Designer

Concept Design

Initial concept models validate preliminary ideas through basic forms. Designers then refine these shapes while considering manufacturing needs.

KEY TASKS

Initial Concept Models

Initial concept models validate preliminary ideas using 3D modeling software and digital sketching tools to rapidly create and explore basic shapes and concepts.

Topology optimization is a valuable tool in the early design phase, which helps engineers explore innovative, lightweight, efficient, and cost-saving designs by optimizing material distribution within a given space.

However, system performance limitations can disrupt creative flow when manipulating complex geometry or handling multiple design variations, forcing designers to work with simplified models that don’t fully represent the vision. 

Complementary Software

Revit

SketchUp

Microstation

Civil 3D

Detailed Design 

At this stage, designers refine large-scale assemblies, ensuring manufacturability and functional integrity. 

KEY TASKS

Large assembly design

Designers bring together multiple subsystems using advanced CAD platforms, ensuring seamless integration and proper spatial relationships between parts.

Handling large assemblies, however, can strain system resources, leading to extended load times and sluggish performance. Slow interactions force engineers to rely on simplified representations, increasing the risk of overlooked design conflicts.  

Complementary Software

Revit

SketchUp

Microstation

Civil 3D

Surface Development

Surface modeling is critical to achieve both aesthetic appeal and manufacturing precision. Designers rely on advanced tools to create smooth, high-quality geometries, while trimming edges to prevent defects that could impact final production. 

KEY TASKS

Surface Modeling

Designers use advanced CAD modeling tools to add more detail to simple 3D models. Then use methods like zebra-stripe mapping, curvature analysis and reflection mapping to detect any imperfections.   

But to do so, hardware must deliver strong graphics processing that supports simultaneous modeling and analysis, ensuring smooth interaction with complex surface geometry. 

Surface Refinement

To ensure products meet both manufacturing and aesthetic requirements, designers manage surface transitions and trim model edges. 

Complementary Software

Revit

SketchUp

Microstation

Civil 3D

Review and Collaboration

Seamless collaboration is essential for efficient design and manufacturing workflows. Virtual design reviews bring teams together for cross-functional evaluation, while advanced presentation tools enhance stakeholder communication. 

KEY TASKS

Design Validation

To validate production feasibility, designers use specialized automated CAD validation tools that detect design flaws like dimensional errors, misaligned features, and PMI inconsistencies in products.  

These tools ensure designs meet manufacturing constraints, but to work properly, hardware must have robust processing power that can simultaneously run design visualization and manufacturing validation tools. 

Virtual Reviews

Designers conduct real-time design reviews using high-performance visualization software with multi-user viewing and annotation tools for collaboration. If you are not using dedicated 3D collaboration tools that are set up to share 3D designs and large assemblies, systems can struggle, and feedback sessions become stop-start and slow.

Complementary Software

Revit

SketchUp

Microstation

Civil 3D