CASTOR, an industrial manufacturing software company, has introduced a new capability to automatically visualize 3D parts from 2D drawings. The software enables the simulation of a 3D view of every part in the file with just one click. As a result of this simulation, it offers a comprehensive analysis of the part’s printability – resulting in better estimations of printability, cost, sustainability, lead time, and supply chain advantages.
New opportunities
The new capability offers a rapid Geometric Analysis that enables the making of quick and informed decisions. The automated analysis considers material properties, cost-effectiveness, and digital supply chain benefits – significantly simplifying the decision-making process. While it doesn’t replace the need for a 3D file, this process enables engineers to identify suitable parts for AM in seconds – accelerating the evaluation process and reducing time-to-market for AM projects.
“The new capability introduced by CASTOR will be a game-changer for engineers, significantly reducing the time and effort required to qualify AM parts. This tool will eventually enable engineers to expedite the identification of parts suitable for 3D printing and allocate their valuable skills to more strategic tasks,” said Omer Blaier, Co-founder and CEO of CASTOR. “With this innovation, we aim to transform the landscape of additive manufacturing and make it even more accessible for companies relying on 2D PDF drawings in their manufacturing processes.”
Identifying suitable parts for AM, at Scale
CASTOR’s software enables to automatic extraction of PMI (product manufacturing information) out of PDF files of 2D Drawings, calculates parts’ size, volume, and complexity, and creates a visual 3D simulation based on dimensions from projected views. Using this information, it suggests the 3D printability of parts, recommends optimal technology and materials, and performs a financial analysis of AM compared to traditional manufacturing. It exports useful information and insights, both as a formal PDF report and a raw data Excel sheet.
The quick results guide engineers on which parts to purchase or to further explore their 3D CAD files. Once the selected files are in a 3D format the software, which is available ‘on cloud’ and ‘on-premise’, can also deliver recommendations for re-designing parts for AM – such as part consolidation and weight reduction. The advanced capabilities enable quick assessment of a part’s likelihood of failure, using a unique, Finite Elements Analysis that is tailored to AM.
