Which tools help integrate CAD with other software applications?

In my experience, a popular use of computer aided design is to create models and parts that are going to be 3D printed. In order to complete this process, there are multiple different file typos involved. For the 3D printing I engage in you just save the file as .stl

When it comes to system design and integration, it is crucial for the tool to support seamless integration with other software applications and CAD files. Some common CAD file formats include .brd, .STEP, .STL, .DXF, and Gerber. Among the various options available, Keysight's software stands out as the most flexible tool for effectively integrating CAD with other software applications.

The tools that help integrate CAD with other software applications include file formats, data exchange tools, collaboration platforms, customization, and automation tools.

In my experience, Parasolid file format is well suited for exchanging CAD data with downstream applications like FEA and CFD.

Base on my experience : 1. Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) 2. CAD-to-CAE Integration: CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) tools like finite element analysis (FEA) or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software can be integrated with CAD systems to analyze and simulate designs directly within the CAD environment. 3. CAD-to-CAM Integration 4. Data Exchange Formats 5. PDM/PLM Systems 6. Cloud-Based Collaboration Platforms 7. BIM (Building Information Modeling) Integration 8. Visualization and VR/AR Integration 9. CAD Libraries and Components 10. Scripting and Automation

Two data formats for data exchange include the STEP file format (ISO 10303-21) and 3MF. Both are accessible via a range of techniques, including Xquery (BaseX, eXist, MarkLogic), JQuery (too many implementations to mention), and raw text mining (OrangeML, R Studio). Note that text mining is the last ditch effort if nothing else works - the next stop is an LLM implementation. Although 3MF is a lighter format, it contains the minimal data to interface with a larger ERP/PDM ecosystem and it is far easier to parse. STEP can be notoriously difficult to parse, both in computability and in consistency, as each CAD implementation will output different STEP. Such file formats can be used to construct a data warehouse for solid model data.

In my field which is architecture, I can say that Revit has many plugins which can export to other formats and other software can connect to it with IFC or their special plugins.

In my opinion, Data exchange tools enable direct or indirect communication between different programs. They can be used to import, export, link, or embed CAD models into other documents. Some examples of data exchange tools are OLE, COM, and API.

Dassault Systemes 3DEXPERIENCE Platform is a great tool for communicating and collaborating your project's CAD files and documents across people of the organisation. Powered by ENOVIA's PLM it helps in storing, maintaining changes, revisions, project workflows and feedback on the CAD files.

One good example of collaboration is the ECAD/MCAD Collab tool in PTC Creo that allows you to import 3D models designed by electrical engineers in Allegro. It imports CCA boards with components.

To add to the list of collaboration platforms would be the 3DEXPERIENCE platform by Dassault Systemes. Do describe this platform in one word for a product development organisation would be "revolutionary". The 3DEXPERIENCE platform can be used in conjunction with native software such as SOLIDWORKS, CATIA, SIMULIA ABAQUS etc. The platform provides new applications within itself to create your CAD designs. Perform simulations and share within the organisation. The 3DEXPERIENCE platform encompasses all the CAD/CAM & CAE capabilities and effectively makes an organisation virtual. From project management using ENNOVIA tools to managing data using 3D Drive. The platform has everything that a product development organisation would need.

PLM software like PTC’s Windchill is great for collaboration as well. Whether you are sharing internally or externally, there are built-in access controls that allow you to share the correct information at the right time. Windchill specifically makes sure that you are not overwriting other employee’s work, and keeps your core data safe from external collaborators such as customers or suppliers.

Bentley Systems, ProjectWise is a great collaboration and engineering information management software developed explicitly for the design and construction of architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO) of infrastructure projects.

The internal process of the department will need to be tightly established and followed before doing any extensive automation to the more sensitive processes.

In drawing CAD does it but it can not share data that other software needs, this software only shares drawing. For example, if other software needs to know more information about this software you have to write text on it.

Ensuring all survey data is completed with qualified surveyors with correct datum points for design teams to implement xref data

Compare spending time drawing a shape in the 3D area on CAD and other software, and how much information can transfer to other software.

In my experience if you ask about using neutral formats especially between .stp & .igs i had experience that the conversion in .stp had minimal loss of surfaces.i will not tell .igs is bad but it depends more on the way the solid or surface model is created.