No CAD/BIM? No Problem

Digital twins are powerful tools for optimizing operations, but many businesses hesitate to start because they lack 3D models or CAD files. What if I told you that you don’t need them to begin your digital twin journey? At Fabrik, we specialize in creating digital replicas from scratch—whether you have detailed blueprints or just a set of photos. Here’s how we make it happen: 

Step 1: Identifying Priority Metrics for Your Digital Twin

The first step in any digital twin project is determining what you want to monitor. At Fabrik, we work closely with our clients to identify the key metrics they want their digital twin to track. This could range from a specific set of equipment, a process, or even the entire assembly or facility. The goal is to capture the most valuable data to drive operational insights.

Once we know which assets or processes are most important, we begin to evaluate the information the client has on hand. This helps shape the next steps in creating the digital twin.

Step 2: Gathering Existing Information

If you don’t have a 3D model or CAD file, Fabrik adapts to your situation. For projects that focus on equipment or assets without any existing blueprints or CAD data, we start by gathering as much visual and functional information as possible.

Photography & Documentation: We begin by taking detailed photographs of the asset from every angle and thoroughly understanding how it operates. This visual data allows us to build an accurate replica of the equipment.

3D Modelling: Using these images, Fabrik’s internal team works on creating a 3D replica that’s as close to the real thing as possible. We ensure that not only the appearance but also the core functionality and data integration are accurately represented. In cases where the asset is highly complex, we bring in a 3D artist on contract to ensure precision.

Step 3: Creating Digital Twins for Processes or Entire Assemblies

If you’re looking to replicate an entire process or assembly line—such as a factory floor—our approach changes slightly. In this case, we request the blueprints of the facility and detailed information about the process cycle.

Blueprints: These give us a spatial understanding of the layout, which helps us build the foundational model.

Process Cycle Details: Knowing how the assembly or process functions in real-time allows us to create accurate workflows and interactions within the digital twin.

Once we have this information, we proceed to develop the digital twin in a manner similar to the asset-focused approach, prioritizing functionality and performance data over visual representation when necessary.

Data-Driven Twins: The Core of Digital Twin Functionality

At Fabrik, while we work to create visually accurate 3D models, the essence of a digital twin lies in real-time data. This data is what powers the twin’s ability to monitor, simulate, and predict system behaviour. Whether you have CAD files or not, the digital twin remains a powerful tool as long as we integrate the right data flows—which could come from sensors, IoT devices, or other operational systems.

Use Cases for Non-3D-Model Digital Twins

Even without pre-existing 3D models, digital twins can still provide immense value across industries:

Manufacturing & Operations: For monitoring machinery, sensor data offers key insights on performance, usage, and predictive maintenance, which can be visualised in the digital twin.

Smart Infrastructure: Municipalities can use sensor data to monitor traffic, energy use, or environmental conditions, creating actionable feedback loops even without detailed 3D city models.

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The Fabrik Advantage: Flexibility and Focus on Functionality

Fabrik’s approach to digital twins allows us to adapt to each client’s needs:

No Pre-Existing Models? No Problem: We can start with nothing but pictures and data to build your twin.

Cost-Effective Solutions: By focusing on what matters—data and functionality—we help you avoid the high costs of creating CAD models where they’re not needed.

Scalable for Any Industry: Whether it’s monitoring a single piece of equipment or replicating an entire assembly line, our digital twins provide actionable insights that drive efficiency and productivity.

In Summary: How to Create Digital Twins Without CAD Files

At Fabrik, we emphasize the importance of data in digital twins. Even without a 3D model or CAD file, the core of a digital twin project remains intact—tracking and optimizing the metrics that matter most to your business.

By focusing on data-driven functionality, we help our clients build digital twins that monitor real-time performance, optimize processes, and provide predictive insights. Whether you have blueprints, a collection of photos, or just data streams, we’re ready to bring your operations into the digital realm with powerful, flexible twin technology.

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