Originally recorded on February 24, 2011, some of the mechanical CAD industry's most knowledgeable (and opinionated) voices assembled to debate one of today's existential technology questions: When, why and how do you use direct and/or parametric modeling to best support your business? And, is there too much emphasis on the tools and not enough on the resulting design, i.e., is it difficult and expensive to manufacture, service, repair, use, transport and recycle or reuse?

Moderated by Cadalyst contributing editor and CAD guru Bill Fane, an all-star panel began to cut through the marketing hype to deliver some practical, expert insight about these two very different approaches to 3D modeling. Attendees posed their own questions to the panel throughout the discussion. The panel includes avid users and proponents as well as creators of the technologies:

• Mike Payne, co-founder of SpaceClaim, SolidWorks and PTC
• Ben Eadie, Blogger and SolidWorks Instructor, UsingSolidWorks.com
• Carl White, director, digital design product management, Autodesk
• John McCullough, vice president, product management, Kubotek
• John Bukoswki, vice president, product management, PTC
• Dan Staples, director of Solid Edge product development, Siemens PLM Software

On the Edge with Cadalyst, a recurring series of discussions focused on the technological and business issues of manufacturing IT, is rapidly emerging as the industry's forum-of-record.

We hope you enjoy the replay. Both audio and video files available. >