Searching for Parts

S1. CADFind doesn't seem to find any parts that match my sketch but when I page through the catalogue I can see some that look ok. Why is that?
>> CADFind codes both the shape and the dimensions of a part. Two parts may have the same shape but be very different sizes. If you sketch fails to find any matches check that you have drawn it the correct size - the size doesn't have to be exact, around +/- 10% is fine.

S2. Should I use my CAD system to create sketch for CADFind?
>> Yes, generally it will be quicker to draw your sketch in your own CAD system & then export it to CADFind for the search. Export it as a DXF file and then load it into the CADFind CAD window using the File\Open menu. You can then edit it further if you wish using the CAD window drawing commands before searching in the normal way.

S3. Can I use CADFind with 3D models?
>> Yes, this is now fully supported by CADFind for SolidWorks

Creating the Company's Parts Database - Coding Parts

C1. What is the difference between a Parts repository and Catalogue?
>> None. The term that CADFind uses for its own special database of parts that contains 3D models, 2D drawings and the special CADFind codes is 'Catalogue'. A company creates a set of CADFind catalogues that contains all the 3D models or 2D drawings of their parts range. CADFind uses these catalogue to find parts for re-use. It would be possible to create a catalogue of parts for distribution to other companies but the main point of CADFind is parts re-use.

C2. Can CADFind process AutoCAD .DWG files directly?
>> Yes, this is now fully supported by CADFind for 2D

C3. Where can I get a conversion utility to produce .DXF files?
>> AutoDesk provide a utility on their web site for batch conversion to DXF.

C4. What will it cost for you to code my drawing files/3D models for me?
>> The charges for the bureau service depend on the number of drawings or 3D models to be processed and their complexity. Click here for more details. The bureau service includes the tailoring of the CADFind code(s) as well as the coding of the parts into CADFind catalogues.

C5. Does it matter which template I use to create a catalogue file?
>> You should pick the one which most closely relates to the type of part you intend to put in the catalogue. AST can tailor CADFind codes specially to suit unusual parts ranges. For example a catalogue that contains very similar or homogeneous range of parts would probably benefit from tailoring.

C6. How should I decide which parts to put in which catalogue?
>> You can use catalogues to group parts by product family, part type, company division or in any other way that makes sense from an engineering or business viewpoint.

C7. I have a some of drawings that CADFind rejects during coding with 'errors' - what should I do with them?
>> The log file will show how many drawings have been rejected during a batch coding run. Drawings are normally rejected because they do not conform to the basic layer conventions that CADFind uses - for example the title block may be on the same layer as the part geometry. A quick edit in your CAD system may solve the problem for an odd drawing or you may find that our Bureau Service would provide the best solution for larger numbers of non-conforming drawings. Click here for more details.

C8. We have some 2D drawings that have geometry and construction lines on the same layer - how can I code them?
>> Edit the drawings in your CAD system to move the construction lines to another layer or, if there are only a few of them, edit them in CADFind (in the CAD window) and code them from the CAD \Code\Apply Filter & Code Drawing menu option.

Installation and System Questions

I1. Will CADFind work on older PC's?
>> We would recommend the specifications shown here.

I2. How much memory should my PC have?
>> That depends on the number of parts in the catalogues that you routinely open on your PC A PC with 1GB of memory can easily handle catalogues with over 40,000 views. Less than ideal amounts of memory simply result in slower searches through the catalogues.