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Automated transmission pole design in Autodesk Inventor showing 3D model, 2D fabrication drawing with dimensions, and BOM table

Automated output: 3D pole model, fabrication drawing, and BOM — generated in minutes from PLS-Pole data

The Problem

Manual Pole Design Takes Days and Produces Errors

After completing structural analysis in PLS-Pole, engineering teams spend days manually creating 3D models, 2D fabrication drawings, bills of materials, and part numbers. This manual process is slow, error-prone, and does not scale.

Days Per Pole Design

Engineers spend multiple days manually creating 3D models and 2D fabrication drawings for each pole design. With hundreds of configurations across projects, this consumes thousands of engineering hours annually.

Error Cascade Across Outputs

Wrong part numbers, missing annotations, incorrect dimensions, mismatched BOMs. Each error costs time to find and fix. Some slip through to manufacturing, causing rework and delivery delays.

Scaling Limits

As project volumes grow, manual design becomes the bottleneck. You cannot scale output by hiring drafters fast enough. Missed deadlines damage client relationships and cost future contracts.

Our Solution

Automate the Complete PLS-Pole to Manufacturing Workflow

We build custom CAD automation on your chosen platform, Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or other systems, tailored to your pole designs, company standards, drawing templates, part numbering, and downstream manufacturing requirements.

Automated 3D Modelling

Input pole parameters and the system generates complete 3D models: poles, base plates, end plates, vangs, arms, hardware, and all structural components. One parameter change updates the entire model.

Automated 2D Drawing Generation

From the 3D model, the system creates fabrication-ready 2D drawings with all views, dimensions, annotations, weld symbols, and notes following your company templates. IDW, DWG, SLDDRW, and PDF output.

Automated BOM and Part Numbering

Bills of materials, part numbers, and assembly numbers generated automatically with zero manual data entry. Hardware pallet lists, ship loose items, and direct export to Excel or your ERP system.

Fabrication System Integration

Design data flows directly to Tekla PowerFab, ERP, cutting and welding systems. No manual re-entry. Change one parameter and all outputs regenerate automatically.

The Workflow

From PLS-Pole to Manufacturing Drawings in Minutes

1

PLS-Pole Analysis

Complete structural analysis in PLS-Pole as usual. No change to your workflow.

2

Input Parameters

Transfer pole parameters into the automation tool. Select dimensions, materials, hardware.

3

Automated Generation

System generates 3D model, 2D drawings, BOMs, and part numbers in minutes.

4

Review and Release

Engineers review outputs, make adjustments, and release to manufacturing.

5

Fabrication Data

Data flows to Tekla PowerFab, cutting schedules, and welding instructions.

Typical Results

What Transmission Pole Manufacturers Achieve

80-90%
Faster Design
Days per pole to hours or minutes
Near Zero
Drawing Errors
Rule-based validation catches mismatches
99.9%
BOM Accuracy
No manual data entry errors
60%
Capacity Freed
Engineers focus on higher-value work
Proven Results

Deployed with US Transmission Pole Manufacturers

"The automation reduced our design cycle from weeks to days. Drawing errors dropped to near zero. Our engineers now focus on engineering, not repetitive drafting."

Engineering Manager, US-based Tubular Steel Pole Manufacturer
Design-to-fabrication cycle reduced from 2 weeks to 2-3 days
Zero fabrication errors from drawing inconsistencies
60% of engineering time freed from repetitive documentation
Direct data flow to Tekla PowerFab eliminated manual re-entry
Custom Built

Built for Your Specific Workflow

Every transmission pole manufacturer has unique requirements. Our automation is custom-built to match your exact workflow.

Pole Types

Tubular steel, tapered, stepped, multi-sided

Connection Details

Base plates, end plates, vangs, splices

Drawing Templates

Your title block, annotation standards, view layouts

Part Numbering

Your existing numbering system and conventions

Hardware Libraries

Your bolt, nut, washer, and hardware catalog

Material Standards

ASTM A572, A588, weathering steel, your specs

Output Formats and Integration

IDW, IPT, DWG, SLDDRW, SLDPRT, PDF, Excel, ERP

How We Work

From Audit to Production in 8-16 Weeks

1

Workflow Audit

We analyze your PLS-Pole to fabrication workflow. Free, no commitment.

2

Solution Design

We design the automation architecture, parameter flow, and output integration.

3

Development

Custom add-in for your CAD platform with iterative team feedback.

4

Testing

Validated against your real pole designs for accuracy and completeness.

5

Deployment

Full handover with source code, documentation, and team training.

Free Assessment

Free Workflow Audit

We analyze your current PLS-Pole to fabrication workflow, identify what's automatable, assess the risks, and show you what a production-grade approach looks like. No cost. No commitment.

Current workflow analysis
Automation opportunity map
Risk and feasibility assessment
Detailed results projection
Request Your Free Audit
Why FDES

Why FDES Technologies

16 years of design automation and CAD customization experience
Multi-platform expertise across Inventor, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and more
Autodesk Developer Network member with deep API expertise
Proven deployments with US-based transmission pole manufacturers
Custom engineering service, not a generic product that almost fits
Full-stack delivery from workflow audit to production-grade automation
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this work with PLS-Pole output?

Yes. Our automation bridges the gap between PLS-Pole and your CAD platform, whether that is Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or another system.

What CAD platforms do you support?

We build automation on Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and other platforms. Our most mature deployments are on Inventor, but we tailor the solution to whichever CAD platform your team uses.

How long does implementation take?

Typically 8-16 weeks depending on the complexity of your pole designs and number of pole types. We develop iteratively so you see working automation early.

Will this work with our specific pole designs?

Every deployment is customized to your specific pole types, connection details, drawing standards, and part numbering. We build around your workflow.

Do we own the source code?

Yes. This is a custom engineering service. You own the resulting system outright and can operate it independently. No per-user licensing, no annual subscription.

What about our existing drawings and standards?

We use your existing drawing templates, title blocks, annotation standards, and part numbering conventions. Outputs look exactly like your current drawings.

What does it cost?

Cost depends on scope: number of pole types, design complexity, integration requirements. We start with a free workflow audit and provide a detailed proposal.

Can we try it before committing?

Yes. We offer a free workflow audit where we analyze your current PLS-Pole to fabrication process, identify what's automatable, and provide a detailed assessment at no cost and with no commitment.

Ready to Automate Your Pole Design Workflow?

Stop spending days on manual 3D modelling, drawing generation, and BOM creation. Let us show you how automation can transform your engineering throughput.