SolidWorks contains an extensive programming interface, called API for short. application programming interface). This allows the CAD software to be adapted and expanded according to individual needs. Recurring tasks can be digitally automated almost without restriction. In many companies, however, this option is hardly used. This is a pity, because in addition to enormous time and cost savings, it brings with it completely new possibilities for one’s own company.
The following video about the product configurator My Glasses shows the enormous possibilities of system extensions.
With the product configurator My Glasses you can design your individual glasses. In addition, it is possible to adjust the size and position of the glasses to the 3D scan of a human head. The 3D scans used here were created using the Photogrammetry created and serve as customer data for the product configurator. The product configurator My Glasses is implemented as an add-in for the SolidWorks CAD system. Add-Ins allow the extension of already existing software with additional functionalities. To develop an add-in, the existing software needs a Application Programming Interface, API for short. The advantage of using an add-in as the basis for developing a product configurator is that the existing functions of the main application can be used. In the add-in itself, only the functions that are not available in the main application need to be developed. This can significantly reduce development time and costs compared to developing a standalone application.
The product configurator My Glasses shows the many advantages of an add-in. These include:
- Users of the add-in do not need to learn how to operate a new application.
- Using the add-in is immediately familiar, as the main application is already known. Only a few new functions have been added. Thus, the user does not feel overwhelmed or confronted with a new application.
- The add-in can be activated and deactivated in the CAD system as required. The graphical user interface therefore contains only those elements that are currently required.
- Configuration and customization of the product can be easily done by extending and using the graphical user interface of the main application.
- Existing CAD data can be used and does not need to be exported and processed for a new application.
- Individual customer data and drawings can be saved automatically, if desired also in the already existing product data management (PDM) system.
- Recurring tasks can be fully automated in the familiar application.
- In addition, the data can be exported to various neutral data formats. For this purpose, the existing export functions of the main application can be used.
- Many other functions, such as sending data by e‑mail, e.g. to the customer and production, can be easily implemented in the add-in.
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