CAD configurators for rule-based product variants
In short
A CAD configurator is a set of rules on parameterised CAD models that creates the model, drawing and BOM of a product variant from entered values and options. We build CAD configurators with your team in Solid Edge, SolidWorks, Inventor or CATIA, starting with one product family in a fixed-price Sprint.
Updated 27 Oct 2026
Conveyors, frames, housings and lifting units often come back in new orders with other lengths, loads and options. A CAD configurator captures these dependencies once. A new variant then comes from entering values and choosing options, and the rules update model, drawing and BOM.
- Start with
- Sprintone use case · €9,900
- Systems
- Solid Edge, SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA
- Result
- Model, drawing and BOM per variant
How it works
- 01
Analyse the product family
Past orders show which parameters change, which options exist and which combinations are not allowed. Sales and design agree on one written rule list.
- 02
Choose the tool
Simple families run on tables, such as family of parts in Solid Edge, design tables in SolidWorks, iParts in Inventor or design tables in CATIA. Dependent dimensions and options need rules, for example variables and formulas in Solid Edge, DriveWorks for SolidWorks, iLogic in Inventor, Knowledge Advisor in CATIA or an application on the CAD API.
- 03
Build model and rules
Parts and assemblies are rebuilt with clean references, so they update for every allowed combination. Drawings and BOM follow the model, and part numbers follow your numbering rules.
- 04
Connect and test
Values come from a form in the CAD system, an Excel sheet or the sales configurator. The variants are tested against real past orders, and your team learns to add values and options.
What you get
Parameterised product model
Parts and assemblies of one product family that update from a few input values, with the allowed ranges defined.
Readable configurator rules
Options, dependencies and exclusions as documented rules in the CAD system, so your team can maintain them.
Drawing and BOM per variant
Drawing views, dimensions and BOM follow the chosen variant, with part numbers according to your numbering rules.
Link to quotation
A defined data set passes the selection from your CPQ system or the variant configuration in your ERP to the CAD side, so sales and design work from the same option list.
Limits
A CAD configurator pays off when a product family recurs often and its rules are stable and can be written down. It does not pay off for one-off designs, for families with few variants or when the rules change with every order. Every configurator needs maintenance for new options, standard parts and CAD releases. Options that add or remove components need a check of drawing views and annotations. Strength calculations and approval stay with the engineer. A web configurator for customers also needs a CAD instance on a server or in the cloud, such as DriveWorks Pro for SolidWorks or the Design Automation API for Inventor on Autodesk Platform Services, under the licensing terms of the CAD vendor.
Systems
- Solid Edge
- SolidWorks
- Inventor
- CATIA
Frequently asked questions
What is a CAD configurator in mechanical engineering?
A CAD configurator is software that creates the model, drawing and BOM of a product variant from input values and options, using rules stored on parameterised CAD models. It suits product families with a recurring structure, such as conveyors, frames, housings or grippers, that differ in dimensions, loads and equipment. It runs inside the CAD system or as an application on the CAD API.
Which tools can build a CAD configurator in Solid Edge, SolidWorks, Inventor and CATIA?
Each system has built-in tools. Solid Edge offers family of parts, family of assemblies and a variable table that can link to Excel. SolidWorks offers configurations and design tables in Excel and includes DriveWorksXpress, while DriveWorks Solo and DriveWorks Pro are licensed separately. Inventor offers iParts, iAssemblies and iLogic rules with forms. CATIA offers design tables, Knowledge Advisor rules and PowerCopies. Larger configurators run as applications on the CAD API.
What is the difference between a CAD configurator and a CPQ sales configurator?
A sales configurator, often part of a CPQ system or the ERP, checks which options can be combined and produces a quotation with a price. A CAD configurator produces the model, drawing and BOM of the chosen variant. Both need the same option logic, so the option list should be defined once, and the sales configurator passes the selection to the CAD side as a data set, for example as XML or an Excel row.
When does a CAD configurator not pay off?
When most products are one-off designs, when a product family has only a few variants, or when the rules change with almost every order. A configurator also needs ongoing maintenance for new options, standard parts and CAD releases. A practical test is a look at past orders. If most of them could have been described by a few parameters and options, building a configurator is worth it.
Talk to us about your task.
In the free 45-minute intro call we show a live demo on comparable geometry. Someone from our team replies personally within one working day.