ZWCAD
ZWCAD – A DWG-compatible CAD solution that provides you a less wait time, user-friendly UI to guarantee quality and product effectiveness. It is built for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) and Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) industries and designers who are searching for a budget-friendly and accessible drafting app equipped with all the capabilities of AutoCAD software.
Features
- DWG R14 to 2018 format
- 2D drawing tools
- Commands Offset / Fillet / Trim Tracking, osnaps, polar tracking
- Hatch, Dimensions, Leaders, Tables
- Layouts, sheets
- Fields, Block Attributes
- Tool palettes, Design center
- Lisp language
- 3D functions
FAQ
What is CAD software?
CAD is short for Computer-Aided Design. As its name suggests, the creation, modification, analysis, and optimization of a design can be aided by computers. Therefore, far fewer manual efforts are needed for massive and complicated design tasks within a limited time. The quality of design and communication is also improved greatly.
How does ZWCAD change the design
Workflow for the better?
We can learn from the history of CAD software that CAD can be a comprehensive topic. To make it simpler for you to understand, CAD beginners, we better start with the 2D drafting features oens and simply work with ZWCAD software. All they need are a keyboard and mouse. Design can be done digitally with help of the Design Center and Tool Palettes. Plotting can also be done with one click as long as the printer is connected.
Modify drawings more easily
2D CAD software like ZWCAD 2021 has plenty of modification tools, including BlockBreak. In the past, to modify a drawing, designers had to scrape the incorrectly designed part on the tracing paper carefully in case of any unexpected damages on the paper. Or, they needed start everything all over again. Now, 2D CAD software can greatly lighten the modification workload. Take ZWCAD 2021 as an example, it can help designers insert a door into a specific wall effortlessly. They can apply the BLOCKBREAK command, and then directly insert the door into a wall without breaking it beforehand.
CAD software ensures intelligent and sustainable design
Given the past circumstances, I regard designers in the old days as talents in mathematics and architecture/engineering because they had to take both the design and scales into consideration. If only they could apply CAD software in their daily work, they would be able to focus on design and draw according to the actual units and dimensions while leaving the scale converting part to the CAD software. In ZWCAD 2021, Annotative Scale, Annotative Dimension, and Scale List could help you a lot in scaling a viewport properly. Moreover, blocks and styles can be reused in ZWCAD software. Saving your customized templates and block library is also a wise choice so that you don’t need to start your design from scratch every time. The benefits that CAD software can bring are more than what I’ve introduced. The only way to make good use of them is to try it yourself.
What criteria does ZWCAD meet?
If you are wondering how to choose a suitable 2D CAD solution, here are the 4 points that most of your peer CADers focus on.
- Stable and smooth operation
When it comes to software, whether it runs stably and smoothly is always the priority. The stable and smooth operation means not only better user experience, but also few crashes, little lagging, and swift movements. With ZWCAD , a smooth design flow is guaranteed, the time needed for software response is reduced, and you will surely enjoy working.
- Seamless data and API compatibilities
As we all know, engineering is complex and needs joint efforts. Hence, more often than not, designs cannot be completed in a single software. ZWCAD is an outstanding 2D function-oriented software with good data and full DWG compatibilities. It supports multiple import and export formats, allowing you to accomplish your design without data loss during data exchange between software. Besides, thanks to its strong API compatibilities, you can utilize many industry-specific applications on ZWCAD. In other words, various vertical solutions are available to users from all walks of life, including architecture, mechanics, electronics, piping, civil design, etc.
- Budget-friendly licensing and renewal plans
Nowadays, there are mainly two types of software licensing models: subscription and perpetual. The costs of a subscription licensing plan are relatively low at the beginning, but later on, compulsory updates are constantly required. On the contrary, a perpetual licensing plan initially costs you more but usually comes with a flexible renewal plan, which means that you can choose whether to update or not whenever you want. As for ZWCAD , its perpetual licensing plan is available in 3 versions: Standard, Professional, and Mechanical. For beginners, the Professional version is a long-term investment of a lower price/performance ratio. It has the additional functions of 3D modeling and a full range of APIs (LISP, ZRX, .NET, and VBA)
- Pre-sales and after-sales support
Apart from the software itself, timely and professional pre-sales and after-sales technical support are essential to CAD users. According to Mr. Makowski (an assistant designer at KKB who uses CAD software on a daily basis, the most valuable service for them is the reliable and instant tech support from ZWSOFT. You can rest assured that working with ZWCAD within a team is smooth.
What is expected of ZWCAD software?
2D CAD software brought an unprecedented revolution to design several decades ago. In the next several decades, it is expected to be a renovation to itself, to be more practical.
Which are the most common parameters used to select an easy CAD software ?
- User-friendly interface
- Command accessibility
- Reliability
- Compatibility with other software
- Abundant features
- Complete guideline for users
- Budget-friendliness
ZW3D
ZW3D, an integrated CAD/CAM solution designed for the whole process of product development, features the fastest kernel for Solid-Surface Hybrid Modeling, non-solid mold parting and smart CNC machining strategy from 2-axis to 5-axis. It brings customers multiple benefits such as reduced costs, optimized design workflow and improved efficiency.
Features
- Basic CAD Function
- Tutorial system
- CAD data
- 3D model file
- 2D Sketch
- 3D Wireframe and Sketch
- Hybrid 3D Shape & Feature
- Modeling
- Assembly Design
- Real View and Model Analysis
- 2D Views, BOM/Hole Tables
- Geometry Healing
- Direct Editing
- PMI
- Library design
- Links to KeyShot, FEA, Traceparts and so on
Advance CAD Function
- Shape Morphing, Wrapping and Flex Tools
- Freeform surface model tools
- Assembly & Animation
Application
- Sheet Metal Design
- Weldment Design
- Reverse Engineering - Point Cloud
FAQ
How ZW3D CAD Module Drive Innovative Product Design?
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Multi-Object File management
Amid a lot of qualities of this program, the file management system of ZW3D CAD is highly laudable. Users can store all kinds of information like assembly, CAM plan, and 2D sheet only in one file to keep all the files managed. Apart from this, the option of a conventional one file-object has been included to provide you with all facilities. With this powerful function, more time can be spent on innovative product design instead of file management.
2. Unique Solid-Surface Hybrid Modeling Technology
In ZW3D, the designer does not even need to be concerned whether the object is solid or a surface. The reason that the Boolean operation for the surface can get performed directly with solid geometries. In the meantime, unique solid-surface hybrid modeling technology makes it more flexible to create a perfect model, so that you have more time to look for creativity and inspiration.
3. Better Design Cooperation
The ZW3D CAD module originates diversified standard 2D sheets with views, dimensions, and BOM (bill of materials) table from assemblies and parts to offer better cooperation and brainstorming of product design in the team. Along with this, it can read 3D CAD and 2D sheet files in some format like Catia, Pro-engineering, Solid Works, Solid-Edge, and any other software.
4. Flexible Embossing, Morphing & Wrapping
The ZW3D CAD module facilitates flexible embossing, wrapping, and morphing. Using a raster image, it quickly embosses a high-precision surface. In the same way, it provides solid, and surface data to make the wrapping and morphing flexible. With the help of these facilities, designers can be more creative and flexible in product design.
5. Product Verification Tools
To assess the product structure and surface quality, visual analysis tools are used, including draft angle, Gaussian curvature, contour stripe, and thickness analysis. On the other hand, there is a dynamic section view and interface check to help you know whether the parts and assembly fit with each other or not. Moreover, you can view the animation to make sure about the design assembly, as it can better demonstrate its working mechanism. These tools let your innovative product design shine even in the last stage.
What are the requirements of mold design?
Molding material selection
- Besides the cost consideration, manufacturers need to determine which mold material would deliver the injected plastic product of choice. Some thermoplastics may not be compatible with material that make up mold cavities due to fundamental differences in physical and chemical properties. By selecting the mold material before injection molding takes place ensures that only compatible materials go together, which saves valuable time and resources.
2. Tolerance
A worthy recommendation during mold design is to factor a degree of tolerance into molded parts due to the common experience of shrinking resins. You can always use a tight or loose tolerance depending on the properties of the thermoplastic resin you intend to use.
3. Wall thickness
Thickness analysis for a mold verifies the manufacturability of product structure. The thickness of the mold is yet another factor that affects cost directly, so it is often a good idea to specify it when formulating the mold design. The thickness also influences the properties — thermal, mechanical, impact, etc. of the end product. Depending on the plastic products' end-use, the thickness adopted can vary, but it is often good practice to ensure that the thickness is uniform all around the mold.
4. Bosses and Gusset requirements
The Boss in a molded part helps provides points of appendage, while Gussets give support to items attached through a boss. Establishing the requirements of these parts during mold design; for example, the tolerance is very critical to ensuring the functionality and practicability of the final molded product.
5. Draft angle
It is now standard practice to define the draft angles in the molded parts, because as we mentioned earlier, it makes it easier to disengage the mold from the formed products. Straight-angled parts of the mold could affect the seamless release of mold thereby, interrupting the mass production process.
What benefits you stand to gain from using ZW3D CAD for mold design?
ZW3D is an all-in-one software package made to address the diverse needs of mold design. Everything from the intuitive UI to its easy-to-use library of molding tools focuses on producing realistic yet accurate designs.
- Specialized Tools for product verification Besides the vast libraries, ZW3D CAD also offers designers specialized tools that are proprietary to the software alone, which helps to create responsive and accurate designs. A notable one is the verification tool that includes; the Gaussian curvature, Draft checking, undercut analysis, and many more. These tools help verify the structure and quality of products, carry out mold analysis, and help effect correction present in the mold design, thereby improving its quality for manufacture.
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Fast Core-cavity Parting to Accelerate Mold Design Using parting lines in mold design helps define the direction of mold opening for easy ejection during the injection process. ZW3D CAD gives designers the capacity to split any part (simple or complex) of the mold's core and cavity from an imperfect solid block at any instance, which helps to boost workflow and shorten the design time.
- Abundant Customizable Library of Mold Bases & Components with Different standards ZW3D has an archive loaded with numerous mold bases for designers to choose from, all of which are fully customizable to meet your unique needs. These libraries are also of the standard required of mold bases across the globe, so designers can say goodbye to creating mold designs from scratch, saving time on the entire design process.
- Efficient Solutions for Complex Electrode Design Electrode design is now next level with ZW3D, with tools and external plugins like Electrode Focus™ that ZW3D CAD supports. Designers can now create robust electrode geometry, edit and merge electrode drawings. The validation prowess of ZW3D also extends here as manufacturers can now validate electrode designs. Hence, enabling the creation of precision-based electrode designs.
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Excellent Time Saver for Reducing Cost ZW3D acknowledges the need for speed in the design process, which is why the software is made to be very quick in execution. Everything from the fast software engine, to the intuitive interface and the non-solid mold parting without healing of ZW3D CAD, is to ensure ample time savings on cost evaluation when carrying out designs.
Is there any backup mechanism in ZW3D? How does it work?
Yes, there are several backup mechanisms in ZW3D. But the most suggested way is to keep the option “Auto backup per file per day after save” on (it is on by default). This option means that for every file, it will be backup automatically at the first save every day. If any unexpected issue happens, at least you can roll back to the results of yesterday’s work. The file is always located in the same directory with the original file and is hidden. If you want to use it, you need to show the hidden file, and remove the file extension “.z3bak”. After that, open it in ZW3D.
Does ZW3D support updating parts according to the dimension changes in 2D drawings?
Yes. You just need to choose the “Show dimensions from part” option in the View Attributes dialog box, then right click the dimension and choose the “Modify Part Dimension” option. Then the 3D model will be updated once the dimension is modified in the 2D drawing.
How to share ZW3D configuration settings among different PCs?
Since ZW3D 2020, we’ve provided a useful tool called “User Folder Manager”, which can be used to clear the whole user folder or just the custom configurations, and also the cache files by “Clear auto output files”. As for the configuration sharing, you can save the configurations you want to share by “Save current configurations”, and then load it on other computers to reuse by “Load backup configurations”.
Can ZW3D read the material info from CATIA® files?
Yes, ZW3D can read the material info from CATIA® files directly in the 2021 version. What’s more, ZW3D can read all the mainstream 3D CAD file formats, like Z3, CATPart, prt, asm, sldprt, par, ipt, sat, dwg, dxf, iges, step, x_t, 3dxml, x cgm, obj, etc., as well as their attributes, including hidden components, suppressed components, hidden entities, user custom attributes, material density, etc. Please note that the user custom attributes can only be captured from parts, components and assemblies, instead of the shapes in them.
Hardware
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