Benefits of Working in a Single Design Environment

Multi-CAD app allows engineers to work with different data sets within one operation

Published: Wednesday, March 23, 2016 - 11:29

(Theorem Solutions: Tamworth, UK) -- When designing and manufacturing complex products that contain hundreds or thousands of components, there will inevitably be a large supply chain involved. And when design data need to be exchanged during the design process, chances are different CAD software is being used by the different suppliers, which can cause problems. CAD-to-CAD and CAD-to-Visualization translators are available, but what if an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) uses CATIA but also needs to access supplied CAD data in NX, CREO, or JT formats without using external translation tools?

Theorem’s Multi-CAD solution allows designers and engineers to do just that. Based on the Dassault Systemes XCAD infrastructure, it allows CATIA v. 5 and 3DEXPERIENCE users to incorporate parts and assemblies from the other CAD systems, such as NX and Creo, or visualization data in the JT format, within the CATIA environment without having to use external translators.

It does so by loading the files directly into CATIA and using the existing command of “insert existing component.” Multi-CAD validates data integrity as it comes into CATIA. The beauty of Theorem’s Multi-CAD solution is the interlinking of the CATIA and foreign CAD data, which allows users to work with different sets of data within a single interactive operation.

Theorem’s Multi-CAD solutions also support the processing of model-based definition (MBD) information, which helps streamline product development by publishing an information-rich 3D CAD model that fully defines a product.

By supporting MBD, Multi-CAD can also reduce the processing time of large CAD models because specific views can be filtered and processed at the point of output.

Using Multi-CAD also offers a greater level of security and protection, since the link to the source data is direct. There’s no need to leave the application or use third-party external applications. This also removes any potential errors that can occur from working with out-of-date data.

Theorem’s Multi-CAD application for CATIA is a low-cost and efficient solution to the problems that can be encountered when different CAD systems collaborate on projects, and ensures the integrity of CAD data while allowing a seamless transfer of files between users.

For more information on Multi-CAD and MBD, visit Theorem Solutions, email marketing@theorem.com, or call 44(0) 1827 305350.

About The Author

Theorem Solutions

Theorem Solutions helps engineering and manufacturing companies reduce the cost of collaborating on projects with their customers, suppliers, and internally. It also helps protect the value of engineering data and the intellectual property it contains, so reducing business risk.