An automotive equipment manufacturer discovers that a critical CAD model transmitted by a supplier cannot be used for crash simulation. Degenerated surfaces and geometric discontinuities make any numerical analysis impossible, threatening the vehicle validation schedule. This technical situation perfectly illustrates the challenges of CAD interoperability in consolidation projects: receiving a file does not guarantee its technical usability.
Multi-CAD conversions systematically generate geometric degradations that compromise model usability. These alterations, often invisible to the naked eye, can paralyze digital development chains. Automated geometric repair transforms this major technical constraint into a controlled and reliable process.
Multi-CAD interoperability challenges
Interoperability between CAD systems represents a major technical challenge in consolidation projects. Each design platform uses its own geometric representations and specific modeling algorithms. These fundamental differences inevitably generate information loss during conversions.
Neutral formats like STEP and IGES attempt to standardize these exchanges, but they cannot preserve the full richness of native models. Numerical approximations, variable tolerances, and different algorithmic interpretations create significant geometric deviations.
Critical impact
Up to 40% of conversions require corrective intervention
Recurring multi-format conversion problems
Conversions between CAD systems generate predictable but complex geometric anomalies to treat manually. NURBS surfaces undergo degradation when represented in systems using other mathematical approaches.
These problems manifest as tangency discontinuities, parasitic self-intersections, and exceeded connection tolerances. The accumulation of these micro-defects can render models unusable for critical applications like numerical simulation.
Frequent conversion anomalies
- Degenerated or missing surfaces
- Connection discontinuities
- Unintentional free edges
- Geometric self-intersections
- Exceeded modeling tolerances
- Loss of parametric relationships
Impact on the industrial digital chain
Conversion defects propagate throughout the digital chain, compromising downstream applications. Finite element simulation requires perfectly watertight geometries. A simple discontinuity can invalidate weeks of calculations and significantly delay product validations.
Additive manufacturing demands models without topological anomalies. Slicing software cannot properly process defective geometries, generating non-conforming parts or printing failures. This particular sensitivity of additive technologies amplifies the importance of geometric healing.
| Downstream application | Defect sensitivity | Typical consequences |
|---|---|---|
| CFD simulation | Very high | Impossible meshing, erroneous calculations |
| Additive manufacturing | Critical | Defective slicing, failed parts |
| CNC machining | Moderate | Compromised optimal trajectories |
| Plastic injection | High | Incorrect filling analysis |
Advanced geometric repair technologies
Intelligent automatic healing
Automated correction of geometric anomalies through specialized algorithms
Automatic surface healing
Automatic surface healing constitutes the fundamental technology of geometric repair. These algorithms analyze model topology to identify discontinuities and automatically calculate optimal corrections.
Intelligent surface reconstruction uses advanced interpolation techniques to fill gaps and repair failed connections. Algorithms preserve the original geometry as much as possible while ensuring the required mathematical continuity.
This automated approach simultaneously treats hundreds of anomalies, drastically reducing the manual intervention times traditionally required to clean converted models.
Intelligent correction
Processing of 200+ defects per minute
Advanced topological correction
Topological correction goes beyond pure geometric repair to restructure the organization of model elements. It analyzes relationships between faces, edges, and vertices to detect structural inconsistencies.
Topological correction algorithms can merge redundant surfaces, eliminate parasitic micro-faces, and optimize the global connectivity of the model. This restructuring significantly improves geometry robustness for downstream applications.
Topological validation is performed according to rigorous criteria inspired by industrial modeling standards. Algorithms verify volume closure, surface orientation coherence, and absence of degenerated geometric configurations.
This systematic approach guarantees the production of models usable for all critical digital applications, eliminating risks of production dysfunction.
Intelligent defeaturing and simplification
Intelligent defeaturing selectively removes non-critical geometric details that unnecessarily complicate converted models. This targeted simplification preserves functional characteristics while eliminating elements that are sources of conversion problems.
Defeaturing algorithms automatically analyze feature criticality according to the intended usage context. A non-critical fixing screw for thermal simulation will be removed, while a functional fillet will be preserved.
This contextual intelligence enables optimal simplification that improves conversion robustness without compromising the technical validity of subsequent analyses.
CADfix solution for multi-format conversion
Universal conversion
Support for more than 30 native and neutral CAD formats
CADfix DX represents the reference solution for automated conversion and repair of CAD models in multi-system consolidation environments. This technology combines advanced geometric healing and multi-format conversion in an integrated platform.
CADfix architecture is based on decades of expertise in CAD interoperability and integrates the most performant repair algorithms on the market. This proven approach guarantees high success rates even on the most complex geometries.
Multi-CAD conversion engine
The CADfix conversion engine natively processes the main CAD formats of the industrial market. This extended compatibility eliminates multiple conversion chains that are sources of cumulative degradations.
Direct reading algorithms preserve native model information to the maximum. This approach minimizes conversion approximations and maintains geometric fidelity throughout the transformation process.
Bidirectional conversion enables exchanges in all directions, optimizing consolidation workflows regardless of format constraints imposed by different departments or partners.
Natively supported formats
- CATIA V4/V5/V6
- Creo/Pro-Engineer
- NX/Unigraphics
- SOLIDWORKS
- Solid Edge
- Inventor
- STEP/IGES
- Parasolid/ACIS
Automated geometric healing
CADfix's automatic healing module detects and automatically corrects common geometric anomalies. More than 160 different defect types are recognized and treated by specialized algorithms.
Repair is performed according to adaptive strategies that preserve the original geometry as much as possible. Minimal corrections guarantee design fidelity while restoring the required mathematical integrity.
Integrated validation tools automatically verify the effectiveness of applied corrections. This double verification guarantees the quality of repaired models and their compatibility with critical applications.
Detailed repair reports document all applied corrections, facilitating traceability and validation of healing processes in demanding quality environments.
Batch processing and automation
Industrial processing
Automated conversion and repair of thousands of models
CADfix's batch processing capabilities enable automated conversion of thousands of models without manual intervention. This automation is essential for large-scale consolidation projects involving significant volumes of technical data.
Processing scripts can be customized according to each project's specifications. Healing criteria, output formats, and simplification parameters are configured globally to guarantee processing consistency.
Integration with PLM systems enables complete automation of conversion workflows, from source model extraction to consolidated version archiving.
High performance
Processing of 1000+ models/hour in batch mode
Industrial business applications
Implementation of CAD conversion and repair technologies responds to varied strategic needs according to industrial sectors. These applications illustrate the versatility of solutions in different technical consolidation contexts.
Preparation for numerical simulation
Numerical simulation requires geometrically perfect models to generate quality meshes. Conversion defects, even minimal ones, can compromise calculation convergence or generate erroneous results.
Automated geometry preparation for simulation includes surface cleaning, removal of non-critical details, and connectivity optimization. This targeted preparation significantly improves the robustness of numerical analyses.
Specialized tools automatically detect geometric configurations problematic for meshing and apply appropriate corrections. This contextual intelligence optimizes preparation according to the type of analysis planned.
Optimized simulation
70% reduction in geometric preparation time
Optimization for additive manufacturing
Additive manufacturing imposes specific geometric constraints that traditional CAD models do not always respect. Slicing software requires perfectly watertight geometries without topological anomalies.
Preparation tools for 3D printing automatically verify volume watertightness, correct surface normals, and eliminate parasitic internal geometries that disrupt the manufacturing process.
Optimization also includes overhang analysis, identification of necessary supports, and verification of minimum wall thickness. This exhaustive preparation guarantees the manufacturability of converted parts.
Manufacturability reports automatically alert on critical zones requiring special attention, facilitating design modification decisions before production launch.
Standardization of supplier exchanges
Exchanges with suppliers constitute a critical use case requiring rigorous standardization of formats and geometric quality. Automated conversion enables harmonization of received data regardless of the partner's CAD equipment.
Reception workflows automate conversion, validation, and integration of supplier models into the reference CAD environment. This standardization improves exchange predictability and reduces processing times.
Complete traceability of conversions facilitates technical exchanges with suppliers and supports collaborative validation processes of design modifications.
| Industrial sector | Priority application | Main benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Aerospace | CFD simulation preparation | Reliable aerodynamic validation |
| Automotive | Supplier conversion | Fluid supply chain integration |
| Medical | 3D printing preparation | Precise device manufacturing |
| Energy | Thermal simulation | Exact energy analyses |
Technical performance and automation
Industrial performance
High-speed processing and complete workflow automation
High-performance processing capabilities
Modern CAD conversion architectures fully exploit parallel computing capabilities to simultaneously process multiple models. This parallelization drastically improves performance for large consolidation projects.
Algorithmic optimizations enable processing of complex geometries containing millions of geometric entities. This capability meets the requirements of sectors using very high-definition models.
Intelligent memory management avoids system saturation even when processing voluminous multi-part assemblies. This robustness guarantees conversion reliability across the entire spectrum of industrial model complexity.
Optimized architecture
Support for models up to 10M+ entities
Integration into PLM workflows
Native integration with major PLM platforms completely automates conversion processes in technical data management workflows. This integration eliminates manual interventions and guarantees complete traceability of operations.
Specialized connectors for Teamcenter, Windchill, and 3DEXPERIENCE enable automatic triggering of conversions according to business rules defined in the PLM system.
Bidirectional synchronization maintains metadata consistency between source and target systems. Technical attributes, assembly relationships, and revision information are preserved throughout the conversion process.
This transparent integration transforms CAD conversion from a complex technical operation into an automated process invisible to end users.
Quality metrics and reporting
Modern conversion systems integrate comprehensive quality metrics that precisely quantify the fidelity of performed conversions. These objective indicators facilitate process validation and continuous improvement of conversion parameters.
Automated reports document geometric deviations, applied corrections, and any limitations encountered. This documentation supports quality processes and facilitates regulatory traceability in demanding sectors.
Generation of visual reports including interactive 3D comparisons improves technical communication with stakeholders and facilitates validation of conversion results.
| Metric | Manual conversion | With automation | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processing time | 2-4 hours/model | 5-10 minutes/model | 85-95% |
| Success rate | 60-70% | 95-98% | 30-40% |
| Quality consistency | Variable | Standardized | Complete traceability |
| Human intervention | Systematic | Exceptional | 90% reduction |
Automated conversion and repair of CAD models transforms a major technical challenge into a controlled and reliable process. CADfix DX provides an industrial response to multi-CAD interoperability challenges, guaranteeing geometric integrity and usability of consolidated data. This automated approach secures consolidation investments and preserves the technical value of the transformed digital heritage.
