Learn some tips and techniques to test and validate your CAD models after troubleshooting and debugging them, such as checking geometry, applying standards, and testing in real-world conditions.

The part was just prototyped, drawn and then made. If need be it was flow tested and sent to be FEA'ed. The ultimate was when it was modeled and drawn. Then CNC'ed. By this time the design was approved by the engineers and design team.

As designers we spend months refining cad models. But there is a point, a red line, at which you just got to manufacture the thing and build it. Identifying this red line (when design becomes good enough) is the toughest challenge for many companies.

How do you test and validate your CAD models after troubleshooting and debugging them?

You've spent hours creating your CAD model, fixing errors, and making adjustments. But how do you know if your design is ready for production, simulation, or analysis? Testing and validating your CAD models is a crucial step to ensure quality, accuracy, and functionality. In this article, you'll learn some tips and techniques to test and validate your CAD models after troubleshooting and debugging them.

1 Check geometry and topology

One of the first things you should do is check the geometry and topology of your CAD model. Geometry refers to the shape, size, and orientation of your model, while topology refers to the connectivity and continuity of its surfaces and edges. You can use various tools and commands in your CAD software to inspect and measure your geometry and topology, such as interference detection, mass properties, curvature analysis, and draft analysis. These tools can help you identify and correct any gaps, overlaps, distortions, or inconsistencies in your model.

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R Arun Karthick

Mechanical Design Engineer at KONE ITEC, GEC | Creo PTC | Hypermesh | Ansys | Sheetmetal
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During the stage of modeling that too for massive or complex assemblies it can be approached may be by many methods but so far from my knowledge i have used Bottom up and top down approach For examples, Progressive mechanical sheet metal tools i used to apply bottom up approach therefore none of my tool component will miss, no possibilities of interference within or out of the tool. Most necessary in this progressive tool is process, so by providing fool proof design to arrest wrong assembly of tools.For machinery bearing load structures i used to go for top down approach this is easy for edit and no possibilitiez of missing BOM quantities. It can be created by planes(parameteric model. So drawing will be same except with few changes.

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Vitor Soares

Me. Engenharia nuclear| Professor Engenharia| Engenheiro de controle e automação
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I believe to only check the geometry without any real "simulation" is not enough, I mean, it's possible to spend less time if you "make" your piece/element/project without the material. So you follow the machine process and during its operation you will find out if it's correct or not.

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2 Apply design rules and standards

Another important aspect of testing and validating your CAD models is applying design rules and standards. Design rules and standards are guidelines and specifications that define the requirements and constraints of your design, such as dimensions, tolerances, materials, colors, and symbols. Use design rules and standards to ensure that your CAD model meets the expectations and needs of your clients, customers, or stakeholders. You can also use design rules and standards to check the feasibility and manufacturability of your design, such as its cost, performance, and reliability.

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Joe C.

Solidworks CAD designer/drafter
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The part was just prototyped, drawn and then made. If need be it was flow tested and sent to be FEA'ed. The ultimate was when it was modeled and drawn. Then CNC'ed. By this time the design was approved by the engineers and design team.

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Vitor Soares

Me. Engenharia nuclear| Professor Engenharia| Engenheiro de controle e automação
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For sure you should always follow rules previously agreeded between you and your clients/costumers/stakeholders. Each step of your project should be reviewed before its done, to verify whether its on the perfect shape or not

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3 Perform simulations and analyses

A third way to test and validate your CAD models is to perform simulations and analyses. Simulations and analyses are methods of evaluating the behavior and performance of your design under various conditions and scenarios, such as stress, strain, temperature, fluid flow, and motion. Use these to verify and optimize your design, as well as to identify and resolve any potential issues or risks. Try different types of simulations and analyses depending on your design goals and objectives, such as finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics, kinematic analysis, and dynamic analysis.

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4 Compare with original specifications

A fourth technique to test and validate your CAD models is to compare them with the original specifications. Original specifications are the initial requirements and expectations that you or your clients set for your design, such as its function, appearance, and dimensions. Use original specifications to evaluate how well your CAD model matches your design intent and vision, as well as to assess how well your CAD model meets the needs and preferences of your target audience or market.

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5 Test in real-world conditions

Real-world conditions are the actual environments and situations where your design will be used or implemented, such as a factory, a laboratory, or a customer's home. Use real-world conditions to test the functionality and usability of your design, as well as to measure its performance and quality. You can also use real-world conditions to collect data and feedback from real users or customers, as well as to identify and address any issues or problems that may arise.

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Alex Taits

Designer of Turbine Powered Drones and Generators
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As designers we spend months refining cad models. But there is a point, a red line, at which you just got to manufacture the thing and build it. Identifying this red line (when design becomes good enough) is the toughest challenge for many companies.

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Richard A. Yumang
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To test and validate CAD models, engineers can use simulation software like ANSYS, SolidWorks Simulation, or Autodesk Simulation for virtual testing. These tools analyze stress, deformation, fluid flow, and thermal behavior, providing insights into design performance. Additionally, physical prototypes can be created using 3D printing or traditional methods to validate accuracy, assess functionality, and identify potential issues not apparent in the virtual environment.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you test and validate your CAD models after troubleshooting and debugging them?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Check geometry and topology

2 Apply design rules and standards

3 Perform simulations and analyses

4 Compare with original specifications

5 Test in real-world conditions

6 Here’s what else to consider

Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

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How do you test and validate your CAD models after troubleshooting and debugging them?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Check geometry and topology

2 Apply design rules and standards

3 Perform simulations and analyses

4 Compare with original specifications

5 Test in real-world conditions

6 Here’s what else to consider

Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

Rate this article

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