CAD Model Viewer for Outlook

Reviewing CAD Attachments in Engineering Emails

A mechanical engineer receives emails from suppliers and partners with CAD file attachments - STEP files, DWG drawings, and SolidWorks parts. To review these files, the engineer must download each attachment, open the correct CAD application, and wait for it to load.

The challenge: Opening CAD files in full applications takes time. SolidWorks can take 30 seconds to a minute to load a complex part file. When the engineer receives 10 emails with CAD attachments in a day, the cumulative time spent opening and closing CAD applications adds up. Some file formats require different applications, and the engineer may not have licenses for all of them.

How CAD Model Viewer for Outlook helps:

• Instant preview in Outlook: Open CAD file attachments directly in Outlook without launching a separate CAD application. The 3D model renders in seconds, allowing the engineer to inspect it immediately.
• 70+ format support: Preview DWG, SolidWorks, STEP, IGES, STL, and dozens of other formats. No need to have each native CAD application installed.
• Interactive 3D viewing: Rotate, zoom, and pan the model to inspect it from any angle. Take measurements directly on the model to verify dimensions match the specification.

The result: The engineer reviews CAD attachments in seconds instead of minutes. Supplier submissions are evaluated faster, and responses go out the same day instead of being delayed by the time needed to load files in native applications.

Procurement Review of Supplier Proposals

A procurement manager receives bids from multiple suppliers, each including CAD models of proposed parts or tooling. The manager needs to compare the designs visually before passing them to engineering for detailed review.

The challenge: The procurement manager does not have CAD software and cannot open the attached files. They must forward each email to an engineer, wait for feedback, and then compare bids based on second-hand descriptions. This adds days to the evaluation process.

How CAD Model Viewer for Outlook helps:

• No CAD license required: The procurement manager previews 3D models directly in Outlook. They can compare supplier designs visually without any CAD software installed on their computer.
• Quick visual comparison: Open two emails side by side and compare the proposed designs. Differences in geometry, complexity, and manufacturing approach are visible without engineering interpretation.
• Measurement verification: Take basic measurements on the model to verify that key dimensions match the specification. The manager catches obvious mismatches before involving engineering.

The result: Bid evaluation is two days faster because the procurement manager handles the initial visual review independently. Only qualified proposals are forwarded to engineering for detailed analysis, saving engineering time on obvious non-starters.

Field Service Technician Reference

A field service technician receives work orders and technical references via email. When troubleshooting equipment on site, they need to see the 3D model of the assembly to identify parts and understand how components fit together.

The challenge: The technician is on site with a laptop but no CAD software. When they receive an email with a parts diagram or assembly model attached, they cannot open it. They call the office and ask someone to describe the model or send screenshots from specific angles, which is slow and imprecise.

How CAD Model Viewer for Outlook helps:

• On-site model viewing: The technician opens the CAD attachment directly in Outlook on their laptop. They rotate and zoom the 3D model to match the orientation of the physical equipment in front of them.
• Part identification: Inspect individual components in the assembly to identify the specific part that needs replacement. Measure the part dimensions to verify the replacement matches.
• Offline capability: Once the model is loaded, the technician can interact with it without an active internet connection, which is important in remote field locations.

The result: Service calls are resolved faster because the technician has visual reference material available on site. Fewer return visits are needed because the technician orders the correct replacement parts on the first visit.