AI automation of 3D rule checking

In today’s fast-paced product development environment, design validation must be fast, automated, and reliable. Manual 3D checks are time-consuming, error-prone, and difficult to scale.

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This case study explores how Dessia’s AI-driven platform automates 3D rule verification for CAD models — reducing manual effort, increasing accuracy, and accelerating decision-making. While the geometry is relatively simple, the process represents a powerful shift toward automated compliance checking in CAD design.

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The challenge: Manual design rule checking in 3D CAD

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In mechanical design and engineering, even the simplest parts often require validation against functional and manufacturing rules — such as airflow constraints or minimal feature dimensions.

For the aeration vent, two critical rules had to be checked:

• Functional: The total flow area must exceed a defined threshold (X mm²)
• Manufacturing: Each hole must meet minimum width and length requirements

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Traditionally, checking these kind of rules meant manual inspections and custom scripting — all prone to delay and inconsistency.

The challenge: How can we make this process faster, scalable, and repeatable across projects and teams?

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What Dessia can do: AI-based 3D design rule checker

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Using Dessia’s low-code AI platform, custom AI-Apps were developed to automate all verification steps — allowing designers to run geometry checks without coding or scripting. The process involved:

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1. Architecture definition

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A 4-block architecture was designed to cover:

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• Input reading (3D model & rule parameters)
• Hole detection
• Geometry computation (area, width, height)
• Rule validation logic
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These blocks were coded in Python using Dessia libraries and then visually linked in the Dessia App Builder — enabling fast re-use across projects.

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2. Live execution from the Dessia’s AI platform

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Within Dessia’s platform, users simply:

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1. Select and load the 3D CAD model
2. Define functional airflow requirements
3. Input manufacturing constraints
4. Launch the checker and review results

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No scripting. No custom interfaces. Fully integrated within a collaborative design environment.

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3. Visual and actionable results

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After execution, the App generates:

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• 3D visualizations with clear pass/fail color coding
• Summary reports of compliance status
• Immediate insights for corrective action

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The execution of the checkers can be carried out within Dessia software, or it can be initiated from a third-party tool, such as CAD or PLM software.

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Results: Faster, smarter, and scalable verification/ check

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• 90% time reduction in rule-checking
• Consistent rule application across all models and users
• Immediate visual feedback for faster design loops

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By automating 3D checks with Dessia, design teams can now:

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• Perform validation at any time from concept phase
• Catch non-compliant features before detailed design
• Standardize rule enforcement across teams and suppliers
• Save valuable engineering hours

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Conclusion

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This case study offers a clear, educational example of how Dessia AI's automated design rules checking functions. While simple, the implications are far-reaching. Dessia’s approach shows how AI, automation, and visual workflows are transforming traditional design validation.

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From functional compliance to manufacturing readiness, Dessia enables teams to embed rule-based intelligence directly into the design process — making it faster, smarter, and future-ready.

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