“AI Visual Similarity Tool for CAD Retrieval” Innovation project

We have developed a state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence algorithm to enable the retrieval of the most similar CAD files and thus reduce search times

An intelligent CAD Retrieval tool that guarantees the end of manual CAD files search & reduction of Time-to-Quote

The innovative project “CAD Explorer” has been designed and implemented in collaboration with ALUMIL SA. It refers to an AI-based Visual Similarity tool that uses a simplified die sketch as input and can find the closest design matches of the customer’s database, based on its cutting-edge image similarity, deep-learning based algorithm. The outcomes of this experiment indicate significant gains for the customers such as the reduction of Time-to-Quote while ensuring corporate data sovereignty.

The Problem

Aluminium extrusion companies usually ‘’make to order’’ mass-customized profiles for different applications. Customers are prompted to provide the required information before they get a quote: the desired alloy, the packaging options, the final length and the most important, the design of the profile.

The profile’s shape may significantly affect the final scrap rate of the production process and can increase or reduce the cost of the final product. Moreover, specific alloy characteristics affect the design and manufacture of the die and the mechanical properties of the final extrusion. In some cases, that would cause increased processing effort and thus more cost that should be calculated before the quotation.

Expert’s prior knowledge is required by the Commercial Executive to proceed with accurate cost calculation and therefore offer precise final prices.

Basic Description

The innovative project “CAD Explorer” has been designed and implemented in collaboration with ALUMIL SA. It refers to an AI-based Visual Similarity tool that uses a simplified die sketch as input and can find the closest design matches of the customer’s database, based on its cutting-edge image similarity, deep-learning based algorithm.

The use of such a tool enables the Sales Managers to quickly search and retrieve the most relevant Die Codes. CAD Explorer adopted IDS protocol to ensure sovereignty for critical corporate data.

The outcomes of this experiment indicate significant gains for the customers such as the reduction of Time-to-Quote while ensuring corporate data sovereignty.

THE Solution

CAD Explorer is a valuable tool for the aluminium extrusion sector, and especially for the Sales department.

Retrieving accurately and promptly the most relevant die codes, Sales engineers can provide fast and accurate cost estimations.

Moreover, this tool could also benefit the Engineering department of various manufacturing companies to save valuable time, by retrieving the closest match’s Computer-Aided Design (CAD) file to start working with.