of transmutations of the solid model, Cobalt has a more freeform, less structured way of solid modeling that the developer refers to as "Organic Workflow".
Cobalt's less structured modeling environment coupled with an integral ray-tracing capability makes it suitable for brainstorming and product development. The program's history-driven modeling and equation-driven parametrics and constraints permit designers to edit the dimensions and locations of key features in models without the need for major redesign—much like changing the value of a single cell in a complex spreadsheet.
Ashlar-Vellum's patented, 37-year-old "Drafting Assistant" is the central component of Ashlar's "Vellum interface".
The Drafting Assistant tracks the position of the designer's cursor and looks for nearby geometry. It then automatically displays information alongside the cursor regarding nearby geometric features to which the designer can snap. The designer can create new geometry at those snap points, or create construction lines to serve as guides. The Drafting Assistant is sensitive to the following geometric attributes:
Drafting Assistant remembers the last snaps with a weighted algorithm to intuit the designer's intentions; thus, it is easy to snap to intersections in empty 3D space.
In the animation at right, the designer first snaps to the X-, Y-, and Z-axis coordinates at the midpoint of the top edge and then snaps to the same spot on the leading edge, which has different X- and Z-axis coordinates. He moves his cursor to a point in 3D space where there are no geometric attributes to snap to. Although there may be 3D surfaces underneath the cursor, Drafting Assistant intuits the designer's intent and offers an intersection point comprising the Y- and Z-axis coordinates of the first edge and the X-axis coordinate of the nearest edge. At this location, the designer adds a circle freehand and then specifies a diameter of 200 millimeters by typing it into the box at bottom right. Last, the designer uses the "Remove profile from solid" tool to cut through the block. Here again, Drafting Assistant enables prompt definition of the depth of the cut by snapping to the back quadrant of the intersecting hole.
The Drafting Assistant also provides a "Message line" at the top. This displays instructions appropriate for the selected tool, prompts the designer with what he should do next with any given tool, and reminds the designer of optional modes for those tools.
Cobalt's parametrics and history tracking work permit the designer to edit later the diameter and location of either circle—both of which have dependencies (holes in the block)—and the model updates accordingly.
Cobalt features the following tool sets:
Cobalt is the high-end member of a four-member family of products. The other three Ashlar-Vellum offerings are "Graphite", "Argon", and "Xenon":