What is 3D Design Automation?
3D design automation allows engineers and designers to automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks within the 3D design workflow, significantly enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and innovation.
It’s typically a 3D modeling software functionality that enables you to capture and reuse engineering knowledge and intent. This helps reduce errors and minimizes the time spent on tedious modeling tasks.
This technology can be scaled from automating basic design parameters to full-scale product configurations, making it adaptable to the evolving needs of most businesses.
The role of 3D design automation
3D design automation finds its application across various stages of product development, from initial design to manufacturing. It enables the automation of creating standard product features, such as sheet metal parts and welded frames, which often include repetitive elements.
By defining parameters and setting rules, engineers can create a 3D model that serves as the basis for a custom product configurator. This extends automation beyond engineering, facilitating the capture and execution of standard processes for creating drawings, toolpaths, and other documentation.
What are the benefits of automating design processes?
Faster product design cycles
3D design automation allows for faster product design, roughly 45% faster on average, enabling companies to beat their competition to market.
Supply chain collaboration
3D design automation enhances communication with suppliers and customers, allowing for more effective internal design reviews, visualization of ‘what-if’ scenarios during the design process, and easy incorporation of late design changes.
Simulation and validation
The use of simulation tools in 3D design automation helps test and validate designs under real-world conditions, reducing costs from quality problems, errors, and ECOs (engineering change orders).
Data management and automation
3D design automation includes features like data management for organizing and managing design data, automatic Bills of Materials generation, standardization on detailing and drafting practices, and automation of the design process for increased speed and accuracy. By automating the design process, companies can allocate their engineering resources more effectively, focusing on innovation and solving complex problems rather than getting bogged down by routine tasks.
How should you implement 3D design automation?
By automating design tasks using powerful algorithms within predefined rules, companies can reduce repetitive manual work, eliminate errors, and accelerate the design phase, ultimately leading to a more efficient and cost-effective manufacturing process. Keep reading to find out more about our recommended approach to 3D design automation or reach out to us for a free consultation, today.
Recognize areas in the existing 3D design process that involve repetitive manual tasks, such as fixture design or part modifications.
Choose design automation software that aligns with the specific needs of the organization, whether it’s for managing repetitive CAD tasks, integrating metadata for customization, or improving product quality through precision and consistency.
Set up rules, constraints, and user interfaces tailored to the company’s individual requirements within the chosen design automation software. This customization ensures that designs adhere to critical product specifications while simplifying complex aspects of CAD interfaces.
Integrate the design automation software seamlessly with existing CAD workflows like SOLIDWORKS or CATIA to enhance efficiency and productivity. This integration allows for importing designs into customized user interfaces, simplifying complex operations and enabling the primary design team to focus on higher-priority tasks.
Provide training and onboarding for employees to ensure a smooth transition to using 3D design automation tools effectively. This includes educating CAD professionals on how to leverage automation features for faster and more accurate output.
Test the implemented 3D design automation process by evaluating its effectiveness in reducing design time, improving accuracy, and enhancing collaboration between departments. Compare outcomes before and after implementation to measure improvements in efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Essential software for 3D design automation
For complex engineering design and assembly modeling.
For design, engineering, simulation, manufacturing, and data management.
For improving quality assurance in virtual product development.
For comparing parts and assemblies across CAD systems.
View our extensive range of software solutions
Need help with 3D design automation?
Jake Taylor and team are on-hand to provide tailored guidance and support with a deep knowledge of the full Dassault Systèmes portfolio. Reach out for a free consultation today.