3D CAD has become one of the most important information carriers in the modern product development organisation. The CAD data has enabled more efficient product development through the analysis and visualisation that can be done with the information. The transition to 3D has also provided non-technical people (such as purchasing and marketing) with an opportunity to better understand and use design data. Simply put, a 3D model is easier to understand than a 2D drawing.

A problem hampering the use of CAD data, however, is the file size. CAD data is difficult to move and difficult to handle on most desktop computers. Therefore only a small part of the company (the construction department) can actually view and use the CAD information. The most common way to communicate new designs is still to send a screenshot which, of course, has limited information value and creates unnecessary extra work.

The solution, obviously, is to use lightweight 3D. XVL is an exciting lightweight format that allows the use of complex CAD files on an ordinary desktop computer. Read more about this in Solutions and Tools Support .

At Condesign we have extensive experience of CAD use. We have worked with both design and the reuse of design data since the 80s. With our experience and expertise we can help our clients work with their CAD data as effectively as possible throughout the product development process, from design to documentation and visualisation.

We work with most available tools and formats in the market, and we can develop processes for efficient reuse, selecting the best tools for your business needs. Read more about this under Services .

A particularly exciting development is how Japan has combined the management of CAD data with Lean Product Support, offering an unprecedented opportunity to streamline product development. Read more about this in Lean Product Support.