The furnishing and design sector present an infinite creative range. In addition, the demand is characterized by needs as varied as they can be complex. An efficient design and manufacturing tool is therefore essential. The question is how to find the rare pearl, adaptable to both customer requirements and project constraints, but also capable of preserving efficiency, reliability, and – the most important – respect delivery deadlines.

With TopSolid’Wood, a solution specialized in furnishings, TopSolid SAS reveals the five features that are necessary for CAD/CAM software to meet the challenges of the sector.

1) Intuitive modeling features

Design and produce, this is the main answer to which a CAD/CAM software worthy of the name must respond. It is therefore important that it offers highly relevant features to cover all the user’s needs. For the woodworking industry, such features include material removal, configuration of assemblies between parts, parametric 3D modeling, as well as advanced software customization to allow for greater benefit and ease of use. And the list goes on.

Imagine a tool that is easy to use, providing you with a range of tools adapted to meet your needs.

The TopSolid’Wood solution includes all those features and more: the application works in real-time and provides results that are as realistic as possible, whether the designs are simple or specific and complex, and all this while saving considerable time!

Slot function

Profiling function

2) Scalable component libraries

Most CAD/CAM software offers “turnkey” component libraries designed to increase productivity. However, there are very few norms or standards for the design industry, as each company has its own specific needs, even for the most obvious components. How then, can you increase productivity by using component libraries that are certainly rich and easy to use, but that do not take into account the unique character of each designer when the point is to bring out the DNA of the designs?

The answer lies in the ability to create your own scalable component library capable of growing daily, by integrating, new methods or different means of production. It is important to understand that it is the company’s practices that enrich the software library, and make it possible to create, capitalize and then factorize know-how. This is not possible with turnkey solutions.

In short, customization and configuration power of a component library are essential criteria for choosing a CAD/CAM software. Think about it when the time comes!

Scalable component libraries

3) Real-time visualization of the changes made

In the vast CAD/CAM software market, keep in mind that most tools use a polyhedral engine to model designs. Can such a process provide an accurate and precise representation of 3D designs? Of course not.

Moreover, these same tools are not advanced enough to design in an associative way. This means that the design department has to anticipate and redesign a potentially large number of elements for each modification request. No need to mention the colossal loss of time and the countless possible sources of error!

In a context where project requirements are as demanding as they are complex, real-time feature is an unequivocal imperative.

Thanks to its accurate 3D modeler, TopSolid’Wood allows you to visualize the modifications made in real time and to make changes to dimensions without having to check each element. Therefore, the operation of the chosen design rules, as well as the conformity of the rendering based on the customer’s wishes, are verified on the spot and with reliability. Not to mention that drawings, bills of materials, and machining programs are also updated automatically: invaluable comfort and time saving for the design department!

Real-time visualisation of modifications made with TopSolid’Wood

4) Perfect management of the modifications to be made to a project

Bigger, more storage, shallower and less expensive if a scalable component library allows the user to quickly decline a project while respecting the initial specifications of his customer which are likely to evolve often and quickly! In short, a “normal” design department life which can seriously call into question the very composition of a project.

To be able to make the various adjustments requested by the customer at a moment’s notice and with a smile, configuration tools are required. But be careful, not just any tools! Indeed, the solution used must allow you to modify various functional or aesthetic aspects of the project, either locally or globally.

Must I remind you that drawings, bills of materials, and machining programs are also updated automatically?

In this respect, the TopSolid’Wood software offers mechanisms for the interchangeability of components and sub-components, coupled with configurators, which allow this type of action.

5) Automation of the digital chain

TopSolid SAS’s approach is to ensure continuity between design and production, i.e., not to break the digital chain between the design department and the workshop. Not only is the risk of error considerably reduced as there is no need for post-processing, but also the time saved is invaluable! TopSolid’Wood is one of the few software packages on the market to offer this essential advantage. 

One software to meet CAD/CAM needs

Intuitive modeling, scalable component libraries, associative design, real time feature, and digital chain continuity: five necessary and non-negotiable essentials for your furnishing CAD/CAM software.

TOPSOLID SAS, one of the world leaders in CAD/CAM/ERP publishing software, offers one of the most advanced solutions on the market. Customizable and dynamic, it allows unlimited creativity without sacrificing the efficiency and fluidity of the processes. By integrating design, manufacturing, and ERP, the tool allows perfect management of your furnishing or design projects. From design to production, you save time, develop everyone’s skills, and factorize your know-how!

The CAD software must have all the necessary features to address your needs. To choose your computer-aided design (CAD) software, you need to take into account the current issues specific to your business! What are the challenges that professionals encounter for designing parts and machines?

• Strict delivery time requirements: new consumer habits and the rise of Industry 4.0 are making delivery times even shorter, so compliance is urgent.
• Competition is increasing: in this context, the company must improve performance and make a difference in its market.
• Just-in-time logistics require optimized stock management.
• New quality standards are emerging, traceability must be implemented in an exemplary manner.
• The technicalities of the business are constantly evolving: faced with this fact, the company must surround itself with personnel that is not only qualified but also regularly trained.

To fully meet these challenges, equip yourself with a CAD software with seven key features.

#1 A modern and ergonomic user interface

The first essential feature of the CAD software: its user interface. The way in which the tool is controlled and operated has a direct impact on the final productivity. The easier and faster the software is to use, the more productive the user becomes.

• The commands must be designed according to modern conventions: copy and paste, drag & drop, contextual menus, etc. to allow the user to immediately adapt to the new tool.
• Access to the commands should be easy, fast and intuitive, in order to optimize the user’s working time.

Choose a CAD software with a modern and ergonomic user interface: you reduce the learning curve and you can work faster.

#2 Associativity, a guarantee of reliability

Associativity automates the updating of one element with respect to another. The designer can therefore easily modify his construction history: the associated operations are automatically updated.

Illustrations: 

• Moving a screw automatically moves the holes.
• Changing a chassis length automatically changes the positioning of the associated components.

With associativity, a key feature of good CAD software, you can drastically reduce the risk of errors or omissions when updating an element. And therefore, you can save time in the design process. So be sure to choose a tool that allows associative or parametric design.

#3 Choice in design methods

A good CAD software offers three design methods.

• “Bottom-up” design: this is the simplest method which consists of first designing the parts individually, and then assembling them. This is the principle of LEGO®! The assembly is then a succession of predefined part positionings.
• “Top-down” design: conversely, the designer starts from the constraint, then deduces the necessary assemblies and parts.
• “In-place” design: a variation of top-down design where parts are designed in their assembly context. The designer then has the advantage of simplicity for the creation of connecting parts, in particular.

The relevance of which method to be used varies from one profession to another. A manufacturer of highly standardized products will favor the Bottom-up method, while a subcontractor who works “on the case” will favor the Top-down method, for example. In any case, the three methods are complementary. To take advantage of your CAD software, make sure that the tool offers these three powerful design methods: maximum flexibility in choice and the precious opportunity of complementary methods.

#4 Smart components

User productivity increases as good standard components are created. For this purpose, your CAD system must provide the appropriate features. Unique smart components, process management, installation wizards, etc. allow you to store user know-how. Ultimately, the design is accelerated: the productivity gain is obvious.

TopSolid CAD/CAM Product Range

#5 Design documentation tools

Once completed, the design must be documented. This includes generating exploded views, assembly instructions, bills of materials, etc. These features are essential to get the most out of your CAD software. The tool must therefore make it possible to easily generate all useful production documents from an assembly.

#6 A detailed and standardized drawing

Despite the increasing use of 3D, detailed and standardized drawings of the designs are still often necessary, “the drawing is authentic!” Your CAD software must therefore integrate a powerful automated drawing module, to perform this task quickly when necessary.

#7 Change management tools

When choosing your CAD software, the extent and performance of the modeling features are essential criteria, but are not sufficient! The designer also has to deal with management issues. Changes to the specifications during the design process are common practice, so the tool must offer intuitive and powerful features for this purpose. To manage all types of modifications, without wasting time or reliability, choosing a PDM is then crucial. Therefore, you should choose a fully integrated PDM, which will allow you to track changes during the design process. From simple part number change to more complex modifications (interchanging parts, for example), pay attention to the extent of the PDM capabilities of your CAD software.

TopSolid is designed to address all the current challenges faced by professionals when designing parts and machines. TopSolid integrates the essential features of a good CAD software. In addition, you benefit from close support for the deployment of your new solution. Beforehand, evaluating your needs allows us to define the features of your tool according to your working methods. Afterward and in the long term, our technical support, everywhere in France and around the world, is available and responsive for beneficial proximity.

Interested in deploying a CAD software perfectly adapted to your needs? Contact us!

While many companies have not yet acquired their own CAD/CAM solution, the fact remains that a well-thought-out CAD/CAM solution can be a great ally in growing your business. How can CAD/CAM allow you to add new markets? What are the main criteria to take into account when choosing a CAD/CAM solution? Our answers.

A CAD/CAM to add new markets

Regardless of the type of business, part programming without a CAD/CAM solution, although possible, very quickly reaches a certain limit in terms of technicality and quality. While using a manual and conversational programming “genius” may seem like a viable option, it is nonetheless unrealistic and resolutely limited for large-scale production capacity.

For many companies, equipping themselves with a CAD/CAM solution not only allows them to develop additional technical programming skills, but also represents a significant lever to be able to respond to numerous requests for tenders, which were previously declined.

Better performance, lower costs: there are many advantages to using a CAD/CAM system:

• Less tool wear
• Less waste
• Less machine downtime
• Better rationalization
• etc.

In a development logic, the acquisition of an efficient CAD/CAM is a key step for companies. Whatever the specialization of the company, CAD/CAM becomes an ally of machines and human resources, and leads the company towards markets that were previously inaccessible due to a lack of resources. With the ability to produce more, in less time, the company can therefore go further, expand its offer, enter new markets and increase its turnover.

Choosing a CAD/CAM software that supports your growth

Though the added value of a CAD/CAM software is already proven, it is still necessary to choose the solution best suited to your needs, which will help you to expand your business. What are the focal points to be taken into account?

Benefits of a fully integrated CAD/CAM solution

Not all CAD and CAM solutions are created equal. Some solutions only offer the Computer Aided Manufacturing option, i.e. only the part relating to the programming of CNC (Computer Numerical Control Machines). In this case, it will be difficult for users to design their own parts to be machined or define a machining setup. To address this situation, users tend to add a CAD solution to their CAM solution. We can therefore talk about a “partially” integrated solution. And for good reason, since the exchanges between the two solutions are not “native”, they are often more difficult to master, not always reliable and even sometimes hazardous.

While a CAD/CAM solution is intended to support the company in its development, choosing a fully integrated solution is preferable. The union between Design and Manufacturing is therefore natively made, and communication between the two entities is direct, optimal and without any ambiguity.

TopSolid CAD/CAM Product Range

Criteria to be taken into account

A CAD/CAM solution must be a complete, flexible, modern and easy to use tool. It must therefore:

• Offer a range of possible simple features that can be quickly assimilated by an experienced professional, but also by a new employee discovering the company and its specificities in machining.
• Be perfectly compatible with the company’s means of production, in particular the machines to be driven and their diversity –  language, technology (3x,4x,5x, turning, mill-turn), their size, their complexity (multi-spindle, multi-table, head attachments, etc.).
• Be perfectly compatible with the expected manufacturing needs. The software tool must be able to meet the company’s machining needs and manufacture the customer’s parts.

If it responds to these various challenges, a CAD/CAM solution is a way for the company to be more efficient in its production:

• Reducing programming times
• Reducing machining times
• Improving quality (less waste)
• Reducing costs
• Being more competitive in the face of the competition, either in terms of time or price
• And therefore gaining more market share

Advantage of teaching CAD/CAM nationally

In addition to the performance of the CAD/CAM solution, favoring a solution that is taught at the national level represents added value and potential for companies looking for development. The fact that a CAD/CAM solution is taught at the national level is not only a guarantee of confidence, but it also represents a major advantage for companies in terms of human resources management: easier recruitment, faster integration, increased productivity, etc.

TopSolid, a growth partner for companies

For more than 30 years, TopSolid has been adapting its offer to the needs of the market in which it operates. A CAD/CAM solution acclaimed by teachers, TopSolid can be proud of offering a “fully” integrated digital channel. Responding to the growth and development challenges faced by many companies, regardless of their size, today we are proud to contribute to their acquisition of new markets and their prosperity. To find out to what extent CAD/CAM can be a lever for performance and growth, there is nothing like seeing it with your own eyes: our customers In Bo and VCN Industries (videos available in French).