Design automation explained

Design automation transforms CAD expertise into algorithms,
streamlining the design workflow for professionals and enabling users of
any skill level to produce high-quality designs.

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Inductor coil
Design automation operates based on a specific ruleset. Variable features are defined, and users can then modify them to suit their preferences.
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Vacuum gripper
Design features can be modified quickly and easily at the click of a mouse, without manual intervention in CAD software. 
Leg orthopedic device
Orthopedic device
Design automation can conform a design to a patient’s individual characteristics in seconds, without manual 3D modeling. 
WHAT

Automate design processes

Design automation uses software to speed up the CAD design process by automating specific tasks. Instead of performing operations manually in CAD software, they're handled automatically, boosting efficiency and productivity.
The software uses set rules, constraints, and logic, allowing users to input and modify design features with ease. Sophisticated algorithms work in the background generating a design from these inputs, minimizing manual intervention in CAD software.
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WHY

CAD design, simplified

Unrestricted by repetitive, time-consuming design steps, experts can focus on creativity and innovation, leading to better, more advanced products. At the same time, design becomes accessible to CAD novices, enabling people of all skill levels to produce high-quality, accurate designs.
Through this approach, organizations can gain a competitive edge by delivering products to market faster, and can involve a varied group of stakeholders in the design process – even extending to customers.
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How does design automation work? 

Upload data, modify design settings, and let the algorithms handle the complexities.
Our powerful paramate engine works in the background to output a digital file optimized for 3D printing.

Configuration
inputs 

  • Interactive tools: Drag and drop,
    point and click, numbers, sliders
  • 3D assets: 3D models, scan data
  • 2D data: Graphics, text, images
  • Data sets: Spreadsheets

Automated
processing

DA

Powered by paramate

Production-
ready data

  • STL and 3MF files for 3D printing
  • PDF files with drawings and documentation
  • Part lists, prices, analytics, or other metadata
WHO

For novices and experts

Design automation benefits everyone, from CAD novices to seasoned experts. Professionals can boost their productivity by automating repetitive CAD tasks, leaving them more time for complex design work.
Those with no design experience can benefit from intuitive, preconfigured design interfaces that help them to achieve professional-quality results. Each design adheres to predefined rules that minimize errors, ensuring time and resources are used effectively.
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Benefits

Maximize efficiency

Anything that can be designed in CAD software can be defined with design automation rules. An automated design approach speeds up product development, cuts lead times, and reduces costs, leading to better, more refined products.
It also reduces the chance of costly fixes from design errors, for a reliable design process with more consistent output. Overall, design automation improves efficiency, streamlines the design workflow, and increases design process flexibility.
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Frequently asked questions

What is design automation?

Design automation streamlines repetitive, manual CAD tasks that occupy a significant amount of time for skilled designers. Software-defined rules capture design expertise as powerful algorithms that ensure product consistency and quality, allowing designers to work more efficiently.

This results in reduced costs and lead times, and better, more advanced products. Design automation can also democratize design by allowing individuals of any skill level to create and modify custom products without steep CAD learning curves.

What are the different types of design automation available?

There are several types of design automation, including generative design, parametric design, and algorithmic design.

While each of these methods has unique characteristics and differences, they have the use of automation, algorithms, and customization in common. They automate design processes, use algorithms to generate designs, and enable tailored design modifications.

These approaches enhance efficiency, offer flexibility, and can be adapted to various design domains. trinckle software uses elements of all of these methods to produce designs.

What are some typical applications of design automation?

Design automation is widely used across many industries. A key application is in 3D printing, commonly known as "DfAM" (Design for Additive Manufacturing). Industries, especially automotive, are adopting it to improve product development, save costs, and explore new business prospects.

It's used to design custom fixtures for manufacturing, robotic arm tooling, custom lightweight grippers, adjustable copper inductors, and customized gears. It even reaches specialized sectors like custom orthopedic shoe creation and dental procedures.

What are the main benefits of design automation?

Design automation not only ensures enhanced design efficiency, significant time saving, faster lead times, and substantial cost savings in the production process, but also paves the way for custom products that are often more advanced and better in quality. It also eliminates the hassle of repetitive design steps that are common in CAD workflows.

This frees up valuable time and allows experienced engineers to focus on critical tasks. Design automation software also enables even non-CAD experts to create and modify designs to their needs, making it a universal tool that fuels innovation.

What does a design automation workflow look like?

A part is created using traditional CAD design. This design is then imported into a design automation tool, such as fixturemate, where the user can input and adjust design features to suit their needs. Powerful algorithms within the software transform these rule-based inputs into complex design actions.

The design is exported as an STL file, making it ready for a 3D printing workflow. Once the 3D printing process is complete, the part is deployed to wherever it's needed. This entire process can be completed from start to finish in a matter of hours.

What is paramate?

paramate is the engine that powers all trinckle applications. It's a high-performance, modular cloud platform tailored for repetitive design processes and sophisticated product customization. It generates model geometries in real-time, enabling fully-automated workflows. By blending algorithm-driven CAD with user-friendly configuration interfaces, paramate offers flexible modular components that can be adapted to specific applications.

fixturemate
Reduce repetitive CAD tasks with web-based software that enables anyone to design and configure fixtures.
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Custom solution
Collaborate with us to develop a design automation solution tailored precisely to your use case.
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