Mechanical Engineering CAD Models

GenCAD - Turning Images into Editable 3D Designs Creating CAD models is still slow, manual, and often frustrating - especially when dealing with complex geometries. That’s why a team at MIT developed GenCAD, a new AI-powered system that generates parametric, editable CAD models directly from images. 👉 Instead of working with meshes or point clouds (which are hard to edit), GenCAD focuses on real-world engineering needs: - Modifiability - Manufacturability - Cross-modal generation (image → CAD) 🔍 How it works: GenCAD combines: - Autoregressive transformers (to model CAD command sequences) - Contrastive learning (to align images with CAD representations) - Latent diffusion (for high-quality generation) 📄 Paper: https://lnkd.in/eahBwEfC 🔗 Website: https://gencad.github.io/ 💻 Code: https://lnkd.in/eJgrNBqs

what's new in revit 2026 part 3: structural features Parametric Rebar Cranking: Rebars can now include parametric crank adjustments-perfect for tight layout conditions and adaptable across similar elements. -Editable Steel Connections: You can now directly modify plates, bolts, and other components without risking accidental deletions. Steel Modeling with Point-to-Point Precision: Enhanced tools allow you to place structural steel members more accurately using point-to-point input-great for detailed takeoff and alignment. -Automatic Material Assignment for Steel Plates: New steel plates are now auto-assigned materials based on the project's unit settings. - Improved Steel Family Parameters: New built-in parameters provide accurate paint area and precise weight values for steel elements. - Enhanced Rebar Visualization: You can now display the start and end of rebars more clearly in both 2D and 3D, making it easier to place bends and hooks. -Fabric Sheet Cover Control: Improved control when placing fabric sheets ensures proper depth for more accurate precast detailing. - Updated Design Code Support: Structural analysis tools now include up-to-date RSA support for Eurocode, Indian, Canadian, and Australian standards.

🚀 𝗘𝗧𝗟 + 𝗔𝗜 + 𝗻𝟴𝗻 = 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗜𝗠 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻? In just a few minutes, tools like Claude or ChatGPT can now generate a full n8n pipeline that: ✅ Opens and structures closed and complex CAD data ✅ Extracts BIM quantities (QTO) from .rvt, .ifc, or .dwg ✅ Transforms and aggregates data (e.g., by "Type Name" or "Category") ✅ Generates a clean HTML report with summaries, styling, and visual structure 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁? No plugins. No API. No Revit. No Autodesk®. No manual processing. Just one click — and the entire ETL chain is done. We built these tools for some of the most advanced players in construction and design. Now you can use them, too — without the steep learning curve. 🔁 This is not just automation — it's a paradigm shift: Instead of manual grouping of elements using special interfaces and manual cleaning up schedules, BIM coordinators now: ▪️ Define the rules once (e.g. group by OST_Walls, sum Volume) ▪️ Let the pipeline do the rest ▪️ Review structured results instead of raw and heterogeneous model formats 💡 This workflow: ▪️ Replaces repetitive tasks ▪️ Reduces human error ▪️ Makes CAD/BIM data transparent and reusable across teams 📊 𝗘𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗲: → You upload 5 Revit files. → The pipeline extracts 100,000+ elements. → Filters only OST_Walls → Aggregates Volume by Type Name in category OST_Walls → Generates a 100% HTML dashboard in 30 seconds ✨ 𝗕𝗜𝗠 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗜𝗠 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻. With ETL + AI + n8n, we’re not just speeding up BIM — We’re replacing the old workflows entirely. No cloud APIs. No licensing issues. Work in a open and free tools where your data is yours. Try it now: A simple n8n pipeline for converting CAD-BIM + QTO: 𝗚𝗶𝘁𝗛𝘂𝗯 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e5pFKYsz Adding an LLM to CAD-BIM pipeline: 𝗚𝗶𝘁𝗛𝘂𝗯 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ebngXgkj ☞ Need to rewrite or add to Pipeline actions just drop the .json n8nfile directly into LLM chat (Claude, ChatGPT, DeepSeek) and describe what you want to do. ♻️ Repost for a colleague who is tired of choosing the right software to get data from CAD projects and process it. Feel free to share your ideas or suggestions for use - via DM or in comments.

🚀 In this tutorial, I demonstrate a powerful new feature in NX CAD that significantly improves surface creation and quality. The "Split Output Along Boundary Curves" toggle, introduced in updates 2412 and expanded in 2506, addresses long-standing issues with surface continuity across boundaries. 🎯 What You'll Learn: How to use the new Split Output Along Boundary Curves feature Why this toggle should be your default setting for most surface operations How it eliminates tangent breaks and discontinuities automatically ✨ When to use Parameter vs Arc Length alignment options Applications across multiple surfacing tools (Through Curves, Through Curve Mesh, Studio Surface, Ruled, and Swept features) 🏆 Key Benefits Covered: Eliminates the need for manual surface rebuilding and patching Automatically maintains proper continuity across surface boundaries Reduces extra work traditionally required for smooth surface transitions Creates cleaner, simpler surfaces with better mathematical properties 🔧 This feature is available in Through Curves, Through Curve Mesh, Studio Surface, Ruled, and Swept operations, making it a comprehensive improvement to NX's surfacing capabilities. 🎯 Perfect for intermediate to advanced NX users looking to improve their surfacing workflow and create higher-quality surfaces with less manual intervention. 📌 Timestamps and detailed breakdown available in comments below. 🔔 Don't forget to subscribe for more NX CAD tips and advanced surfacing techniques! https://lnkd.in/gjtDqemx 🏷️ HASHTAGS: #NXcad #CAD #CADTutorial #3DDesign #SurfaceModeling #NXTutorial #CADTips #Engineering #Design #Tutorial #SurfaceContinuity #ParametricDesign #CADTraining #NXDesign #3DModeling #CADSoftware #ProductDesign #TechnicalDesign #CADTricks #ContinuousImprovement #SurfaceDesign #CADDesign #3DModelingTips #NXCADTutorial #SurfaceQuality #CADInnovation

🚀 KiCad 9 just dropped last week, bringing a ton of new features, usability improvements, and over 4,800 commits from contributors worldwide. If you’re a PCB designer, this is big. 🔥 Top new features: ✅ Embedded files – No more chasing down missing fonts, 3D models, or external dependencies. Your projects are now fully self-contained. ✅ Multi-channel design support – Easily duplicate and synchronize PCB layout elements for multi-channel circuits. Useful for big projects! ✅ Bezier curve tool – Smooth, precise curves in schematics and PCB designs. Useful if routing more complex designs or more careful management of impedance controlled signals. ✅ Component classes & enhanced DRC/ERC – More control over rule definitions and custom error reporting. Especially helpful when designing for mass assembly, thermal clearance for chips that get hot, and less tombstoning during assembly. ✅ Jobsets for automated outputs – Streamline your export, plotting, and verification processes. I like that these outputs are being automated by ECAD tools as a standard practice. Makes tape out much less painful! The next one may seem simple, but this is the biggest one for me! ✅ Net class rule areas - “James Jackson added support for schematic net class rule areas that allow users to draw a shape to which net class directives can be attached to all nets defined by the shape.” - KiCAD ————————————————— With KiCad 8 no longer actively maintained when it comes to new features, should you upgrade to version 9? Or, like people have been debating…is it time to switch from other ECAD tools to KiCad? I’ll be testing it out this week and next week, comparing it with other ECAD software and sharing real-world insights. More updates in my next post! Have you tried KiCad 9 yet? What’s your favorite update? Drop your thoughts below! 👇 #KiCad9 #PCBDesign #HardwareEngineering #OpenSource #ECAD

Today, Backflip AI is unveiling a new Foundation model that can build precise, engineering parts in existing 3D design packages. This breakthrough will dramatically accelerate the pace of hardware development and drive down the cost of manufacturing. Our new AI model solves the long-standing pain of converting a 3D scan into a parametric CAD model. In one click. We finally did it. 3D scanners map the surface of an object with incredible precision, quickly generating millions of data points, but they produce micro surface textures that can’t be manufactured with traditional tools. Our technology automatically converts these intricate surfaces into clean geometries designed for existing 3D CAD and manufacturing software. The first model will be available to early users in a month. You can access it online, or through a SOLIDWORKS plugin. After the AI generates a 3D model, it will drive Solidworks to create a native file with a full feature tree you can edit. Here's a cool article from Michael Alba at engineering.com (link in the comments). There are two target users for this new AI model. The obvious one is existing CAD designers who want to save hours of their life by automatically converting a scan to CAD. We're so excited to be done doing that by hand. The second set of users is much bigger. For a given automotive factory, there may be 1-2 CAD engineers, and 2,000-5,000 brilliant, mechanically savvy technicians assembling the cars / keeping the lines running. But many don't know CAD. Our new AI model will flatten the learning curve and help them get all the parts around them into parametric CAD. In the near future, everyone will be able to create the world around them.

I’ve created a step-by-step video course on how to model a Formula 1 car in SOLIDWORKS 🏎️👉 https://lnkd.in/eZbDrbEn This steering wheel is just one piece of the much bigger project. Inside the full course, I guide you through: ✅ Building a complete Formula 1 car from scratch in SOLIDWORKS ✅ Running CFD simulations to analyze aerodynamics ✅ Identifying drag problems and design flaws ✅ Making smart design changes that reduce drag and boost downforce by +236% (!) One comment I often hear is: “In real life you don’t have perfect blueprints available.” I actually think differently. In fact, as a Lead Product Designer myself, I always use underlayers when creating new designs. An underlayer doesn’t have to be a perfect technical line drawing — it can also be a picture of a similar product or even a simple hand sketch. The point is: you don’t have to start from a completely blank sheet in SOLIDWORKS. Having a visual reference accelerates creativity and keeps your design process structured. The course isn’t just about modeling a car — it’s about learning how to think and work like a SOLIDWORKS pro. By the end, you’ll have the skills to design, analyze, and optimize complex products that impress clients, employers, and even yourself. Curious to get started? In the free preview, I’ll kick things off by modeling an F1 driver helmet step by step 🏎️👉 https://lnkd.in/eZbDrbEn #SOLIDWORKS #SolidWorksTutorial #SolidWorksDesign #SurfaceModeling #CAD #3DModeling #3DDesign #EngineeringDesign #MechanicalEngineering #ProductDesign #EngineeringEducation #Innovation #CFD #AutomotiveDesign #Formula1 #CADDesigner #DassaultSystems

I’ve reviewed CAD that looked flawless: ✔ Fully constrained ✔ No rebuild errors ✔ Everything aligned and clean But dig deeper—and you find: ▸ Bolts that can’t be reached ▸ Tolerances that stack the wrong way ▸ Interferences that don’t show until it’s too late ▸ No plan for fixturing, welding, or inspection That’s the illusion of clean CAD: When a model looks “done” but was never engineered to work. CAD is visual. But manufacturing is physical. If your design hasn’t been pressure-tested in the real world, then all that perfection is just a false positive. Don’t let visual clarity hide mechanical risk. Ever caught a "clean" model that nearly became a costly mistake? #engineering #cad #designreview #productdevelopment #solidworks #solidedge #projektdesign #dfm #mechanicalengineering #manufacturing

Mastering Drafting: The Core of Mechanical Engineering In mechanical engineering, drafting is more than a skill, it’s a discipline that underpins the entire product development cycle. Whether in 2D or 3D, a draft serves as the blueprint of engineering, conveying design intent, functional requirements, and manufacturing constraints with absolute precision. But mastering drafting goes far beyond learning CAD tools. It requires fluency in engineering principles and universal communication standards: 🔹 GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) – Defining permissible variation for form, fit, and function. 🔹 Sectional Views & Orthographic Projections – Making complex geometries and internal features clear. 🔹 Surface Finish & Roughness Symbols – Specifying machining and performance requirements. 🔹 Welding, Fastening & Assembly Symbols – Ensuring structural integrity and serviceability. 🔹 BOM (Bill of Materials) Integration – Connecting designs seamlessly to manufacturing. Why It Matters 1️⃣ Accuracy in Communication – Engineering drawings are the definitive authority in production. Precision eliminates ambiguity across machinists, fabricators, and quality engineers. 2️⃣ Foundation for Manufacturing – Drafting feeds into CAM, CNC programming, and additive manufacturing workflows. Poor drawings lead to inefficiency, rework, and wasted cost. 3️⃣ Standards Compliance – Mastery of ASME Y14.5, ISO 1101, and related standards ensures designs are universally understood across industries and geographies. 4️⃣ Design Validation – FEA, CFD, and tolerance stack-ups rely on accurate geometry and boundary conditions defined in the draft. 5️⃣ Lifecycle Documentation – Drawings live on in PLM systems, supporting maintenance, retrofitting, and audits long after release. Drafting: More Than Just Dimensions Drafting is often mistaken for “putting dimensions on paper.” In reality, it’s an art form, an evolving skill that takes years to perfect. A mechanical drawing must capture not only geometry, but also functionality, manufacturability, and assembly intent. Every line, datum, and symbol carries weight. A misplaced tolerance or unclear view can mean delays, scrap, or even product failure. What makes drafting an art is the balance between technical rigor and clear communication: * Choosing the right views and projections. * Applying GD&T without over-constraining. * Specifying tolerances that balance performance with manufacturability. * Using symbols, notes, and BOM references to ensure universal understanding. Final Thought Drafting is the visual language of mechanical engineering. It bridges design and production, transforms concepts into reality, and safeguards the integrity of a product throughout its lifecycle. For mechanical engineers, mastering drafting is not optional, it is a professional necessity.

INDUSTRIAL DESIGNERS: perfect design doesn’t equal perfect products ——— You design a perfect seam between two parts, 0.2mm gap looks beautiful in CAD. Then manufacturing adds their tolerance: ±0.15mm per part. Now that seam could be almost 0.5mm or it could be invisible. Both happen on the same production line, same day, same batch. This is why Apple pays obscene money for tight tolerances and why everything else feels cheaper by comparison. It's not that other companies can't design good seams, it's that they can't guarantee them at scale without paying Apple prices. Design for worst-case tolerance stack, not nominal. If your seam looks good at ±0.15mm per part, it needs to look acceptable at ±0.3mm per part (both parts max tolerance in the same direction). This means bigger chamfers, more forgiving radii, and sometimes accepting a slightly larger gap that's consistent rather than a tight gap that varies. Consistency beats perfection. Users notice variation more than they notice a slightly larger but uniform gap. When every unit looks different, even a good design reads as poor quality control. ——— Need help with design → https://craftedby.agency/