CAD Customization & NC Automation
80% Drafting Time Reduction & 6-Month ROI
[ BUSINESS CONTEXT ]
A Tier-1 aerospace supplier spent 60% of their engineering time on repetitive 2D drawing updates. Manual data transfer between CAD and CAM caused a 4% error rate in NC programs, resulting in $890K of annual scrap and rework.
[ PROJECT CHALLENGE ]
A Tier-1 aerospace supplier spent 60% of their engineering time on repetitive 2D drawing updates. Manual data transfer between CAD and CAM caused a 4% error rate in NC programs, resulting in $890K of annual scrap and rework.
[ STRATEGIC SOLUTION ]
We implemented a comprehensive automation ecosystem that codifies engineering rules directly into the CAD API.
Engineering Methodology
CAD API Integration
Developed custom toolbars in Creo and NX using Java and C++ to automate feature creation and drawing generation.
Automated GD&T Engine
Built a rules-based engine that automatically applies dimensions and tolerances based on manufacturing capabilities.
NC Toolpath Synthesis
Automated the generation of G-Code directly from CAD manufacturing intent, eliminating manual data re-entry.
PLM Synchronization
Integrated the automation suite with the client's Windchill PLM to ensure 100% BOM accuracy on release.
Quantified Engineering Impact
Reduced average drawing update time from 5 hours to 1 hour through one-click view generation.
Direct CAD-to-CAM data flow eliminated transcription errors between engineering and the shop floor.
System paid for itself in half a year through reduced headcount requirements and scrap elimination.
Allowed the existing team to handle double the order volume without increasing staff costs.