# Implementing CAD API Automated Processes in Engineering Design: A Case Study Approach
## 4 Case Studies
### Case Study 3: Full Workflow Automation with Cost Estimation and Reporting  
Goal  
The third case study demonstrates the widespread potential of the automation system created by integrating higher-level features such as automated drawing generation, fiscal data processing, structured archiving, and report generation. The ultimate objective was to emulate an actual current-day workflow of an engineering environment in which  
Figure 6: Case #2: CAD file (ipt) and automatically created drawing file (idw). Note: Detailed directory structures and the VBA routines underpinning this drawing-generation workflow are provided in Appendix A.  
Figure 7: Example of an automatically code-generated drawing for the respected part of Case #2.  
technical deliverables such as CAD files and drawings, along with cost estimates and part documentation, are all automated, thus providing an integrated as well as component-level approach to reducing design time, human error, and inconsistency.  
Process  
Building upon the procedures in Cases 1 and 2, Case 3 starts with the engineer filling in the required metadata and activating the \"Financial Data\" and \"Reverse Engineering\" tabs through the input interface. These options prompt the user to insert key cost-related variables like material price, process times, and consumable costs (see Table 1. Upon submission, the system generates a CAD part file (.ipt) and its relevant drawing file (.idw), as shown in Figure 8, that includes multiple standard views and an autocompleted title block.  
The system then proceeds to automatically generate a structured directory of folders for engineering drawings, manufacturing data, quality control files, and reverse engineering outputs. An MS Word-based report file is also created (Figure 9), containing a summary of user-provided data, a snapshot of the part drawing, a footprint box outlining the raw part dimensions, and the total calculated manufacturing cost. The footprint box supports the selection of the appropriate raw material dimensions, eliminating manual measurements. This reporting functionality enhances documentation accuracy and promotes communication among design, costing, and production teams.  
All directory paths and coding logic used in this case are documented in Appendix A.7, while Figure 10 illustrates the automatically generated report with embedded drawing and financial summary. Appendix A.7 outlines the key variables used in the financial analysis of the part production process. These include material costs, time required for reverse engineering and machine setup, and the cost of consumables. Each variable contributes to  
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{l l} \hline \hline
**Financial Data** \\ \hline Material Price (EUR): & 300 \\ Reverse Engineering Time (hours) & 6 \\ Setup Time (hours) & 4 \\ Machining Time (hours) & 6 \\ Consumbables (EUR): & 250 \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table}
Table 1: Financial data for Case #3.  
Figure 8: Case #3: CAD file (ipt) and automatically created drawing file (idw).  
the accurate calculation of total production costs. Upon saving, the system automatically processes these data to support decision-making.