August 18, 2020
AutomationDirect now offers native CAD files downloadable directly from their Web store to assist system designers in developing or updating their designs. Available in over 60 formats, the CAD files save designers time, provide more accurate vendor specifications from vendors, and allow better assessment of product fit within a design.
At the product item level on the Store, visitors can use the new 3D viewer to see and rotate the product in any direction. Downloadable native CAD file formats include Pro-E, Inventor and SOLIDWORKS; several generic 3D formats, such as STL, Parasolid and STEP are also available, as well as many 2D options. These formats allow a user to create project documentation and help with BOM generation.
“At AutomationDirect, we believe in helping our current and future customers make the best decisions they can with as much information as we can provide, and it’s free,” said Jamie Hipple, Team Lead/Creative Director of the Focused Image Team at AutomationDirect. “Before, during and after purchase, users can download CAD, manuals, technical specifications and even complete catalogs in order to make an informed decision.”
All the information needed to make product design decisions is included in the new 3D CAD native files. They also include basic product and purchasing information in the model metadata to make it easy for a user to purchase the part directly from within their design system if needed.
View an example of the 3D CAD viewer and file download capability here.
Editor's Pick: Featured Article

Cables and wires in industrial robots and other moving machine parts are often required to withstand extreme stresses caused by torsion. Constant repetitive movements put materials under considerable strain. At the same time, operators expect components to function perfectly and reliably throughout their entire service life to avoid disruptions, outages and safety hazards.
For this reason, at HELUKABEL, we simulate intensive and continuous torsion stresses under realistic conditions with our high-tech testing equipment in Windsbach. We have several types of apparatus for doing this because some of our customers, for example those in the automotive industry, have very precise specifications for how a torsion test is carried out. The tests show that our cables and wires withstand speeds up to 1,000°/s, accelerations up to 2,000°/s² and torsion angles up to 720°. Hence, we make sure that each product always meets our customers’ high standards, and that they receive the impeccable quality they rightly expect from us as a leading supplier of cables, wires and accessories for more than 40 years.
What Is Torsion?
To learn the answer, click here
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