Computer-Aided Design Software

Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of computer technology to aid in the design and drafting, technical drawing, and engineering drawing of a part, product, or building. It generates output that respects the standards for the given discipline. Both two-dimensional and three-dimensional designs may be produced. Many packages present design views from any desired angle. The designer or client can view the design from the top, the bottom, and even from the inside looking out.

Common applications include the design of tools and machinery employed in component manufacture and in the drafting and design of a full range of buildings, from small homes to massive commercial and industrial structures, factories, hospitals, and shopping malls. Engineers and others rely on computer-aided design during all stages of the engineering process. The benefits include lower product development costs and a greatly shortened design cycle. Designers may build digital prototypes that are quicker and cheaper to build than physical prototypes. They view and test the design on screen, reducing the product development time.

You name it, it's done in CAD today.

Most CAD programs run on Windows computers, but versions are available for Unix (including Linux) and Apple computers. Depending on your specific needs, you may require extra RAM, a sophisticated graphics card, or even multiple CPUs. But in many cases a standard, off-the-shelf PC will do just fine. Some systems recommend a digitizing graphics tablet and even stereoscopic glasses for viewing 3D models.

Starting in the late 1980s, relatively inexpensive microcomputer-based CAD programs led to extensive downsizing in the drafting departments of many companies. A single CAD operator might well replace three to five drafters working with traditional methods. Furthermore, many engineers choose to handle their own drafting. Because top of the line programs were quite expensive, large firms often gained a competitive advantage.

Beautiful kitchen designed in 3D.

There are several different types of CAD, each of which is used somewhat differently. As you might well guess, 2D systems are low end. They are often free or quite inexpensive. These systems allow skilled operatives to produce drawings rapidly. 3D wireframe is essentially an extension of 2D drafting. With such systems each line must be manually inserted into the drawing.

3D "dumb" solids programs create designs in much the same way that people manipulate objects such as cylinders, prisms, cylinders and spheres. These programs allow users to generate two-dimensional views. 3D parametric solid modeling programs represent a step up from the previous category but require additional training and user sophistication. Don’t believe vendors who tell you that with their CAD software even untrained users can do what it takes. Each and every design program has a learning curve.