CAD is used for:
- Concept designing: Concept designing is the process of developing a new product idea. CAD software can be used to create sketches, 2D drawings, and 3D models of the product concept. This allows designers to visualize the product and to get feedback from stakeholders. Since the drafts are digitized, revision is easy.
- 3D modelling: 3D modelling is the process of creating a 3D model of an object. CAD software can be used to create 3D models of products, parts, and assemblies. This allows engineers to visualize the product and to simulate its performance.
- Product design and surfacing: Product design and surfacing is the process of creating the physical and visual appearance of a product. CAD software can be used to create 2D drawings, 3D models, and surface finishes of a product. This allows designers to create products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
- Industrial design: Industrial design is the process of designing products for mass production. CAD software can be used to create 2D drawings, 3D models, and assembly instructions for products. This enables manufacturers to manufacture products efficiently and cost-effectively.
- 2D to 3D conversion: 2D to 3D conversion is the process of converting a 2D drawings into 3D models. It is a complex process, but it can be a valuable tool for a variety of purposes. Since 3D models and videos can provide a detailed understanding for viewers, this can be beneficial for Product Engineering.
- Product engineering: Product engineering is the process of designing, developing, and manufacturing products. CAD software can be used to create 2D drawings, 3D models, and engineering drawings for products. This allows engineers to design products that are safe, reliable, and meet the needs of users.
- Reverse engineering: Reverse engineering is the process of studying some object or system in order to analyze how it works. This helps engineers develop or create a similar object / system. CAD software can be used to create 2D drawings, 3D models, and engineering drawings of products that have been reverse engineered. This allows engineers to understand how products work and to create new products that are similar to the original product.
CAD services are a valuable tool for all of the above activities. They allow designers, engineers, and manufacturers to create, visualize, and analyze products more efficiently and effectively.
CAD Infrastructure
Any company that provides CAD services needs to have a good CAD infrastructure. CAD infrastructure is nothing but the set of hardware, software, data, and CAD knowledge that is used to create and manage CAD models. It includes CAD workstations, servers, storage devices, CAD applications, data management tools, collaboration software, CAD models, drawings, and other data files.A few popular CAD software tools include:
- CATIA: CATIA is a comprehensive CAD software that is used by a wide range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. It is known for its powerful features, such as 3D modelling, simulation, and generative design.
- Pro-E / Creo: Pro-E (now known as PTC Creo) is another popular CAD software that is used by a wide range of industries. It is known for its ease of use and its ability to handle complex designs.
- Solid Edge: Solid Edge is a CAD software that is used by a wide range of industries. It is known for its affordability and its ability to handle both 2D and 3D designs.
- Unigraphics / NX: Unigraphics (now known as NX) is a high-end CAD software that is used by a wide range of industries. It is known for its powerful features, such as 3D modelling, simulation, and generative design.
- SolidWorks: SolidWorks is a popular CAD software that is used by a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, product design, and engineering. It is known for its ease of use and its ability to handle complex designs.
- Autodesk Inventor: Autodesk Inventor is a parametric CAD software that is used by a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, product design, and engineering. It is known for its powerful features, such as 3D modelling, simulation, and generative design.
- solidThinking Inspire: solidThinking is a CAD software that is used to create 3D models of products. It is known for its ease of use and its ability to handle complex designs.
These are just a few of the many CAD tools that are available, and it is not easy to choose the correct one. What is more, some complex tasks like reverse engineering may require more than one CAD tools, and it may not be economically viable especially for small and medium scaled companies to legitimately purchase all these tools. Instead, it makes sense for these companies to outsource their CAD requirements to engineering companies that not only have access to a variety of CAD tools, but also have the expertise to use them correctly. Some of the benefits of using CAD services by engineering companies include improved efficiency (by automating many of the tasks that were once done manually), improved quality, and improved communication as CAD models can be easily shared with other engineers, manufacturers, and customers. All these benefits result in reduced manufacturing costs and increased profits, which is the aim of all manufacturing companies.