Workflows for the exchange of specialized CAx data

In recent years, numerous approaches and solutions for CAx data exchange in typical application cases have been developed. However, individual needs in one-off developments have not yet been addressed. This paper presents a methodology for the exchange of specialized CAx data between a design and a simulation department – in particular, between CAD and other simulation tools. Generic steps such as filtering, aggregation and pre-processing as well as selection and use of suitable interfaces result in adaptable and reusable “workflows.” As our example of an industrial conveyor system demonstrates, defining and using such workflows accelerates the modeling phase, ensures transparency of the development process, and enables reuse and refinement of process steps and intermediate results.