Combine assemblies
Combine machine modules, parts, and supplier models into virtual assemblies.
Mechanical and Plant Engineering
CAD data for machines, assemblies and plants
intuitive & practical 3D without CAD expertise
affordable & universal many 3D/2D interfaces
Why use 3D-Tool in mechanical and plant engineering?
In mechanical and plant engineering, in-house designs, purchased parts and supplier models from different CAD systems come together. With 3D-Tool, you load these models together, align the components and check installation dimensions, clearances and collisions before parts are ordered, manufactured or assembled.
Check installation situations
Position components and check distances, connection dimensions, and available installation spaces.
Detect collisions
Visualize contacts, intersections, and insufficient clearances between parts.
Inspect customer data
Inspect native CAD data and exchange formats without a CAD system.
CAD viewer for mechanical and plant engineering
CAD data is needed beyond engineering in mechanical and plant engineering. Project planning, technical purchasing, and work preparation teams need to assess machines, assemblies, and supplier components quickly. The same applies to assembly and service.
3D-Tool makes supported native CAD files and exchange formats usable wherever a complete CAD system is not required. Models from different sources can be viewed and measured together and combined into virtual assemblies.
Dimensions, surface area, volume, and weight also provide a technical basis for costing and work preparation.
Inspect machines, assemblies, and installation situations
For machines and plants, in-house designs, purchased parts, and supplier components must be viewed in context. Depending on the task, the focus may be on installation position, dimensions, clearances, or model information.
- Engineering and development: You inspect machines and assemblies together with purchased parts and supplier components.
- Project planning and plant engineering: You combine plant modules and check installation spaces, connection dimensions, and installation situations.
- Costing, purchasing, and work preparation: You use dimensions and model information as a technical basis to prepare quotations, procurement, and production.
- Assembly and service: You check part positions, distances, and clearances using current model data. This also clarifies accessibility.
Functions for assembly and installation checks
For an installation check, you load components from different sources together and position them relative to one another. Then you measure the assembly or check it for collisions.
- Virtual assemblies and positioning: Combine models in different formats and position them relative to one another.
- Collision analysis: Detect contacts, intersections, and distances below a defined value.
- Measurements and sections: Inspect distances, angles, radii, holes, connection dimensions, and internal areas.
- Model Info: Determine dimensions, surface area, and volume as well as weight and center of mass after assigning a material.
- Open and convert CAD data: You open supported native CAD files without the original CAD system. The 3D-NativeCAD Converter in 3D-Tool Premium converts suitable models. Target formats include STEP, IGES, Parasolid X_T, SAT, and JT.
Resolve connection and installation situations before manufacturing and assembly
You check purchased parts and assemblies in the complete model before you order, manufacture, or assemble components.
- Identify installation problems earlier: Collisions, insufficient clearance, and incorrect installation dimensions become visible before assembly.
- Inspect supplier components in context: You combine external models with existing machine or plant modules and align them.
- Coordinate connection dimensions and installation positions: You check dimensions and positions directly on the model and document them for technical questions.
View the tutorial on section measurements and exploded views
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can models from different CAD systems be combined into an assembly?
Yes. 3D-Tool loads supported 3D models in different formats together. You position the models and combine them into virtual assemblies for installation checks.
Can 3D-Tool detect collisions and insufficient clearances?
Yes. Collision analysis shows contacts and intersections between parts. Clearance mode displays distances that fall below a defined value.
Can installation situations and spaces be checked without a CAD system?
Yes. Models can be combined into virtual assemblies, positioned, and measured. Collision and clearance analysis also support installation checks.
Can customer and supplier data be opened without the original CAD system?
Yes. 3D-Tool supports native CAD formats and common exchange formats. The available formats depend on the edition used.
Can 3D-Tool help with quotations and manufacturing effort estimates?
Yes. Dimensions, surface area, and volume as well as weight and center of mass after assigning a material can provide a technical basis for quotations and effort estimates. 3D-Tool does not calculate costs automatically.