What is a CAD model validation tool?
A model validation tool is software that inspects 3D CAD parts and assemblies against a set of rules and reports every deviation. It can run interactively inside CAD, as a batch job over thousands of files, or automatically when files are checked into PDM or PLM.
Categories of checks
| Category | Example checks |
|---|---|
| Metadata | Mandatory properties filled, part number format, material from approved list |
| Model structure | Feature tree naming, no suppressed or failed features, sketches fully defined |
| References | No broken or external references, no files from personal folders |
| Geometry | Single solid body, no tiny faces or gaps, units correct |
| Manufacturability | Minimum wall thickness, hole sizes from standard, bend radius, draft angles |
| Assembly | No interferences, all components constrained, standard parts from library |
How we build validation tools
Rule engine separate from CAD
Rules are defined in configuration (JSON, Excel or a database) so quality engineers can adjust thresholds without new code. Each rule has an ID, severity (error, warning, info), description and optional auto-fix.
CAD adapters
Thin adapters read data through each CAD API: SOLIDWORKS API, Inventor API, Creo TOOLKIT, CATIA automation or NX Open. The same rule set can then validate models from several CAD systems.
Reporting
Results appear in a dockable panel with click-to-zoom, plus HTML, PDF or Excel reports for records and audits.
{
"id": "MAT-001",
"severity": "error",
"description": "Material must be from the approved list",
"property": "Material",
"allowed": ["S355", "SS304", "AL6061-T6"]
}Three ways to run validation
- Interactive: engineers run it before saving or requesting review.
- Batch: audit a whole project or legacy library overnight.
- Gatekeeper: triggered by PDM / PLM workflow transitions, blocking release on errors.
Auto-fix where safe
Many issues, such as missing properties, wrong units in properties or file naming, can be fixed automatically with user confirmation. Geometry issues should normally be flagged, not changed silently.
A validation tool should explain every failure clearly enough that the engineer can fix it without asking anyone.
The business case
Each error caught before release avoids scrap, rework, supplier queries and delays. Validation tools also shorten design reviews and provide evidence for quality audits.
Build your validation tool with ENGIMANDI
We develop model validation tools for SolidWorks, Inventor, Creo, CATIA and multi-CAD environments. See our CAD customisation services.