Based in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Ming Jin Engineering delivers civil and mechanical engineering design services, including CAD drafting, industrial design, and 3D modeling. The firm works with industrial corporations such as CPC Corporation and Dragon Steel Corporation on projects involving boiler structures, furnace systems, cooling stacks, and factory construction.
The challenge
When Michael Liu founded Ming Jin Engineering, he faced a common challenge for engineering firms: each design stage required different software tools. Constantly switching between platforms created inefficiencies and increased already high licensing costs. He needed a CAD platform that could bring the entire design process into one unified environment.
The solution
After considering software options, Ming Jin Engineering adopted Octave BricsCAD as its core design platform to:
- Handle both 2D and 3D modeling
- Integrate with third-party applications for automation
- Maintain full DWG compatibility with existing drawings
- Support for IFC standards for large, multi-disciplinary projects
- Enable transitioning with minimal retraining
A unified workflow with BricsCAD and Parabuild
BricsCAD Ultimate gives Ming Jin Engineering a single DWG-based environment for design, modeling, detailing, documentation, and drawing output. With Parabuild running directly inside BricsCAD, Liu’s team can automate steel-structure workflows without moving between separate platforms. This helps reduce manual rework work, keep project data synchronized, and maintain compatibility across client, fabrication, and site requirements. The team also uses Communicator for BricsCAD to seamlessly import geometry and PMI data from all major CAD applications.
“We chose BricsCAD Ultimate because it includes both BIM and Mechanical, allowing us to complete every stage—design, modeling, and drawing production—within a single environment. This reduces workflow interruptions, improves efficiency, and minimizes errors,” said Liu.
Design stage
Using Parabuild’s parametric grid system within BricsCAD’s 3D environment, Liu can generate structural frameworks automatically. He uses the grid function to set spacing and span parameters, rather than manually drawing each beam and column. Because the work stays within BricsCAD’s coordinate system, the model remains consistent from the start.
Modeling stage
Parabuild’s associative modeler enables rapid building design and automatic joint generation directly inside BricsCAD. When modifications are needed, connection plates and bolt holes update automatically, reducing the need for manual rework and helping the model stay aligned as the design evolves.
Construction information
Liu uses Parabuild for automatic part numbering, clash detection, and related linked tables within BricsCAD. By keeping this information connected to the model, the team can reduce manual checking, improve fabrication accuracy, and create a clearer handoff from design to manufacturing.
Drawing output
Parabuild’s automated drawing tools allow the team to efficiently generate project drawings and documentation. Native DWG output maintains compatibility with client standards, while STEP outputs support CNC processing, and IFC supports site coordination.
“I think Parabuild’s most powerful aspect is how it deeply integrates automation logic into BricsCAD. After the model is completed, it can automatically generate dozens of part drawings, assembly drawings, and installation drawings in a short time, and the annotations and part numbers automatically align,” explained Liu.
BricsCAD’s AI-driven tools also play a key role in automating tasks and saving time. The Quad cursor menu brings relevant tools and commands directly next to the cursor as you work. Optimize detects misaligned or broken lines in external drawings and recommends fixes. Copy Guided and Move Guided help handle complex mechanical layouts to automatically align and repair background lines.
“Tasks that originally required several hours of cleanup can now be completed in just a few minutes, with BricsCAD’s AI-driven tools. Over time, I also feel that my drawing speed has increased,” noted Liu.
The results
60% shorter drawing cycles
Using BricsCAD and Parabuild, Liu noted drawing efficiency increased by 30 to 50%, and the drawing cycle was shortened by 60%. Previously, after completing a steel structure model, generating part, assembly, and installation drawings might take five to seven days. Now, with automatic generation and batch modification, it only takes one to two days.
Greater accuracy, fewer manual errors
Because Parabuild modeling occurs within BricsCAD’s interface with synchronized data, human errors dropped to nearly zero. Parabuild’s real-time clash detection catches assembly conflicts, helping Ming Jin Engineering resolve over 90% of potential on-site issues before entering factory fabrication.
Full compliance with project standards
BricsCAD’s IFC support enables seamless integration with architects’ and MEP engineers’ models on larger projects. Template-based layer, line-weight, and font standards ensure that every drawing met client and regulatory requirements.
“BricsCAD fully supports the IFC international standard and precisely handles DWG formats, allowing us to pursue efficiency while fully meeting government regulations and industry technical standards,” explained Liu.
Stable performance for complex steel structures
BricsCAD maintained stability and responsiveness throughout extended modeling sessions, even with large DWG files. Ming Jin Engineering also noted fast startup and file-loading speeds.
“BricsCAD proves that 3D modeling does not require sacrificing performance. It provides a lightweight 2D‑like experience while maintaining the stability needed for complex 3D steel structures. This is why we can confidently complete design and drawing output on the same DWG platform,” said Liu.
Reduced material waste and lower software costs
Accurate BOMs enable precise procurement and reduce material waste by about 5-10%. BricsCAD’s flexible, perpetual licensing also delivers substantial long-term software cost, allowing Liu better control over operating budgets without high annual fees.
Minimal learning curve with compatible workflows
Drafters reported a smooth switch, thanks to BricsCAD’s familiar interface and functionality, as well as high compatibility with their previous workflows. Users adapted with minimal retraining.
“BricsCAD’s symbiotic relationship with third-party software like Parabuild is very powerful. What users purchase is not just a single piece of software, but a continuously expanding professional ecosystem. For companies pursuing long-term development, this scalability is an important consideration,” concluded Liu.
See how Octave BricsCAD can help engineering teams simplify workflows, improve drawing output, and reduce project delivery time. Download a free trial of Octave BricsCAD.
Taiwan
Building
Ming Jin Engineering
