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Success Story

CATIAV5 Exporter for Autodesk® AutoCAD-A CAD translation software

CATIAV5 Exporter for Autodesk® AutoCAD-A CAD translation software

Customer challenge

TransMagic develops multi-CAD interoperability software applications that offer a unique combination of 3D CAD file translation, 3D model comparison, geometry repair, collaboration, and viewing technologies to alleviate the CAD incompatibility and product data exchange challenges facing the manufacturing industry.


TransMagic approached ProtoTech to meet their business needs in mapping geometry data to the CATIA V5 model. One of their requirements was that it has to be completed in a very short amount of time. Along with the basic requirements, they wanted to export color, normal, and lesser file export time. ProtoTech Solutions worked closely with TransMagic to find the best solution for their business needs.

Project goals

The project goals for this project include:

  • Creating a drawing in CATIA can be challenging due to its advanced design capabilities. 
  • However, ProtoTech Solutions has addressed this issue by developing a CATIA V5 add-in for Autodesk AutoCAD. 
  • This add-in, built on TransMagic technology, simplifies the drawing process and is particularly beneficial for design departments that work with a combination of CATIA V5 and Autodesk AutoCAD API. 
  • TransMagic aimed to efficiently and cost-effectively deliver the plugin without compromising operational efficiency.


                                                      Image: CATIAV5 Exporter for Autodesk® AutoCAD


Solution

After conducting initial meetings to evaluate the business requirements, ProtoTech Solutions swiftly shifted into high gear and embarked on the development of the plugin.


By leveraging the TransMagic translator library, ProtoTech Solutions successfully created an Autodesk AutoCAD plugin that facilitates the direct conversion of Autodesk AutoCAD drawings into the CATIA V5 file format. This innovation brings forth a multitude of benefits, including:

  • Streamlined User Interface: The plugin offers a user-friendly interface, ensuring a seamless and intuitive experience.
  • Support for VizRep and Brep Models: Users can conveniently export both VizRep and Brep models, expanding the scope of their design capabilities.
  • Color Export: The plugin enables the accurate export of colors, preserving the visual integrity of the original drawings.
  • Compatibility with Various CATIA V5 Versions: The plugin seamlessly operates with different versions of CATIA V5, ensuring flexibility and adaptability.
  • Ideal for 3D Modeling and Surfacing: With its extensive functionality, the plugin proves to be highly advantageous for tasks such as 3D modeling and surfacing.


Moreover, CATIA's comprehensive feature set, including assembly, sheet metal design, and weldment capabilities, further enhances the overall design experience and unlocks new possibilities for users. Get ready to take your design endeavors to new heights with this remarkable CATIA V5 plugin developed by ProtoTech Solutions.

Business outcome

  • The Automotive and Aerospace industries heavily rely on Autodesk AutoCAD and CATIA V5 for various purposes such as fixture design, product design, facilities layout planning, and process documentation. 
  • With the introduction of this innovative solution, communication between supply chain partners becomes much more accessible and cost-effective.
  • This groundbreaking product offers a budget-friendly method for supply chain partners who primarily utilize Autodesk AutoCAD but desire seamless collaboration with OEMs operating on CATIA V5. 
  • Now, sharing Autodesk AutoCAD data with CATIA users in the native CATIA V5 file format is effortlessly achieved. 
  • This streamlined approach facilitates efficient collaborative 3D design, revolutionizing the workflow while significantly reducing costs compared to previous methods.

Conclusion

"ProtoTech Solutions' entire team is comprised of experts who continue to exceed our expectations at every turn. They are attentive listeners to our inquiries and support requests, and they have always had the best solutions to our business needs at their fingertips. We couldn't have asked for a better team to work with and look forward to continuing to collaborate with them in the future."   -

Todd Reade, CEO, TransMagic.

Project summary

    Duration & delivery

  • 147
  • 2023-07-01

    Autodesk solutions

  • AutoCAD
  • AutoCAD

    Services provided

  • Configuration & Deployment
  • System & Software Maintenance

    Customer industry

  • Architecture
  • Civil Engineering
  • Construction Design
  • Other Engineering Industries
  • Structural Engineering
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