The Aerospace Industries Association recently announced partnerships with IHS and CADENAS PARTsolutions to offer authorized 3-D computer-aided design (CAD) models of components based on critical National Aerospace Standards (NAS), providing a valuable new tool for engineers across the aerospace industry to accelerate innovation, shorten design cycles and reduce costs. “AIA has a long and proud history serving the needs of the aerospace and defense industry through our National Aerospace Standards program,” said AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey. “The AIA NAS 3-D catalog allows us to provide solutions that will help the industry design and manufacture products faster and at a lower cost. We are excited to work with IHS and CADENAS PARTsolutions, who are recognized leaders in their fields.”

AIA, the premier trade association representing the nation's major aerospace and defense manufacturers, manages the NAS, which include widely used mechanical parts standards.  These standards define the geometry and materials for millions of unique parts suitable for high-performance aerospace applications.  NAS are used extensively in the design of aircraft, spacecraft, watercraft, ground vehicles, machinery and electronics. Beginning in January 2014, AIA and our partners will offer 3D models of these mechanical parts standards to simplify and accelerate the aerospace design process.  Key benefits include:
 
•Reduced modeling and design cycle times;
•Improved engineering productivity;
•Elimination of duplicated effort and rework;
•Assurance of quality through the use of authorized CAD models;
•Increased consistency in parts used on projects
•Greater accuracy in bills of materials.