Free access over 30 million CAD parts on the web

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Nov 20, 2000

A new Internet-based portal which gives UK-based mechanical engineers and designers free access to a library of over 30 million CAD parts was launched at the Manufacturing Week 2000 show

A new Internet-based portal which gives UK-based mechanical engineers and designers free access to a library of over 30 million CAD parts was launched at the Manufacturing Week show, 7-9 November 2000, at the NEC in Birmingham.

The launch of the UK site (http://www.web2cad.co.uk) marks the next step in the global expansion of web2CAD (www.web2CAD.com), which already has a local presence in Germany, France, Italy, Japan and Australia.

As well as the comprehensive CAD parts library, the portal from web2CAD contains additional value-added services and content designed to enhance the productivity of those using the solution.

These include: - an outsourcers database, which provides an immediate searchable resource for portal users looking for suppliers of products and services to add value to their own core activity.

- up-to-date news and information affecting the mechanical engineering community.

- a forum which portal members can use to share information and post questions and replies.

- tools to specify, search and locate component parts and generate supplier inquiries.

Lynne Skelly, founder and UK managing director of web2CAD Ltd, said, "I do not believe that the power of the Internet has been fully exploited to bring benefit to the CAD arena.

The establishment of web2CAD means that, for the first time, mechanical engineers and designers have a comprehensive CAD resource plus a wealth of information at their fingertips which will give them a competitive advantage - at no cost." "No other Web site or portal provides such a comprehensive library of downloadable, parametric CAD parts.

Add the extra content and services and web2CAD becomes an invaluable business productivity tool," Skelly concluded.

The CAD parts library is provided by PowerParts on Web which contains CAD drawings of components by leading manufacturers, all categorised according to the catalogue system of each manufacturer, including dimensions and relevant technical details.