CAD Data Validation Solution

Validation Solution Summary

CADIQ validation solutions combine our leading expertise in interoperability improvement consulting with innovative validation technology. CAD Interop and ITI help customers put processes in place that help identify and manage the correction of problems stemming from design quality and product data interoperability issues. Resolution of these challenges is critical in order to improve downstream product data re-use. ITI TranscenData has been involved in developing software solutions and consulting methodologies based on real customer challenges for over 12 years and we are well positioned to understand the requirements of, and deliver solutions for each customer's unique needs.

Redefining the Definition of "Bad CAD"

For many years, CAD product data quality investigations were primarily focused on examination of piece parts or assemblies for defects within the context of that CAD system. Traditionally, the goal had focused on determining issues that would effect the ability to use this CAD geometry by other CAx applications. While this is still an important part of Product Data Quality, our customers have evolved in their definition of interoperability problems. With the expansion of ITI's technology and methodologies to including both CAD model quality and validation between digital product models, some examples of validation include:

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  Geometry which impedes reuse of models in Analysis and Manufacturing processes
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  Unrealistic modeling features requiring changes during CAE/CAM model reuse and divergence between the master product model and downstream CAx models
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  Unacceptable changes introduced during translation, migration, archiving or manual remastering.
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  Undocumented changes arising between design revisions or for engineering change orders
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  Changes caused by complex parametric relationships unknown to CAD users
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  Changes to Assembly Product Structure models that were unanticipated

Return on Investment for Model Interrogation

Return on investment from the implementation of a model interrogation process stems from reductions in labor costs which are attributed to unmanufacturable conditions within the 3D CAD model or assembly. These issues are not always found during the design process, and pose greater challenges to simulation and manufacturing groups. Typically, the issues require rework to the model or assembly.

For example, if an product has 1,000,000 CAD models, and 10% of those models (100,000) require an additional twenty minutes of rework per model, the organization could conceivably waste 33,000+ hours in non-valueadded time. Multiply this by the U.S. Dept. of Labor's average wage for an engineer ($36.37) and the savings is $1M+. Most our customers have generally higher ROI percentages due to higher wage averages and unaccounted administrative costs. Not factored into an ROI calculation is the costs of delayed schedules andmissed market opportunities.

Our Validation methodologies provides a prognostic/predictive element early in the design process, by allowing the user to interrogate the model for conditions that could cause problems for simulation or manufacturing groups. This "early warning" capability empowers the design group to proactively change the model and avoid the delays that are created by adding by more work to downstream processes.

Return on Investment for Model/Assembly Comparison

When comparing and validating a set of 3D CAD models, ITI Validation methodologies using CADIQ are the electron microscope of CAD. These processes not only automate the inspection, comparison and validation functions, but it also identifies problem areas in the model that cannot be detected by the human eye. As with many companies moving to Model Based Definition approaches, the 3D master model becomes the sole authority. Any modification to the data, either through translation, conversion, healing/repair, re-mastering, or unintentional or undocumented changes, poses significant risks to the integrity of the data. This gamble extends to the manufacturing groups who rely on the accuracy of the model in their downstream applications. Exchanging data with the supply chain only increases these risk factors.

The return on investment for model inspection, comparison and validation is measured through labor savings, quality assurances and adherence to regulatory statutes (some government agencies, such as the Department of Defense or the Federal Aviation Administration, require third-party validation of 3D CAD data). For example, an organization might dedicate a QA team to visually inspecting 3D models. A team of eight, costing an average of $90,000 per person, incurs a recurring annual cost of $1M+ with benefits and administrative overhead. In some cases, implementation of CADIQ based validation process can reduce these costs 60-90%.

For addition information, see the tab "Validation Scenarios" that ITI TranscenData has developed through working with customers to address their business driven validation needs.

CADIQ is ITI TranscenData's innovative 3D CAD model validation and product data quality product. CADIQ identifies potential shape and fit problems and compares differences between 3D CAD parts and assemblies. These quality issues and introduced changes often affect reusability of engineering data in downstream processes such as analysis, manufacturing and data migration. CADIQ's production tested validation functionality allows users to accurately compare geometry, topology, feature definitions and assembly product structure. Validation can be performed between up to four CAD models and leads to a deeper understanding of a company's CAD system revision, data exchange, legacy CAD data remastering, feature based translation or product configuration processes. If a company is creating products based on 3D CAD Parts or Assemblies and must avoid quality issues and unexpected change, CADIQ is an invaluable part of an effective design and manufacturing strategy.

To learn more, please visit the CADIQ Product Page.