CAD Five product innovations for designers

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Here we present five optimized solutions for working with CAD. It involves automated data preparation, visualization, CAD software, and easy data exchange and conversion.

Workflow automates data preparation

Experts know the problem: the preparation of 3D data is often time-consuming and error-prone. A new workflow from the digital engineering specialist Invenio Virtual Technologies automates this process, making it significantly more efficient, it is said.

The new workflow relieves experts by automating sub-steps that require high manual effort, such as the assembly and positioning of 3D data. For the desired result, one or more product structures are initially read in. This allows parts from different structures to be automatically assembled.

With the help of a control file, these are then arranged in a new structure. A targeted selection, for example with components appearing multiple times in different positions, is also possible. The output is provided as a PLMXML file with linked JTs. According to Invenio, the results are available in a matter of seconds.

Possible use cases for the automation workflow include the 3D representation of technical processes, as found in assembly or operating instructions, as well as the visualization of individual parts up to entire assemblies.

Make decisions based on fully loaded data

JT (Jupiter Tessellation) is globally recognized as an ISO standard (ISO 14306) and has long been established as a process format. Thanks to its compact, lightweight structure and support for PMI (Product Manufacturing Information), it is becoming an indispensable standard in more and more industries. Particularly compared to native CAD formats, JT offers significant advantages. JT has become indispensable in various fields and plays a key role in mechanical engineering, especially in prototype validation, assembly planning, or DMU checks.

The new JT importer in the 3D-View-Station addresses this precisely: with multi-threading and optimal core performance, it loads even complex models with all PMI and geometry data in record time, it is said. Particularly noteworthy are the additional functions that are set to revolutionize the handling of JT data. The automatic reorientation of the PMI ensures that they are always perfectly legible from the current camera perspective. The background colors of JT files are also almost exactly adopted, supporting realistic representation. The "Intelligent Fit" automatically adjusts the view so that even small details and PMI remain optimally visible.

CAD software: Intelligent features accelerate workflows

With the introduction of Brics-CAD V25, Bricsys has presented the latest version of its CAD, BIM, and mechanical software, emphasizing that over sixty intelligent features for automating and accelerating workflows have been integrated. Each of the Brics-CAD products benefits from new or improved tools that allow users to complete designs faster.

According to Bricsys, the key highlights of the CAD solution include:

• Productivity features in a familiar user interface for CAD, BIM, Mechanical, and Civil users

• Innovative 2D/3D workflows for utilizing 2D/3D data

• Intelligent approaches for fast modeling capabilities and competencies

• Improved drawing health tools for DWG accuracy and precise results

• Extended commands and features for workflow parity with users' other CAD tools

According to further reports, Brics-CAD Mechanical V25 offers the fastest path to precise production materials in a familiar, DWG-based CAD software for design and manufacturing. New tools for quick 2D design and drafting, optimization of manufacturing workflows, and leveraging 3D models for 2D documentation include familiarity for AutoCAD users, DFX optimization tools, and 3D-to-2D tools for accurate documentation.

Link all phases of the lifecycle together

Key To Data has introduced the new version 2025.1 of Datakit's CAD converter Cross-Manager and highlights the following features:

1. QIF Converter: A new converter for the QIF* Version 3.0 (*Quality Information Framework) file format is now included in Cross-Manager, allowing conversion from QIF to PDF, JT, and Step. The converter is intended for everyone who wants to compare quality information with development data. In addition to the QIF converter, the new version also includes 3D geometric data, tolerances, PMI dimensions, assemblies, attributes, and UUIDs (Universally Unique Identifiers).

2. Read UUIDs: Ability to read UUIDs defined as Navis-Works GUIDs. This ensures better traceability of the data for software users.

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   Date: 08.12.2025

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3. Processing of graphical or semantic PMIs: Processing of graphical or semantic PMIs to complement or improve the accuracy of converters that read the formats Creo View, Catia V5, V6, UG NX, and write JT.

4. Optimized handling of Nurbs: Version 2025.1 offers optimized handling of Nurbs (Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines) and tree structures in Catia V5 and V6.

5. Extended Solidworks assembly import: Extended Solidworks assembly import for configuration management, applicable to both virtual and imported components alike.

6. Autodesk Revit: The new version of Cross-Manager also enables detailed unit and color marking in Revit.

The converters integrated into Cross-Manager are constantly being developed to ensure compatibility with the latest CAD versions. As of January 2025, these are:

• Read mode: 3D-Experience / Catia V6 2025x, Fusion 360 till versions 2.0.20948, Navisworks versions 2016-2025, Solid Edge 2025, Solidworks 2025, Unigraphics NX 2406 Series (till 2406.7000)

• Write mode: Catia V5-6R2018 to V5-6R2024

Easily download models of technology components

Digikey, a global distributor for technology components and automation products, has announced its partnership with Traceparts, a leading provider of CAD content for engineering, industry, and mechanical engineering.

The collaboration combines Digikey's selection of electronic components with Traceparts' robust 3D CAD models and design resources. Engineers, makers, and product developers will enjoy an enhanced experience that enables faster product design cycles and more efficient workflows for an optimal overall approach to the design and prototyping process, it is said.

We are pleased to integrate TraceParts' extensive 3D model library into our product catalog. This makes it easier than ever for designers and engineers to seamlessly move from idea to CAD tool to finished product.

Cody Walseth, Digital Product Owner at DigiKey