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Custom CAD for Engineering Manager

· 3 min read
Rainer Weigel
Rainer Weigel
AWV Co-Founder

This article is for companies who need CAD software that standard tools cannot provide — and therefore decide to build their own.

Custom CAD is often misunderstood as a collection of UI tweaks, scripts, or isolated automation features. In reality, custom CAD is a layered system that transforms CAD from a general-purpose design tool into a domain-specific, data-driven model-building platform.

Below is a clear framework describing the five core dimensions of custom CAD, from user interaction down to automated model generation.

1. Interface Customization​

(How users interact with CAD)

This dimension focuses on the user experience and visual interaction layer.

Key aspects

  • Custom GUI panels and dialogs
  • Domain-specific tools instead of generic CAD commands
  • Context-aware interfaces
  • Simplified interactions for non-CAD experts

Purpose
Reduce complexity, improve usability, and make CAD accessible to domain specialists—not just CAD professionals.

2. Workflow Customization​

(How work flows through the system)

Workflow customization defines the process logic embedded in the CAD system.

Key aspects

  • Guided, step-by-step modeling processes
  • Enforced order of operations
  • Built-in validation between steps
  • Standardized domain workflows

Purpose
Capture expert knowledge and ensure consistent, repeatable, and correct model creation.

3. Model & Geometry Logic​

(How models are built)

This is the core of custom CAD and where most long-term value is created.

Key aspects

  • Parametric models driven by structured inputs
  • Constraints and dependencies
  • Rule-based geometry generation
  • Reusable model templates

Purpose
Embed engineering intelligence directly into the model so geometry is computed, not manually drawn.

4. Data & Integration​

(Where model inputs come from)

This dimension connects CAD to external systems and real-world data.

Key aspects

  • Import of structured data (e.g. JSON, CSV)
  • Integration with configurators, ERP, PLM, or pricing systems
  • Data validation and synchronization
  • Bidirectional data exchange

Purpose
Turn CAD into part of a digital pipeline where models are driven by data rather than manual input.

5. Automation & Orchestration​

(Who does the work)

Automation is not a separate feature—it spans all other dimensions.

Key aspects

  • Automatic model generation
  • Batch creation of variants
  • Background validation and rule checking
  • Trigger-based exports (drawings, BOMs, manufacturing data)

Purpose
Shift work from humans to software, enabling scalability, consistency, and speed.

Why our API is the “Anchor”​

Our API layer is not just a feature—it’s the model-logic and data foundation that enables:

  • Parametric intelligence
  • External data control
  • Automation at scale
  • Domain-specific CAD products

Without it, customization stays cosmetic. With it, CAD becomes programmable.

Summary​

Custom CAD is the deliberate design of interface, workflow, model logic, data integration, and automation—so that CAD becomes a programmable system for generating correct models automatically.

When these five dimensions are aligned, CAD evolves from a design tool into a model-generation engine that scales with your business.