Contemporary 3D design programs “flow” changes—even those made late in the design cycle—to other systems by referencing a single 3D model. Drawings, assembly instructions, NC programs, and documentation are all updated automatically, which eliminates multiple layers of re-work and revision in the related activities.

3D design largely eliminates the need for time-consuming manual updates to multiple design views—a problem compounded in assemblies, where there is the consequent need to also update other parts.

The ability to accurately analyze 3D designs to simulate design behavior helps engineers to improve performance, save material, or improve manufacturability.

Unlike 2D designs, 3D designs do not need to be converted to a 3D CAD model prior to generating toolpaths on machines utilizing a 3D CAM program. When designs change, NC toolpath data is updated accordingly.

With no need for the conversion demanded by 2D designs, one-off samples or prototypes can be created quickly, enabling automated manufacturing and inspection systems to read dimensions and tolerances directly from 3D models.