Stop Managing CAD Files Like It's Y2K: The Future of 3D Modeling is Here

While the rest of the software world has embraced cloud-native solutions, many engineering teams are still managing CAD data like it’s 1999. Onshape by PTC is changing that, bringing 3D modeling firmly into the modern era.

Here’s how cloud-native CAD is transforming 3D modeling and product development.

Beyond Basic Collaboration Tools

Onshape breaks free from the constraints of traditional CAD systems that demanded specialized workstations, particular graphics cards, and extensive IT support. By leveraging WebGL technology, Onshape renders complex 3D models directly in your browser with exceptional speed and reliability. This delivers a complete CAD and PDM system capable of managing complex assemblies with thousands of parts. Engineers create parts, assemblies, and drawings with the same depth as traditional desktop tools, while accessing specialized features for sheet metal design, product configurations, and advanced surface modeling – all through a standard web browser.

True Concurrent Engineering

Onshape transforms engineering collaboration through genuine real-time co-editing capabilities. Similar to modern document platforms, multiple engineers work on the same design at once, with changes appearing instantly for all users. This goes beyond simple screen sharing – Onshape enables true concurrent engineering where team members modify different aspects of the same model simultaneously, eliminating the check-in/check-out bottlenecks inherent in file-based systems.

Integrated PDM and Release Management

The transition from design to manufacturing has been streamlined with built-in release management and approval workflows. Engineers can create and manage release packages directly within the system, complete with automated part numbering and revision control. The system maintains a comprehensive audit trail of all changes and approvals, ensuring compliance and traceability throughout the product development process.

Streamlining Team Workflows

Modern CAD platforms now integrate project management directly into the design environment. Teams can create, assign, and track tasks within the context of their 3D models. This allows seamless communication about specific design elements, with the ability to reference exact views and components in task descriptions. The system even provides action item panels that show all pending tasks and their current status, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.

Real-Time Design Reviews Made Simple

Onshape’s Follow mode revolutionizes remote design reviews by allowing team members to literally see through each other’s eyes. During collaborative sessions, engineers can track their colleagues’ viewport in real-time – as one person rotates, zooms, or sections the model, others follow along automatically. This feature transforms how teams conduct design reviews, whether participants are across the room or across the globe. By double-clicking on another user's avatar, you instantly sync views, making it effortless to focus on specific design details or concerns during discussions.

Git-Like Version Control for CAD

Taking cues from software development practices, modern CAD systems have adopted Git-like branching and merging capabilities. Instead of creating multiple copies of files or using "Save As," engineers can create branches to explore design alternatives, conduct DFM (design for manufacturing) studies, or work on different versions simultaneously. These branches can later be merged back into the main design, maintaining a clear history of all design decisions and changes.

Extended CAD Feature Capabilities

Cloud-based platforms often provide the ability to create and share custom features that extend the system’s capabilities. For example, engineers can create automated tools for generating complex components like belts, which can then be shared across the organization. These custom features can be added to anyone's toolbar, democratizing specialized design tools and ensuring consistency across teams. By the way, here is more information on the Belt feature, which you can add to your toolbar.

Real-Time Stress and Modal Analysis

Built-in simulation capabilities allow engineers to validate designs without switching between multiple software packages. The system can perform stress analysis and modal studies directly within the modeling environment, leveraging cloud computing resources for fast results. Because the simulation is integrated with the CAD model, updates to the design automatically trigger new analyses, ensuring validation stays current with design changes.

Design Anywhere with Mobile CAD

The power of professional CAD is now available on mobile devices, allowing engineers to view, edit, and share designs from anywhere. This isn't just a mobile viewer – it’s the full CAD system running on phones and tablets. Engineers can make design changes, conduct reviews, and approve releases from the shop floor or while visiting suppliers, dramatically accelerating the development process.

Instant Standard Component Access

Integration with supplier catalogs, like McMaster-Carr, streamlines the component selection process. Engineers can search, configure, and import standard parts directly into their designs. The system maintains the relationship with the supplier's catalog, making it easy to update components if specifications change and ensuring accurate part numbers for procurement.

Never Lose Work Again

Onshape continuously saves every change, eliminating the risk of lost work due to crashes or hardware failures. There's no need to manually save files – every operation is automatically recorded in the database. This means engineers can never lose their work, even if their computer crashes or loses power. The system maintains a complete history of all changes, making it easy to review or revert to previous versions if needed.

Multi-Part Design in a Single Environment

The Part Studio concept revolutionizes how related parts are designed. Instead of creating separate files for each component, engineers can design multiple parts together while maintaining their independence. This approach is particularly powerful for designing assemblies where parts need to maintain specific relationships, making it easier to implement design changes that affect multiple components.

Augmented Reality in the Design Process

AR capabilities transform how teams review and validate designs. Engineers can view their 3D models at full scale in real environments using mobile devices, making it easier to understand scale and fit. This capability is particularly valuable for design reviews and customer presentations, allowing stakeholders to visualize the final product in its intended environment.

Professional Rendering Made Simple

Built-in rendering capabilities allow teams to create photorealistic images of their designs without requiring separate specialized software. Engineers can apply materials, set up lighting, and generate high-quality renderings directly within the CAD environment. This integration streamlines the process of creating marketing materials and design presentations, eliminating the need for specialized rendering expertise or additional software licenses.

Future-Forward 3D Modeling

The shift to cloud-native CAD represents more than just new technology – it removes barriers between engineers and effective design. After decades of working around file-based CAD limitations, Onshape demonstrates a more efficient path forward.

The Y2K era has passed. Modern product development demands modern tools.