Organize and manage CAD data efficiently with nscale
Computer-aided design (CAD) has long since replaced the manual creation of technical drawings, models and designs. As a result, CAD systems are now standard IT equipment in a wide range of industries. During a design process with CAD programs, numerous accompanying documents are created that need to be managed efficiently. This is where many CAD systems reach their limits. Integration with a powerful information platform such as nscale provides a remedy.
What is computer-aided design?
Computer-aided design, or “CAD” for short, is a computer-based technology that allows designers to digitally model, modify, analyze and optimize products in 2D or 3D. Many CAD solutions also have additional functionalities, such as the generation of machine-readable code for production systems.
Our CAD solution for your applications
Effective plan management is essential for companies that use computer-aided design. The nscale information platform enables the comprehensive integration of CAD planning data into information management by managing all files centrally and storing them in files in a structured manner. In doing so, nscale makes CAD data available to authorized users from any location and enables the joint editing of CAD models. At the same time, nscale supports transparent checking and approval processes, the logged dispatch of CAD files and audit-proof archiving in compliance with the principles of proper management and storage of books, records and documents in electronic form (GoBD) – thus guaranteeing efficient plan management.
Who works with CAD systems?
CAD programs are used in many different industries. The most common areas of application include
- Mechanical and plant engineering
- Architecture
- Building construction and civil engineering
- Vehicle construction
- Aerospace technology
- Wood and metal construction
- Technical product design
- (Dental) medical technology
- Graphic and game design
- Fashion and jewelry design
- Virtual Reality
What can be created with CAD programs?
CAD solutions enable designers to create products such as models, drafts, designs, construction plans and technical drawings. Modern CAD systems are also able to generate associated accompanying documents such as assemblies and parts lists – i.e. lists of all components required for a design.
In addition, marketing and product management departments, for example, can use computer-aided design to create photorealistic visualizations, renderings and design drafts that they can use for presentation and illustration purposes even before a product is completed.
Tools and functions of CAD solutions
There are numerous, often industry-specific CAD solutions on the market, some of which differ considerably in their range of functions. The following tools and functions are generally part of CAD systems:
- Creating and modifying static and moving, two- or three-dimensional geometric models using various modeling methods (parametric, generative, volume, surface modeling, etc.)
- Visualization of models in three-dimensional spaces
- Deriving technical drawings from models and assemblies
- Creating model and assembly-related parts lists
- Assignment of properties, for example of certain production materials, and associated calculation of the effects on the model
- Generation of 3D print data
- Generation of machine code for production systems
- Carrying out analyses (stability, material strength, stresses, etc.)
- Carrying out simulations (flow, thermal, structural, mechanical, etc.)
- Simple planning data management
The advantages of computer-aided design
- Time saving: CAD allows models to be created and modified quickly.
- Cost savings: The rapid creation and modification of models and the elimination of manual processing steps save companies valuable financial resources.
- Error reduction: The digital working method reduces errors to a minimum.
- Lean production: products can be tested, analyzed and optimized virtually during the design phase. This makes it possible to streamline the production process and organize it more efficiently.
- Digital plan management: The seamless digital management of all plan data using an information platform such as nscale guarantees efficient company-wide management of plan data.
What is the difference between using computer-aided design and drawing by hand?
When creating models via computer-aided design, designers benefit from several advantages compared to manual drawing. Above all, the significantly faster creation, editing and optimization of models with considerably less susceptibility to errors stands out. CAD also allows you to model in three-dimensional spaces and work with variables, for example to virtually test the effects of different materials on the model. Another advantage: data loss is virtually impossible, and CAD always allows access to old versions so that edits can be traced transparently. Last but not least, CAD solutions can be integrated with other applications, such as product data management software, via individual interfaces.
Which file formats can be used for export by CAD?
There is a whole range of CAD file formats. They are divided into proprietary formats, which are manufacturer-dependent and can only be recognized correctly by certain CAD programs, and non-proprietary formats. The latter are generic and can be used across different CAD systems.
The most common CAD file formats are:
- .dwg: proprietary, but a quasi-standard used by several CAD programs. Similar to the .dwt format, which is also proprietary.
- .dxf: non-proprietary standard for the file exchange of design data.
- .sab/ .sat: proprietary formats.
- .stl: non-proprietary file format, quasi-standard for 3D printing.
- Other formats:.step/ .stp, .jt, .qif, .iges/ .igs, .vrml, .vda, .ply, .rvt, .ifc, .fbx, .skp, .ipt, .prt, .3ds, .3dm etc.
Get in touch.
"*" indicates required fields
Ceyoniq Technology GmbH is a group company of Kyocera Document Solutions.
Ceyoniq Technology GmbH
Boulevard 9 | 33613 Bielefeld
Together we develop strong ideas and implement tailor-made and individual solutions for companies and public administrations – contact us, we look forward to hearing from you!
