CAD (computer-aided design) is the use of computer-based software to aid in design processes. CAD software is frequently used by different types of engineers and designers. CAD software can be used to create two-dimensional (2-D) drawings or three-dimensional (3-D) models. The purpose of CAD is to optimize and streamline the designer's workflow, increase productivity, improve the quality and level of detail in the design, improve documentation communications and often contribute toward a manufacturing design database. CAD software outputs come in the form of electronic files, which are then used accordingly for manufacturing processes. CAD is often used in tandem with digitized manufacturing processes. CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) is software used to design products such as electronic circuit boards in computers and other devices. Who uses CAD?Computer-aided design is used in a wide variety of professions. CAD software is used heavily within various architecture, arts and engineering projects. CAD use cases are specific to industry and job functions. Professions that use CAD tools include, but are not limited to:
CAD benefitsCompared to traditional technical sketching and manual drafting, the use of CAD design tools can have significant benefits for engineers and designers:
CAD software/toolsA number of CAD tools exist to assist designers and engineers. Some CAD tools are tailored to fit specific use cases and industries, such as industrial design or architecture. Other CAD software tools can be used to support a variety of industries and project types. Some widely-used CAD tools are:
As technologies improve and the software becomes more powerful, so do the opportunities for designers to create new and exciting products, services and systems. Greater freedom in customization and personalization of products has a significant impact on the end user. The ability to virtually prototype, visualize and share designs enhances the whole design cycle from data analysis through to final designs.
The use of CAD to simulate the conditions in which a product will be used allows the designer to gain valuable data at low cost. For example, simulating the flow of air across a car exterior negates the need for a car and wind tunnel. What is CAD?Term: Computer Aided Design (CAD) – The use of computers to aid the design process. CAD is using computers to aid the design process, this could include creating and modifying designs (products), graphic design, data processing, analysis (FEA) or simulations. Types of CAD Software
EHow describes the different software packages.
Surface and Solid Models
Term: Surface Modelling – A realistic picture of the final model, offering some machining data. Surface models contain no data about the interior of the part. Term: Solid Modelling – Solid models are clear representations of the final part. They provide a complete set of data for the product to be realized.
Term: “Top down” design is a product development process obtained through 3D, parametric and associative CAD systems. The main feature of this new method is that the design originates as a concept and gradually evolves into a complete product consisting of components and sub-assemblies. Term: “Bottom Up” – A designer creates part geometry independent of the assembly or any modelling other component. Although there are often some design criteria established before modelling the part, this information is not shared between models. Once all parts are completed, they are brought together for the first time in the assembly.
Term: Is a model that determines the structure of data.
Design of information systems to enable the exchange data
Virtual Prototyping
Term: Virtual prototyping – Photorealistic CAD-based interactive models that use surface and solid modelling. They can be considered ‘digital mock-ups’.
Digital humans: motion capture, haptic technology, virtual reality (VR), and animation
Digital humans:
Discuss how digital humans can enhance human factors research.
Haptic technology (also know as force feedback technology):
Virtual Reality – The ability to simulate a real situation on the screen and interact with it in a near-natural way.
Animation …The ability to link graphic screens together in such a way as to simulate motion or a process. Motion capture … The recording of human and animal movement by any means, for example, by video, magnetic or electro-mechanical devices.
How haptic technology, motion capture, VR and animation can be used to simulate design scenarios and contexts
Finite element analysis (FEA)
FEA …The calculation and simulation of unknown factors in products using CAD systems. For example, simulating the stresses within a welded car part.
Compare FEA with testing physical models
Use of FEA systems when designing and developing products
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