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, work preparation, assembly, and service teams also need to assess machines, assemblies, and supplier components quickly.
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: Inspect machines and assemblies together with purchased parts and supplier components.
- Project planning and plant engineering: Combine plant modules and check installation spaces, connection dimensions, and installation situations.
- Costing, purchasing, and work preparation: Use dimensions and model information as a technical basis for quotations, procurement, and production planning.
- Assembly and service: Check part positions, distances, clearances, and accessibility using current model data.
Functions for assembly and installation checks
Installation checks require components from different sources to be loaded together, positioned relative to one another, and then measured or checked 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: Open supported native CAD files without the original CAD system. The 3D-NativeCAD Converter in 3D-Tool Premium can convert suitable models to formats including STEP, IGES, Parasolid X_T, SAT, and JT.
Resolve connection and installation situations before manufacturing and assembly
Purchased parts and assemblies can be checked in the complete model before components are ordered, manufactured, or assembled.
- Identify installation problems earlier: Collisions, insufficient clearance, and incorrect installation dimensions become visible before assembly.
- Inspect supplier components in context: External models can be combined and aligned with existing machine or plant modules.
- Coordinate connection dimensions and installation positions: 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. Supported 3D models in different formats can be loaded together, positioned, and combined 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.