Every day, design offices waste precious hours manually correcting geometric errors resulting from faulty CAD conversions. Corrupted files, missing surfaces, and topological issues turn a simple data exchange into a technical headache. CADfix DX automates this complex geometric repair by processing more than 30 native CAD formats, ensuring model integrity for your critical CAE analyses and simulations. Discover how this geometry healing solution is revolutionizing multi-format conversion workflows.
What is CADfix DX?
CADfix DX is a professional CAD interoperability solution specifically designed to solve complex 3D data conversion and preparation issues. Acting as a central hub for technical data exchange, this software facilitates the migration of models between different CAD systems, their preparation for simulation (CAE), and their optimization for manufacturing.
Developed to meet the demands of the aerospace, automotive, energy, and manufacturing industries, CADfix DX establishes itself as the essential tool for companies facing multi-CAD environments where model accuracy and reliability are critical.
CAD-CAE Interoperability Challenges
Engineering teams face recurring obstacles in their product development processes:
- Loss of geometric integrity during conversions between native formats
- Excessive time spent on manual model repair
- Complexity in simplifying models for simulation
- Difficulties in extracting fluid volumes for CFD analyses
- Persistent incompatibilities between proprietary systems
These technical challenges directly translate into costly delays, production errors, and operational inefficiencies that compromise time-to-market and final product quality.
Key Features of CADfix DX
Multi-CAD Import/Export
CADfix DX handles a wide range of CAD formats without requiring the installation of original native systems:
- Full support for major formats: CATIA (V4/V5/3DEXPERIENCE), NX, Creo, SolidWorks
- Support for neutral standards: STEP, IGES, JT, Parasolid, ACIS
- Multi-file merging capability for complex assemblies
- Optimized export to analysis and simulation formats
Automatic Model Repair
The geometric diagnosis and repair engine automatically identifies and corrects issues resulting from conversions between systems:
- Comprehensive model integrity analysis
- Intelligent closure of gaps and surface discontinuities
- Reconstruction of missing or defective faces
- Restoration of non-watertight solids
- Correction of invalid geometric intersections
Advanced Defeaturing Tools
Intelligent model simplification optimizes finite element analysis and simulation:
- Automatic removal of features irrelevant for analysis
- Parametric elimination of holes, fillets, and chamfers
- Correction of sharp angles problematic for meshing
- Cleaning of narrow regions impacting simulation quality
- Targeted simplification preserving areas of analytical interest
Specialized Preparation for CFD
Fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses benefit from automated model preparation:
- Intelligent extraction of internal and external fluid volumes
- Automated creation of flow domains
- Optimized subdivision for multi-physics analyses
- Precise imprint of interfaces between contacting solids
- Hermetic closure of fluid envelopes
STL Processing and Meshing
CADfix DX offers advanced features for STL file management and mesh preparation:
- Automatic verification and repair of defective STL meshes
- Intelligent decimation preserving key features
- Shrink-wrap envelope generation for extreme simplification
- Export to multiple mesh formats for different solvers
- Facet density optimization according to regions
Flexible Operation Modes
CADfix DX's operational adaptability meets the varied needs of users:
- Wizard mode for complete automation of recurring workflows
- Semi-automatic mode with intelligent diagnostics and suggestions
- Full interactive interface for precise operation control
- Instant switching between different modes
- Parameter customization according to specific project requirements
Benefits of CADfix DX
Process Efficiency
Performance metrics demonstrate a positive impact on processing times:
- Documented reduction in conversion times of up to 90%
- Increase in conversion success rates from 65-70% to 90-95%
- Automated processing of complex assemblies with thousands of components
- Significant reduction in iterations between design and analysis departments
Quality and Reliability
The accuracy and consistency of processed models ensure reliable results:
- Complete repair maintaining geometric integrity of models
- Optimized preparation eliminating common meshing errors
- Detailed diagnostics identifying 98% of potential issues
- Geometric consistency preserved even after multiple conversions
Automation and Integration
Integration into existing PLM environments brings considerable added value:
- Batch processing without manual intervention
- Customizable configuration for different industrial workflows
- Full API integration with existing PLM and PDM systems
- Automation of repetitive tasks via dedicated scripts and macros
Return on Investment
Economic analyses demonstrate a rapid ROI, measured in weeks rather than months:
- Elimination of up to 85% of manual model rework
- Documented reduction in labor costs related to conversion
- Engineers' time freed for higher value-added tasks
- Typical payback in 3-4 weeks for intensive multi-CAD environments
Concrete Applications and Case Studies
Casting Analysis (Foundry)
A transmission housing manufacturer transformed its simulation preparation process:
- Reliable conversion of multiple CAD formats to optimized STL
- Preparation time reduced from 20 hours to less than 2 hours per model
- Automated geometric repair enabling the saving of critical contracts
- 30% improvement in simulation accuracy thanks to model quality
Tier 1 Automotive Supplier
An automotive component supplier revolutionized its data exchange chain:
- Standardization of exchanges with OEM customers and subcontractors
- Improvement in conversion success rate from 65-70% to over 90%
- Full return on investment achieved in just 3 weeks
- 45% reduction in lead time to manufacturing
Aviation Engines
An aircraft engine designer optimized its structural analysis chain:
- Smooth conversion of CATIA models to ANSYS for FEA analyses
- Improvement in success rate from 20-25% to 90-95%
- 50-60% of geometric repairs now fully automated
- 70% reduction in model preparation time for certification
Summary of Key Benefits
CADfix DX fundamentally transforms the way companies manage their technical data by:
- Enabling efficient reuse of CAD data for different applications without quality loss
- Providing unique and comprehensive model repair for multiple downstream uses
- Eliminating the need for manual rework at each stage of the development process
- Allowing engineers to focus on their core expertise rather than conversion issues
- Significantly accelerating product development and time-to-market cycles