Approaches to assembling parts using CAD

Verification that the various parts of an assembly fit together correctly is an important use of CAD systems. This can also extend to mechanism simulation. It can, however, be time-consuming if the CAD system is not sufficiently sophisticated. An alternative is to perform the assembly using separate software based on simpler models of the individual parts. The assembled version can then be transferred to the CAD system, using transformation data and the full models of the parts put together. This article looks at the problem of handling the task of assembling the various parts of an overall design. It is important to check that mating features really do fit together before manufacture takes place. It looks at the case where the CAD capabilities are limited