What is CAD Automation?

Utilizing CAD automation can be one of the most powerful tools in your design arsenal. With proper setup, CAD automation will help you complete work faster and more efficiently. The CAD industry has evolved over the years, especially thanks to the introduction of software like SolidWorks. Many engineers are turning to CAD automation in order to get more done on time with less hassle.

In this article, we will talk about what CAD Automation is, how it can benefit your business, and how you can use it for current and future projects.

How Does CAD Automation Work? What Are the Benefits?

CAD automation works by utilizing tools and technology to increase the speed at which a design is completed. The CAD workflows that you set up can be carried out over and over again much like any other repetitive task in your office. This allows for multiple designs to be completed with reduced effort, freeing up valuable time for more important tasks and creativity.

Since businesses are often working on multiple projects at once, CAD automation can help keep them organized by allowing quick access to models, drawings and other assets required for each project. This can allow engineers to complete work faster since they won't have to search their computer for files that may be stored in different locations.

Additionally, CAD automation will bring benefits to your sales team. Implementing certain procedures will enable your sales team to have access to important drawings and visualizations that can be presented to a client without much delay. This can cut down on unnecessary communication that can put a deal at risk.

What Are Some CAD Automation Examples?

A common example of CAD automation involves creating a library of frequently-used drawings from past projects as mentioned above. Once you've made standard size drawings for one part or assembly, implementing automation helps this process run faster on future parts.

Another example would be to create cut sheet draft files. This will allow the included information required for future drawings such as general dimensions, tolerances and more to populate automatically when creating new drawings. You will save time that would otherwise be spent updating these properties manually.

A third example would be to create assembly instructions that are based off your chosen CAD model. This way, when its time to start on a new design or update an older one, all of this information will populate into the document without much time being spent updating it manually.

Of course these examples just scratch the surface on what can be done with properly setup CAD automation in your company..

Who is CAD Automation Ideal For?

Companies with multiple projects running simultaneously with tight timelines can benefit greatly from CAD automation. This includes engineering firms, manufacturing companies, product development companies and more.

Additionally, companies that don't have a dedicated CAD person or team can benefit from using these automations. Running the workflows are much simpler than working on the project from scratch!

In order for CAD automation to truly bring value to your business it should be implemented as soon as possible for your upcoming projects.

How Long Does It Take to Implement CAD Automation in My Environment?

The amount of time it takes to implement CAD automation in your environment will vary based on the specific workflows that you need created. A good workflow should be able to take around a week, depending on how labor intensive they are.

With proper implementation and testing, you can have these new automated tasks up and running sooner than you think, and the time they will save you in the long run almost can't be measured!

Finite Engineering can help equip your company with time-saving CAD automation that will help you meet more deadlines and scale Contact us today to learn about how we can implement engineering solutions like this and more in your company.