How do you ensure that your CAD models are accurate and error-free?

With CAD software like SolidWorks you can use built in tools like Design Checker to create a file of standards and check to ensure your units and scales are correctly formatted and using the appropriate standards that you have approved.

When working with AutoCAD, you would always set your units using the UNITS command, to set specific unit parameters (imperial or metric), and define the precision of those units (up to eight decimal places). This ensures that you are working to the required parameters in any drawing or model you may create. Projects often have these settings 'built-in' by way of defined AutoCAD template files (DWT files).

To ensure CAD models are accurate and reliable, utilize standardized templates for different unit systems like Metric and Imperial. Configure these templates precisely, including decimal settings aligned with industry standards, to maintain consistency across models. Additionally, meticulously review CAD drawings, especially when importing from .DWG files with varied unit specifications, to promptly identify and correct any distortions. This thorough examination ensures the integrity of the final CAD output. Implementing these practices enhances the quality assurance process in CAD modeling, resulting in smoother project execution and meeting stakeholder expectations.

Constraints and strong dimensions. I believe this is the most basic and important thing to ensure that your CAD models are error free. Even with complex surfacing, always put constraints to the curvature so that it will not be out of place whenever other features are added. And in assembly, always make your assembled parts/components fully constrained, best if its constrained to the assembly feature rather than the components feature, if possible. Often times, this is the most common error with assembly parts.

To skip errors in your 3D parts and blueprints as well, use the assembly as an obligation that will show you the approach reality of your project also you can verify the tolerances under your software adjustment verification.

Validating a model does not need to be overly complicated. Basic sizing using first principles and gross simplifications should be done on paper before anything is put into a computer. Simple stress equations will get you in the ballpark of what will probably work, then the CAD model can be built in a computer to address layout, interfaces, and interferences. Finally, if required due to design complexity or project requirements a design can go through a more formal iteration using design tools and analysis software. Too many engineers jump straight to complicated Finite Element Analysis or make overly detailed CAD models without first checking basic sizing to make sure they have a reasonable and workable design.

Um grande software que trabalhei que possibilita diversas ferramentas de análise é o SolidWorks, possibilitando a checagem do produto/pe?a como: Impacto, vibra??o, torque, cargas externas e internas, análise térmica, etc. Além disso, a plataforma 3DExperience da Dassault tem vários recursos que s?o integrados ao SolidWorks, como o Simulia, o que só eleva o nível de qualidade e confiabilidade da valida??o.

Some key areas to focus on when soliciting expert feedback are: manufacturability/constructibility, alternate fabrication methods or design solutions, materials selection, operability or maintinance concerns, code or jurisdictional requirements, inspection and test requirements. These are all areas that can be blind spots in otherwise “technically correct” drawings.

A review of any drawing or model is essential to ensure that all facets of the design are considered. The drawing/model should be circulated to all project stakeholders during the revision cycle, with all stakeholders commenting on what works and what doesn't. Any subsequent changes then become the next revision/iteration of the drawing/model. Sometimes, viewing software, such as Autodesk Viewer or AutoCAD Web, can be utilised. Both have tools to allow for feedback and subsequent dialogue about the design to ensure the necessary changes are made to realise the design.

Annotation is essential to communicating design intent. The builder cannot build the building without accurate annotated plans. The factory cannot manufacture the engine gasket without accurate engineering blueprints. The majority of CAD annotation tends to be defined by specific standards; architectural, mechanical, electrical etc. It is fundamental that any drawing/model should also include annotation to make sure that the design is understood and able to be realised, and subsequently, to be built or manufactured.

Annotation is important in house too. There are things done, proposed to be done, undone, & proposed to be undone that the next person in the file might (probably) will not be aware of. Also important to keep the modelspace organized. Having 30 details randomly spaced in modelspace & only 12 in viewports in the only layout tab is a nightmare.

Changes to a CAD drawing/model are inevitable. They are normally reflected in a revision methodology that allows all stakeholders to confirm the design changes. For example, Revision 1 may require a dimensional change, which is then expedited, taking the design to Revision 2 etc. It is essential that all stakeholders have access to the latest design, and it is normally the case that the latest revision is then communicated to them by way of a document transmittal.

The more people who get into a file to modify it, the more likely they are to introduce errors (of various types) due to different drafting styles & competency levels. Hell, even if you are the only one it the file ever, there will, likely, eventually, be errors...