Automating Large-Scale CAD Data Translation for Rolls-Royce
improvement in project management capabilities, providing a scalable and adaptable platform for future projects.
compliance with data integrity standards, ensuring seamless compatibility with Airbus systems.
cost reduction by minimising manual labour hours through automating repetitive translation tasks.
time saving on lead times for CAD data translation, reducing from weeks to a matter of hours.
Project context
Rolls-Royce, a key supplier of engines to Airbus, faced a significant challenge in providing CAD data in a format compatible with Airbus's systems. Rolls-Royce used Siemens NX for their design processes, while Airbus relied on Dassault Systèmes Catia V5.
This difference created a substantial compatibility gap that required bridging. With each engine model comprising over 50,000 individual components, manual translation of CAD data between the two systems was not only highly inefficient and time-consuming but also prone to errors, potentially impacting project timelines and overall quality.
Maintaining strict data integrity throughout the process was paramount, including adherence to Rolls-Royce's specific data naming conventions and ensuring unwavering quality throughout the translation process.
Majenta implemented a comprehensive, robust solution to automate and streamline the CAD data translation process.
Automated CAD data translation — Majenta automated the conversion of NX data into Catia V5 format, eliminating significant bottlenecks in the data exchange process and ensuring a high degree of accuracy, minimising the risk of errors inherent in manual translation.
Automation of repetitive manual tasks — We developed and deployed over 20 custom scripts and specialised tools to further streamline the translation process, significantly reducing the need for time-consuming and resource-intensive manual intervention.
Incremental updates — Recognising the need for agility and efficiency, our solution was designed to translate only updated components rather than the entire engine model. This intelligent approach dramatically sped up data delivery to Airbus, facilitating faster iteration and collaboration.
QChecker integration — Majenta’s solution integrates seamlessly with QChecker, a powerful quality assurance tool — ensuring that all translated models adhere to Rolls-Royce's stringent quality and compliance standards, maintaining data integrity and minimising the risk of downstream issues.
Majenta's solution delivered substantial benefits to Rolls-Royce, transforming their CAD data exchange capabilities.
The automation of the translation process yielded a dramatic reduction in lead times, shrinking them from weeks down to mere hours. This translated into significant cost savings through the minimisation of manual labour hours and the improved accuracy of the translated data.
Providing Airbus with up-to-date, readily editable CAD data in the desired format significantly enhanced collaboration between the two companies, fostering a smoother, more efficient workflow and accelerating the overall product development cycle.
Beyond immediate gains, the solution was designed with scalability and future-proofing in mind, allowing Rolls-Royce to readily adapt it for future projects, new engine models, and evolving customer requirements. This adaptability provides Rolls-Royce with a valuable, long-term asset for sustained growth, efficiency, and enhanced collaboration throughout its supply chain.
By addressing the complex challenges of large-scale CAD data translation, Majenta enabled Rolls-Royce to streamline its processes, reduce costs, and strengthen its strategic partnership with Airbus.
