Parametric CAD automation
CAD automation can be realised through the use of parametric design. CAD automation can free engineers from repetitive design tasks, improve product quality and avoid errors. It also saves time and thus development costs, while increasing productivity.
Automation is particularly suitable for products that differ only in a few features, such as size and colour. Based on the CAD automation, an online product configurator can be set up, which can be integrated into your own online shop. Drawings/documentation (2D) associated with the product (3D) can be generated automatically by CAD automation. CAD automation will continue to gain importance with the development of Industry 4.0, as it represents a basis for mass individualised production.
A drawing of a chair on a screen with dimensions.© Technology photo created by rawpixel.com - www.freepik.com
Example
In most cases, the dimensions in CAD constructions are fixed. For example, a bed has dimensions of 100 by 200 centimetres and a single slatted frame is used in the bed assembly. If the width of the bed now changes to 200 by 200 centimetres, the slatted frame will simply scale with the change in width (if the components have a dependency), or it will retain the previous dimensions (no component dependencies). However, this may be undesirable for various reasons. It would be much better if two slatted frames with a 100 centimetre width were then automatically used in the construction. This can be realised through a parametric construction. Of course, this only makes sense if many variants of a product have to be generated.
If you do not yet have a parametric design for your product, this can also be generated from existing 3D models.
Applications
There are already many software products available that enable parametric design, some of which are even available free of charge.
Blender 3.0
The open source software "Blender" can be used for a variety of applications, including parametric design. With so-called "geometry nodes", designers and constructors can create geometries that can be easily adapted by changing parameters without having to manually adapt the 3D model in tedious detail work
To the geometry node documentation
Grasshopper (Rhinoceros 3D)
Drag-and-drop programming of the visual appearance of a 3D model. Particularly suitable for artistic products and freeform surfaces, as well as honeycomb structures.
Design automation through DriveWorks
Direct integration in Solidworks possible
https://www.driveworks.co.uk/
Lino 3D Online Configurator
Product configuration with parametric 3D visualisation on the web!
Try it yourself!