Articles by Jacob Ames

The endeavor of automation, whether for simple, repetitive tasks or those more complex and less frequent, is arguably one of the most exemplary characteristics of modern engineering.   

We’ll investigate two specific case studies in which DriveWorks configuration and automation software is used in tandem with SOLIDWORKS CAD to quickly customize and produce unique design and manufacturing data in the agricultural/food processing and medical device industries. 

Discover how easy it is to activate and start automating your designs with the free DriveWorksXpress add-in for SOLIDWORKS!

As more organizations look to adopt model-based definition solutions to improve design and manufacturing clarity and streamline collaboration, the variety of available MBD tools and associated terminology can become rather confusing. For the uninitiated, MBD tools (generally speaking) allow designers to annotate 3D CAD models with manufacturing information directly, as opposed to using a traditional 2D drawing. This article examines three of the most commonly-used terms in the field of model-based definition, and will help you understand differences between each toolset while determining which is most appropriate for your design and manufacturing needs.

While the global CAD industry continues to grow, industry research has consistently shown a trend toward the adoption of 3D CAD software in place of traditional 2D solutions, a trend which shows no signs of slowing anytime soon. So, with all the evidence in favor of the undisputed superiority of 3D CAD, why bother with a 2D drafting and engineering solution like DraftSight? Despite what the data suggests, there are still plenty of good reasons add DraftSight to your toolkit.

Though much of the design and engineering world has moved on to 3D CAD solutions over the last couple decades, DraftSight is often used as a collaboration tool to communicate with other departments, companies, or vendors using 2D design data, even if you yourself are working in 3D. In many cases, this design data may be provided in PDF format, making it difficult to modify and revise. Fortunately, the PDF Import functionality of DraftSight allows users to quickly convert PDF files into DWG format, unlocking all the revision, editing, and design capability within.