Why aerospace CAD is different
Aerospace programmes run for decades, involve hundreds of suppliers and must satisfy certification authorities and prime contractor standards. A single missing attribute or wrong revision can hold up a delivery or trigger a quality escape. Most primes and tier suppliers use CATIA, Siemens NX or Creo with PLM systems such as ENOVIA, Teamcenter or Windchill.
Custom solutions that add the most value
Model quality and standards checks
Check models against customer methodology: naming, layers or geometrical sets, part numbering, units, materials and forbidden features, before files leave the company.
Model-based definition (MBD) and PMI
Validate that product manufacturing information (tolerances, datums, notes) is complete and correctly linked to geometry, reducing reliance on 2D drawings.
Metadata and traceability
Automatically fill and check attributes such as programme, effectivity, export control classification and material specification.
Supplier data exchange
Package, convert (STEP AP242, JT) and verify data for suppliers and customers, with logs of what was sent and when.
Design automation
Generate repetitive features such as fastener holes, stiffeners, brackets and harness supports from rules.
Manufacturing preparation
Extract features for CAM, create inspection sheets for first article inspection (FAI) and support CNC post processing for 5-axis machining.
Platform and API overview
| Platform | Customisation technologies |
|---|---|
| CATIA V5 | CAA C++, VBA / VB.NET automation, Knowledgeware |
| 3DEXPERIENCE | CAA, EKL scripting, web services |
| Siemens NX | NX Open (C#, C++, Python, Java), Knowledge Fusion |
| PTC Creo | Creo TOOLKIT, J-Link, Windchill APIs |
Security and compliance considerations
- Respect export control and data classification in every tool.
- Work in customer-approved environments; NDAs as standard.
- Keep audit logs of automated changes.
- Validate tools formally where the quality system requires it.
In aerospace, automation is not only about speed. It is about making the right result repeatable and provable.
Lessons for all manufacturers
Even outside aerospace, the same ideas apply: automated checks before release, complete metadata, controlled data exchange and rule-based design all reduce cost and risk.
Work with ENGIMANDI
We deliver CATIA customisation, Creo customisation and multi-CAD solutions for aerospace and manufacturing companies under NDA.