# Automated Design and Parametric Modeling of Excavator Buckets
## 7 Discussion  
This article presents a methodology for automated design and parametric modeling of excavator buckets, implemented with CAD system SolidWorks 2022 The methodology covers all stages of product design--modeling of 3D models of parts, creating assemblies, and generating design documentation. The article highlights the advantages of this type of parametric design as well as improving work efficiency. All modern CAD systems offer mechanisms for parametric modeling and configuration, although they have different names and different approaches to implementation. For example, in SolidWorks 2022, this is called \"Configurations\" [3]; in PTC Creo 11, it is \"Family Tables\" [29]; in CATIA V6 R2024, it is \"Design Tables\" [30]; in Autodesk Inventor 2024, it uses \"iParts/iAssemblies\", automated by iLogic [31]; and Siemens NX 2406 has \"Part Families\" and \"Product Configurations\", combined with User-Defined Attributes (UDA) [32]. The methodology considered in this study is not specific to only one CAD system but is applicable to different CAD software. This makes it possible to adapt our approach to different industrial environments, without being limited to the use of only one specific software. Future research could conduct a more in-depth analysis of the performance of these different CAD platforms in industrial applications. One of the main outcomes from the application of this type of parametric modeling is the significant reduction in the volume of design documentation, as well as the reduction in the complexity of the work performed. Traditional design requires a manual creation of numerous design variations, while the automated generation of different bucket configurations requires minimal human interaction. The comparison between traditional and parametric modeling through configurations clearly demonstrates a significant advantage in productivity when using configurations. The use of parametric modeling and configurations leads to a significant reduction in the number of necessary 3D models and drawings, which results in 50% time savings in modeling through configurations. Automating the creation of documentation leads to a significant reduction in errors and improves the accuracy of the design. This is especially true for companies where rapid design preparation is required to meet the specific customer requirements. The proposed methodology has been tested with professional engineers working on real industrial projects commissioned by external companies. They use parametric modeling with configurations within standard industrial processes, which ensures that the measured time and efficiency reflect real operating conditions. Although this study focused on a specific industry area, further testing in different sectors would be beneficial. Future research could extend the evaluation by collecting feedback on the applicability of the method from engineers working in different manufacturing environments, which would allow a wider analysis of its adaptability and effectiveness. The proposed approach to modeling through configurations has been successfully applied by the R&D Centre at the University of Ruse (Bulgaria) on projects for several different clients. The goal is to increase the efficiency of engineering processes and reduce design time. Engineering departments usually consist of several people and the time required to design and model a specific product should be minimal. Design work is a crucial stage in the product manufacturing process. In real production, the time from receipt of an order for a specific product to its actual production is very short. In this case, the engineering tasks involve more than just developing 3D models and design documentation. It is necessary to know the entire technological process for the product production. The development of 3D models must be consistent with the specific technology for manufacturing the product. The examples of the excavator buckets and all products described in the publication have been manufactured and are actively used in practice.