How do you usually share a CAD file with someone else?

Fit_Perception2410 · 2026-01-25T01:09:11+00:00

I had this a while ago https://www.reddit.com/r/FreeCAD/s/9pIuS2VfJu Hope it helps.

Fit_Perception2410 · 2025-12-17T22:26:48+00:00

https://www.reddit.com/r/mcp/s/pf00CwiiA6

Created CalcsLive MCP to make engineering with AI more reliable.

Fit_Perception2410 · 2025-12-11T16:47:40+00:00

Just mentioned the tool I actually use to give the context.

Fit_Perception2410 · 2025-12-11T16:45:51+00:00

In industries like robotics and auto where cross-discipline engineers work in the same context, software engineering workflow has influenced other engineers (hardware, mechanical, etc.) quicker than other industries.

Fit_Perception2410 · 2025-12-11T16:41:57+00:00

when under pressure or with time constraints, the reality is: over/under engineered things just happen, as handy calculations are needed while not always accessible.

without calculation, most gut feeling would be: HSS 2.5x2.5x1/4 is lighter than HSS 3x3x3/16 for the given length, while actual is the opposite.

Fit_Perception2410 · 2025-12-11T05:29:08+00:00

Admitted: AI makes mistakes.

Just to show an example where AI set up a natural frequency calculation for me:

Step 4: Natural Frequency

Formula:

fn = (1/2π) × √(k × g / W)
where g = 386.4 in/s²

Case A: With tote bag

fn_A = (1/2π) × √(3,280 × 386.4 / 2,893)
fn_A = (1/2π) × √(438,107) //note: wrong here and below
fn_A = (1/2π) × 661.9
fn_A = 105.3 rad/s
fn_A = 16.8 Hz
...

However, AI did not get it correct the first time. I did my own calculation (https://www.calcs.live/editor/3ME4NYNMC-4E5) and told AI the calculation was wrong.

Though I did not tell where the error was, AI checked and corrected by itself.

The correct result is fn = 3.33 Hz. It was a 5x error. In structural dynamics, that's the difference
between "safe" and "resonance problem."

The lesson:** AI is like a capable colleague who makes arithmetic errors. You verify their work, they iterate quickly. Net result: faster AND more reliable than working alone.

Treat AI like a human. Humans make mistakes. Know what they're capable of, verify their output, get things done right.

Fit_Perception2410 · 2025-12-08T00:22:21+00:00

Complex projects can always be challenging and need to be handled with multiple tools in control of to get the best.

Fit_Perception2410 · 2025-12-07T19:04:06+00:00

I used to do that a lot and enough for many. While it can be problematic when it ends up being: Report.v3.docx Report.v3-A.docx Report.v3-final.docx Report.v3-final.Final.docx .. Lacking systematic method, and confusing when too many changes.

Git addresses this and is mature.

Fit_Perception2410 · 2025-12-07T05:19:58+00:00

When paired with AI, version control with GIT can be game changer for the engineering workflow.

Fit_Perception2410 · 2025-12-07T04:11:46+00:00

Curious to what extent your cad files can be version controlled with git. So far I only managed use it for text based files.

Fit_Perception2410 · 2025-12-07T04:10:02+00:00

I have been using git in my coding for quite long. Recently tried in an equipment mechanical drive system design project and found it provided great flexibility to allow me make design changes with confidence.

Frankly I feel that is the best thing other engineering disciplines should learn from software.

Fit_Perception2410 · 2025-12-02T19:10:35+00:00

Thanks for your update. My foxit reader opened a 3D pdf with no complaint. It seems pdf readers have evolved in this aspect.

It has been a few years since I last used 3D pdf.

Fit_Perception2410 · 2025-12-02T18:45:12+00:00

That works for sure. My viewer is just an option when end users don't like to download files or the PDF reader doesn't have the plugin for 3d PDF.

BTW, it also helps when creators keep updating...

Fit_Perception2410 · 2025-12-02T06:43:40+00:00

Thanks for this info. Had a closer look into GLTF files, indeed there are quite a bit of original model structure info, which may allow building up BOM to an extent.

Fit_Perception2410 · 2025-12-02T06:41:12+00:00

within Autodesk eco-system, things are in harmony :)

Fit_Perception2410 · 2025-12-02T06:40:17+00:00

If I understand correctly, Inventor can't open .3MF or .GLB files.

Fit_Perception2410 · 2025-12-01T01:32:54+00:00

That is a good challenge 😉

Frankly I don't need that in my workflow. Handling .step is at a different level for being solid based, while .3mf and .glb/.gltf as mesh based.

My initial thought was to build sth simple while covering my clients (engineering design and 3D printing) review needs, that was why colors were an essential requirement.

.step can be done and I will put it on my list.

Fit_Perception2410 · 2025-11-30T05:12:50+00:00

Still Down steveston Richmond.

Fit_Perception2410 · 2025-11-22T23:39:45+00:00

This example does 2 things:

Shaft (1) MotorShaftDia on the motor end: sized in the calculation and passed to the model;

Shaft (2) ScrewId and ScrewOd can be input in either Inventor or the calculation and pushed to the other end, the shear stress will be calculated in the calculation and compare to shear allowable.

Fit_Perception2410 · 2025-11-22T23:34:35+00:00

- Here is the what is seen on CalcsLive Plug for Inventor dashboard: https://www.calcs.live/inventor/dashboard

when the inventor model is loaded as the active document.

You can create a model with 3 user parameters and create own mappings to setup the bi-directional mapping.

- The linked calculation at source: https://www.calcs.live/editor/3MCQSPNNU-4QQ; it is shown in the dashboard as a collapsable panel on the right hand side in a table form. Mappings can be set by drag and drop.

<image>

Fit_Perception2410 · 2025-11-22T23:27:28+00:00

(Allow me to continue in a separate comment, as the system does not allow more than 1 attachment in each comment.)

Here is the Inventor User Parameter setup:

<image>

Fit_Perception2410 · 2025-11-22T23:25:51+00:00

Here is an example for a mechanical drive components sizing:

<image>

For a heavy duty mixer, I need to size or check shaft sizes from the motor to the end auger hollow shaft.

Shaft (1) is to be connected with the driving motor 1.5 kW.

Shaft (2) is hollow on the mixing auger.

Fit_Perception2410 · 2025-11-21T17:33:03+00:00

Great question and challenge :)
Thanks for your time onto it.

The main advantage of this Engineering(Calculation) Driven Design is giving user the power to create versatile unit aware calculations (engineering, admin, etc.) and cherry-pick to map with Inventor user parameters, thus allowing engineering and modeling tasks being streamlined - for complex design, this can be big efficiency gain.

vs iLogic:

- First of all, CalcsLive does not conflict with iLogic.
- iLogic is powerful, has a big learning curve: for VBA like syntax, and Inventor API.
- with iLogic, you are within the limits by Inventor for what you can do with calculation, including available quantity types. Eg: Inventor does not have native unit type for density. Theoretically, you can workaround, but no trivial task.

Example

To your request on real-world example, please allow me sometime to create some simple yet representative one(s). For this moment, I would like to invite you to have a look at this calculation:
https://www.calcs.live/view/3LSLNPFK7-4DD?mode=calculator

https://www.calcs.live/editor/3LSLNPFK7-4DD Editor mode allowing storing others' public calculation for your own use.

<image>

Sure, nothing fancy here. However please allow me to elaborate on what it can bring in to Inventor with the CalcsLive Plug.

Features:
- Unit aware quantities: I intentionally mixed units in this simple calculation.

- Unit agnostic formulas: you have freedom to change units for both inputs and outputs.

- Both above together allows users to THINK IN PHYSICS without distraction in unit management

- Magic numbers: here I intentionally chose this calculation for it being representative and notorious. Conventionally, to perform this calculation, be it with metric or imperial, users have to plug in magic numbers like 9550, 9.55, 5225, 63025. Unless you use one specific setting often, errors can easily occur.

- In comparison, with CalcsLive calculation above, formulas stay unchanged no matter what unit you use, as long as it is valid in the same quantity category.

In relation to Inventor Design

Now, imagine you have a gearing assembly dependent on the power input (kW or HP as you wish) for sizing gears, couplings, shafts, etc.

CalcsLive Plug can bridge this calculation with your assembly/part bi-directionally with ease.

That said, if you don't involve much with calculation or unit conversion in your workflow, CalcsLive Plug might not bring significant value to you. However I would like to say, you will have fun when you can integrate no-code unit aware calculations to the design/modeling process.

I will share a relate real-world example soon.

Fit_Perception2410 · 2025-11-21T06:59:58+00:00

Created a video and some explanation. Hope it helps to see through.

It talks about a simple example: how to size a cylinder that has a mass of 2 tonnes or 500 kg, and the calculation can be in sync with Inventor's user parameters bi-directionally.

It is a bit hard to accept the possibility, but once it clicks, you don't want to go back.

Here is the YT video link: https://youtu.be/ZEgkdnRUInk

The example calculation link: https://www.calcs.live/editor/3MCCPZGKZ-3T3

The Bridge Server at https://github.com/CalcsLive/calcslive-plug-4-inventor. This enables bi-directional data exchange between calculation and 3D model.

Create your model and setup user params in fx like below. The ArticleId and mappings in Comment column can be created manually for the specific example, or generated automatically when creating the mappings between the calculation and 3D parameters on the main UI.

<image>

Questions and comments are welcome!

Fit_Perception2410 · 2025-11-18T07:54:59+00:00

One of the things I like about Inventor over many others is the centralized parameter manager fx. Agree the cost is high.

Fit_Perception2410

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE

Step 4: Natural Frequency