Cad Software

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is a technology used for a wide variety of products. It is intended in the field of architecture, engineering and construction (roads, railroads, tunnels, highways, sewer systems), electronics (digital circuit design), electrical (power systems engineering, power analytics), mechanical (aerospace, automotive, machinery, consumer goods), apparel and textile (fashion design), garden design, industrial design and other software applications. CAD also helps design professionals prepare and produce drawings and other elements needed for presentations through the utilization of computer programs like the CAD software.

At first, CAD systems were only used for drafting. But now, due to recent changes in technology and high demand for CAD-produced projects, developers have incorporated three-dimensional (3D) modeling and simulation operations. These breakthroughs have eliminated the need to create actual prototypes since engineers can readily see and make adjustments on the design itself using CAD software applications. If one value was changed, all the other values that depend on it will automatically change as well. Say for example in the field of cellular phone engineering, using CAD will determine the results of tolerance ranges for newly designed phones, without the need to build physical models for each one. Not only that the design cycle will be shortened, but also, it will result to low production cost. Indeed, a great advantage for the company and product developers.

Other capabilities of modern CAD systems are the following: (1) create engineering drawings from solid models, (2) freeform surface modeling, (3) design data output directly to manufacturing facilities, (4) reuse of design components, (5) interference, kinematics and clearance checking of assemblies, (6) electrical component packaging, programmable design studies and optimization, (7) validation/verification of designs against design specifications and rules, (8) calculate mass properties of parts and assemblies and (9) maintain libraries of parts and assemblies among others.

There are a lot of well-known CAD software available in the market today. The four main CAD companies are the following: Autodesk, developer of AutoCAD; Parametric Technology Corporation (PTC), specializing in CAD/CAM software and content management solutions; Dassault Systemes, a company specializing in three-dimensional (3D) software development; and Siemens UGS, the creator of NX, which is a multiplatform commercial CAD design software. CAD packages can be further classified into three types namely, 2D drafting systems ( e.g. AutoCAD); mid-range 3D solid feature modelers (e.g. SolidWorks) and high-end 3D fusion systems (NX).

Most workstation units that run CAD software applications are Windows based computers, though there are some CAD systems that support Linux, Unix and Mac OSX operating systems. Multiplatform support is also provided by NX that can be used on all four operating systems. Though there are really no specific hardware requirements, the CAD software will work best on a computer with a relatively high processor speed and a large amount of RAM. This is specifically applied to all complex product designs.