Software Automatically Identifies Suitable Parts for 3D Printing Using 2D Drawings

Castor has developed a software that automatically identifies parts that are viable to consider for 3D printing, out of thousands of files, using a set of geometric and economic analyses. The company says this technology makes it possible to automatically identify parts for 3D printing using 2D drawings, even when 3D CAD files are not available. 

This capability is said to solve a problem many companies face, particularly if they rely on 2D drawings that are decades old which may make it difficult and time-consuming to determine which of their parts could be 3D printed. The technology behind Castor’s 2D analysis is based on a computer vision that interprets the geometry and product manufacturing information (PMI) of each part; and machine learning models that have gained deeper insights and improved over time due to the number of parts that are uploaded to Castor on a daily basis.

The software is designed to automate the complex process which is required to manually analyze a large number of parts. The company says the software offers a feasible way for companies to assess the compatibility of additive manufacturing (AM) by automatically analyzing their design files to gain valuable data and knowledge regarding the potential of AM for them. It is said this tool can help users find new business cases and discover opportunities to reach their initiatives and 3D printing goals using their existing 2D design files.

This analysis is well suited for tackling legacy products or building an AM spare parts program, the company says. The software enables users to upload thousands of parts from 2D drawings at once. Once parts are uploaded, the software automatically extracts PMI out of PDF files of 2D Drawings and calculates parts’ size, volume, complexity and more based on dimensions from projected views. It then suggests 3D printability of parts, recommends optimal technology and materials and performs a financial analysis of AM compared to traditional manufacturing. It also exports useful information and insights, both as a formal PDF report and a raw data excel sheet.