|
CAD Software
Computer-aided design (CAD) software is a specific type of software used by architects, engineers, and other types of designers to assist them in creating their designs.
CAD Usage
CAD emerged in the 1970s as a two dimensional drafting tool. It was used to create drawings similar to those a draftsman would create. The benefits of CAD over traditional drafting were its ease in correcting mistakes and the ability to make drawings that were much larger than traditional drafting allowed.
As computers advanced, so too did CAD technology. In the 1980s, CAD became widely used in many sectors of industry. The beginnings of using CAD as a three dimensional tool also emerged in the 1980s.
Today, CAD is used for the drafting, modeling, and rendering of designs in many fields. The software has become sophisticated enough for a designer to take what has been created in the CAD software, and put it into a machine that interprets the information. The interpreted information is then used to build what was designed.
CAD Users
Architects: Architects can use CAD software to do the actual drawing of their building projects. They can use it for everything from the initial blue prints to the final working drawings. They can also use CAD software to do calculations for them on safety issues, such as how much steel is needed in a load bearing wall in order to make it strong.
Mechanical Engineers: Mechanical engineers can use CAD software to create their engineering drawings. They can also build 3-D models of their designs using the software, and then run simulated tests to see how the finished products will react under different circumstances. For example, when a new car is designed, a CAD program can run simulated crash tests on the car to see how it holds up under impact. This type of testing saves a great deal of time, money, and lives.
Manufacturing Plants: Plants that manufacture products can use CAD software to design the products and build simulated models of them before the actual product is even produced. Anything from tools to glass bottles to toothbrushes can be designed using CAD software. And, like the designs created by architects and mechanical engineers, these designs can be put through simulated tests to check for safety and strength factors.
There are many different CAD software products on the market. Many people think CAD refers to a specific piece of software, but it does not. It is simply the term used for any computer-aided drawing or drafting software. When choosing CAD software, you need to look for packages that meet your specific drawing needs.
By Robin Shreeves
|
