MCAD CoDesigner℠

ECAD-MCAD codesign is the process of synchronizing electrical and mechanical design data. For mechanical engineers, it means fewer surprises and less rework. Instead of relying on exported STEP, IDF, IDX, and DXF files or manual updates, Altium 365 enables direct ECAD to MCAD collaboration so you can work with native geometry inside your mechanical CAD software. 

An electrical engineer can push design changes to your preferred MCAD software so you have accurate board outlines, component placement, and copper geometry. You can work on the electrical engineer’s latest changes without delays or miscommunication.

ECAD-MCAD integration eliminates the most common sources of frustration in mechanical design—waiting for exports, guessing at board revisions, or discovering clearance issues too late. The integration keeps mechanical and electrical teams aligned throughout development, helping you validate fit, form, and function as you build enclosures or assemblies.

Mechanical engineers often encounter problems when electrical design changes aren’t shared promptly, leading to boards that don’t fit, misplaced connectors, or obstructed enclosures. ECAD-MCAD collaboration in Altium 365 solves this by connecting ECAD software and MCAD software in a shared workflow. Changes like modified board outlines and new components are visible in your MCAD design environment. With bi-directional updates and full change history, you can catch mechanical constraints early.

Altium 365 supports ECAD-MCAD integration with leading mechanical CAD software, including SOLIDWORKS^®, PTC Creo^®, Autodesk^® Inventor^®, Fusion 360, and Siemens NX (with an Enterprise subscription). Mechanical engineers can use MCAD CoDesigner to sync design data between their preferred MCAD software and the Altium Designer ECAD software used by electrical teams. This two-way connection ensures a reliable ECAD-to-MCAD workflow so every team works with native models in their own environment. It’s seamless, accurate, and built to fit real-world MCAD design needs.