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inCAD Library – A Designer’s Source of Inspiration

Construction

The inCAD Library is an extensive library for designers offering many application examples. The library provides freely application examples for functions or product possibilities. Each application example contains a parts list of the parts MISUMI has available together with information on the quantity required for the example. For designers, the CAD models serve as a source of inspiration for modifying, meaningfully adding and adapting them for their own machines or systems.

Overview - What is the inCAD Library?

The inCAD Library is an online application library for the manufacturing industry. For specific purposes different assemblies are available for download, such as a feed mechanism, a lifting device, material transport cart or a gripping device. The components available from MISUMI are included in the parts list and provided with a link to the shop. Some details in the preview image have notes highlighted in grey, which also contain a direct link to the shop. This means that the user does not have to spend time searching for the right component. In the shop, the respective component can then be adjusted or another suitable part can be selected by clicking on the product group level (category). With a download option, the user can download the assembly group as a CAD model and adapt it to his needs. The parts list of the original application can also be downloaded as a CSV file and used for adaptations and for simplified ordering.

Benefits of an Online Database for CAD Models

An online database for CAD models enables efficient resource utilization because designers can access an extensive collection of models rather than having to create them again and again. Searching for CAD models is accelerated by the search and filter functions, which reduces time and effort. In addition to the cost savings from utilizing existing CAD assembly groups, a CAD online library offers worldwide access to the CAD models and CAD data.

Utilization of the inCAD Library in Design

How can the inCAD Library be used?

If a designer is looking for inspiration for his industrial project, he can either look at the overview of all applications in the inCAD Library or refine the displayed selection by searching specifically for a function or limiting himself to a specific product category. If he finds a suitable or application similar to the one he is looking for, he can integrate it into the machine or system adapted to his needs. If you want to reopen an application, you can also enter the inCAD Library type number and the respective application example opens directly. The application can also be searched by using the search function in the shop and it will then be displayed in the inCAD Library area. The model can be downloaded for SolidWorks or Parasolid, as well as a STEP file and IGES file. The model can then be adapted accordingly by the CAD systems. Partial designs can also be implemented through the Library. A parts list associated with the application shown with links to the MISUMI shop facilitates the ordering and purchasing process. This saves design time and also makes it easier to search for the required components and their manufacturers.

Application Examples - Comprehensive Collection of CAD Models

The inCAD Library has over 150 application examples from a wide variety of fields, such as:

The individual options and functions are described in more detail below.

User Profiles for the inCAD Library

There are two different user profiles for utilizing the inCAD library: CAD User and Corporate User. Without registering, you can look at the applications and download one parts list. However, access to the CAD data requires at least one registration as CAD user.

As a Corporate User, you have the full functions of the inCAD Library:

  • using the online configurator
  • online price query
  • notepad function
  • meviy service incl. quotation function (manufacturing platform from MISUMI, which allows uploading 3D data and receiving a quotation)
  • Free CAD Data Download
  • Order and Quotation Function

The order and quotation function is not available in the CAD user profile.

Filter Functions

The inCAD Library offers a variety of filter options to preselect the displayed applications. The following criteria can be used for preselection:

  • function (utilization/method), e.g. transfer/movement, drive mechanism, structural components
  • product category, e.g. linear motion, pneumatic/hydraulic, sensors/switches
  • workpiece shape, e.g. rectangular workpiece, hollow cylinder, narrow plate
  • industry, e.g. precision equipment, semiconductor/liquid crystals, electrical and electronic parts
  • design approach, e.g. cost reduction, cleanroom application, energy saving

For best results, the filters can be combined as desired.

Structure of the Application Examples

After selecting an application example, the following overview opens. The colors in the inCAD Library designate the following:

  • Yellow - MISUMI part
  • Grey - third-party components
  • Blue - workpieces
  • Green - adjacent components (not shown in the following example)

The overview provides the following functions and information:

  • A: The Idea Note provides instructions for use and suggestions for optimization.
  • B: Some components are directly linked to the component in the MISUMI shop.
  • C: The Parts List can be downloaded.
  • D: In the Movement Preview, a prototypical function sequence is played for this assembly group.
  • E: The CAD model can be downloaded as a 2D model (DFX) or 3D model (Solidworks, STEP, IGES, Parasolid) via the download button.

Structure of the CAD Model

In the CAD model, the application example is shown in the color scheme already mentioned. In general, CAD models consist of various CAD assembly groups that correspond to the assembly groups on the real model.

Individual CAD assembly groups can be displayed and reused in isolation. This has several benefits: The assembly group can be modified individually and integrated into other models. Any assembly groups that are not required can be hidden or removed directly from the model. This makes it easy to individualize the CAD model and it enables partial constructions.

Parts List and Purchase Order Option

The inCAD library allows you to download a parts list in CSV format. It includes all components used in the CAD model, including article description and required quantity. For parts that can be purchased from MISUMI, the corresponding part number is already entered. Components from external suppliers are included in the list but without a part number. Corporate users have the option of modifying the parts list according to their needs by removing third-party parts and then uploading the customized list in CSV format for inquiries or direct orders. The order form is automatically filled out with the parts included in the parts list and the respectively required quantity. An alternative option is offered by transferring the data from the parts list into a separate table, which only requires the part number and the required quantity. This table can also be provided with a column for project notes, which later appear on both the label and the delivery note, making it easier to assign items to different projects in one order. If configurable parts are present, they are marked with an error code in the overview and must be replaced with the part number of the correspondingly configured part.

Curious? Try our inCAD Library for yourself!

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