The MapleSim CAD Toolbox is an add-on for MapleSim that allows users to import mechanical CAD models from a wide range of CAD systems directly into MapleSim. It automatically captures the kinematic and kinetic properties, as well as the spatial relationships of the model components, enabling detailed system-level modeling and simulation.

Key Features

CAD Model Import Easily bring mechanical CAD models into MapleSim.

• Supports many proprietary CAD formats (e.g., Inventor, NX, SolidWorks) and standard formats (STEP, STL).
• Preserves geometry, rigid body frames, shapes, and positions.

Automatic Property Capture Captures essential physical properties for simulation.

• Kinematic and kinetic properties are automatically extracted.
• Maintains spatial relationships between components.

Coordinate and Joint Management Facilitates creation and management of joints and coordinates.

• Feature detection allows easy placement of coordinate frames at points of interest.
• Enables sharing and alignment of coordinate frames between components.

System-Level Simulation Integrates CAD models into larger, multidomain system simulations.

• Allows use of MapleSim’s advanced analysis tools.
• Supports virtual prototyping and design validation.

Model Sharing Enables collaborative engineering workflows.

• Models can be shared within MapleSim or online via MapleSim Server.
• No need for recipients to have access to original CAD files.

Benefits

Accelerated Design Iteration Reduces time and cost in the prototyping phase.

• Detect and correct design issues virtually before physical prototypes are built.
• Streamlines integration of CAD and system simulation workflows.

Enhanced Collaboration Facilitates sharing and review of models.

• Share system-level models without requiring the original CAD environment.
• Supports distributed engineering teams.

Improved Model Fidelity Ensures accurate simulation of mechanical systems.

• Maintains essential physical properties and relationships from CAD.
• Supports high-fidelity, multidomain analysis.