Mechanical Engineering CAD Solution

FRAITAG ENGINEERING uses state-of-the-art SolidWorks 3D CAD (Computer Aid Design) software and is recognized by SolidWorks Corporation as an approved SolidWorks Manufacturing Network Partner who specializes in product design engineering, custom product development, machine design, tool design, rapid prototyping, reverse engineering, CAD solid modeling, cost reduction design, and more. This 3D CAD system enables us to analyze designs in great detail and make quick modifications as needed through the product development process. 3D CAD eliminates the cost of several design iteration physical mock-ups reducing product development time and cost.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Definition: CAD is the use of computer based tools that assist engineers and other design professionals in their design activities. CAD is used to design and develop products, which can be goods used by end consumers or intermediate goods used in other products. CAD is also extensively used in the design of tools and machines used in the manufacture of components. CAD is mainly used for detailed engineering of 3D models and/or 2D drawings of physical components, but it is also used throughout the engineering process from conceptual design and layout, through detailed engineering and dynamic analysis of components and assemblies to definition of manufacturing methods of components.

CAD Capabilities

The capabilities of modern CAD systems include:
• Wireframe geometry creation
• 3D parametric feature based modeling, solid modeling
• Freeform surface modeling
• Automated design of assemblies, which are collections of parts and/or other assemblies
• Create engineering drawings from the solid models
• Reuse of design components
• Ease of modification of design of model and the production of multiple versions
• Automatic generation of standard components of the design
• Validation/verification of designs against specifications and design rules
• Simulation of designs without building a physical prototype
• Output of engineering documentation, such as manufacturing drawings, and Bills of Materials (BOM)
• Import/Export routines to exchange data with other software packages (see table below for specifics)
• Output of design data directly to manufacturing facilities
• Output directly to a Rapid Prototyping or Rapid Manufacture Machine for industrial prototypes
• Maintain libraries of parts and assemblies
• Calculate mass properties of parts and assemblies
• Aid visualization with shading, rotating, hidden line removal, etc...
• Bi-directional parametric associatively (modification of any feature is reflected in all information relying on that feature; drawings, mass properties, assemblies, etc... and counter wise)
• Kinematics, interference, and clearance checking of assemblies
• Sheet metal design
• Electrical component packaging
• Inclusion of programming code in a model to control and relate desired attributes of the model
• Programmable design studies and optimization
• Sophisticated visual analysis routines, for draft, curvature, and curvature continuity

Importing/Exporting SolidWorks Documents

Files can be imported and exported to and from the SolidWorks CAD software to and from other applications. The following table displays the data translation methods available: