Dynamic 3D CAD model generation for any product configuration

BuyDesign® Flex3D accelerates the design and delivery of configured products while reducing cost and freeing valuable engineering time. It does this by fully leveraging the power of 3D CAD technology to automate the generation of configuration-specific detailed 3D models, drawings, and manufacturing information for individual customer orders.

BuyDesign Flex3D integrates BuyDesign Configurator with parametric models developed using industry-standard 3D CAD systems. It utilizes the 3D CAD system to dynamically generate configuration-specific models based on features, options, and dimensions specified during configuration. Detail drawings and manufacturing information can then be generated from those models using standard CAD capabilities.

Rapid Creation of As-Engineered Product Definitions

BuyDesign Flex3D dramatically reduces the time and cost required to produce configuration-specific product definitions at an as-engineered level of detail and accuracy suitable for use by engineering, sales and manufacturing. It replaces time-consuming and tedious manual CAD operator activity with automatic generation of:

• High level models and quote drawings to support product visualization and customer collaboration during the configuration and sales process.
• Detailed assembly models, specification drawings, and/or CAD objects (e.g. .DXF, .IGS, or .STP files) for delivery to the customer once the order is placed.
• Detailed assembly, subassembly, and component shop drawings and manufacturing information such as BOMs and CNC instructions as needed for use by manufacturing.

Innovative Design Environment

Using the BuyDesign Flex3D design environment, designers utilize their existing 3D CAD system to develop product family models that are then used as templates for the automatic generation of configuration-specific product designs. In addition to supporting the automatic generation process, the BuyDesign Flex3D design environment speeds the design process and produces product family models that are faster and less expensive to develop and maintain than traditional 3D models developed using the CAD system alone.

• A 'design for customization' methodology establishes the guidelines and standards to create product family models that provide maximum flexibility and ease of configuration.
• A design reference database enables the use of highly modular 3D models that combine to represent the complete product family by mapping input variables to the various sub-models, their attributes, and their location, position, and orientation within the completed product.
• A testing application provides the tools for designers to easily exercise and verify product family models before releasing them for use in the automated generation process.