Design automation with modular CAD

A Leonardo Computer Systems product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Sep 18, 2001

Leonardo says Modular CAD is not just another CAD package, but is more advanced and will move a business painlessly into the world of design automation

For many years Leonardo Computer Systems has provided specially written CAD software to automate the planning, scheduling and costing of product layouts.

This has included things like industrial plant and equipment, staging, shelving and racking, wall storage, partitions, washrooms, kitchens, and supermarkets.

Now, all the software technology that was developed for these applications has been incorporated intro a standard software package called Modular CAD, a standard CAD package that handles modular products.

Because Modular CAD contains commands developed specifically to the requirements of our customers it is packed with dozens of unique practical and time saving features that won't be found elsewhere Enter your own product into modular CAD's library complete with all the fitments, right down to the last clip and screw (small items that you don't need to show but which you want listed need not be drawn).

Sketch any complex space fast in full 3D, with all the real world features such as columns, ceiling beams, openings, etc.

Place your product (a cupboard, rack, machinery or partition section) easily and accurately into the interior space in full 3D, simultaneously resizing it to the required dimensions in all directions.

thus building up runs of the product.

Interlocking sections are no problem.

Swap, change, move or delete anything so far placed.

Align units with their neighbours on any edge, and maintain their alignment during moves.

Extract a schedule of units, and a detailed Bill of Material complete with exact panel sizes and fitments, accurate to the last clip and screw.

Pass this information to your manufacturing or quotation software.

Or output a quote direct.

Automatically produce 2D or 3D drawings of units, runs of units and spaces.

Print 3D hidden line or rendered images for presentation purposes.

Modular CAD is many times faster than ordinary CAD, ten times the speed is often not an exaggeration.

It can reside in a project office, be supplied to dealers with pre-prepared libraries of products, or be used interactively by salespeople with customers.

In layout mode It is so easy to use that a child could use it after a few minutes instruction.

Linked quotation software can be provided, using the customers pricing rules.

This software will produce an instant quote from any Modular CAD drawing.

The pricing levels can be maintained by the customer.

The customer can put his own products into Modular CAD, and maintain them.

Leonardo offer a service to help initially, but product data is always totally under customer's control.

As new products come along it is simple for to add them in.

Working in 3D becomes effortless.

3D immediately shows things that 2D drawings cannot.

Instant, understandable visuals win business.

Users decide what data is needed from Modular CAD, what it is called, and how it is extracted.

It's the same with drawings, they can be simply tailored to the customer's own format.

Modular CAD is infinitely flexible.

Modular CAD's ability to swap, move and change units instantly, automatically rearranging the run, enables complete planning flexibility without the need to start all over again - runs automatically re-arrange themselves.

Users can limit Modular CAD's choices to ensure that only standard products are offered.

Alternatively users can make Modular CAD totally flexible, making any unit size, material, or finish possible to meet customer requirements.

The ability to plan proposals fast and make changes easily, enables meetings joint planning meetings with customers, and thus offer an accurate quote on the spot.