CAD SOFTWARE

Computer aided design (CAD) software is a computer program that enables users to create, modify, analyze and optimize digital models of physical objects or systems.

There are several types of CAD software and they are; 2D, 3D, parametric, direct/explicit modeling, building information modeling (BIM), computer aided industrial design (CAID) and computer aided manufacturing (integrated with CAD) computer aided design (CAD).

2D CAD is the digital evolution of the traditional drawing board. It provides flat, precise technical drawings using lines, arcs, circles and annotations. Example of 2D CAD software includes; autocad , QCAD, Libre CAD, Draftsight, Microstation 2D etc.

3D CAD creates virtual solid or surface models that exist in XYZ space. 3D objects or models can be rotated, sectioned, rendered and simulated in digital space. Example of 3D CAD software includes; solid works, Autodesk inventor, CATIA, Siemens NX, fusion 360, rhino 3D, freeCAD etc.

Parametric CAD is a methodology where designs are driven by parameters (numbers) and constraints (rules). Change a dimension and the entire model updates intelligently throughout its feature history. Example of parametric CAD software includes; solidworks, creo parametric, fusion 360, onshape, inventor, freeCAD etc.

Direct (explicit) modeling CAD software lets you push, pull, move and modify geometry directly without any history tree or predefined constraints. It is like sculpting clay digitally. Example of direct modeling CAD software includes; Anysys spaceClaim, PTC Creo Direct, Siemens solid edge, KeyCreator, spaceclaim in ANSYS, plasticity etc.

Building information modeling (BIM) software is far more than 3D modeling for buildings. It is a data rich digital representation of a building physical and functional characteristics, including geometry, materials, cost, schedule and performance data, shared across all disciplines throughout a buildings life cycle. Example of BIM software incudes; Autodesk Revit, ArchiCAD, Bentley AECOsim, vectorworks architect, Tekla structures, BIMSEO/ACC, Navisworks etc.

Computer aided industrial design (CAID) software focuses on the aesthetic, ergonomic and brand driven aspects of product design. CAID focuses on curvature quality, surface continuity and visual appeal. Example of CAID software includes; Autodesk alias, Rhino 3D, Grasshopper (Rhino plugin), ICEM surf, Cinema 4D, Blender (with CAD add ons), Adobe substance 3D etc.

Computer aided manufacturing (CAM) integration with CAD closes the loop between design and production. The 3D model is used directly to generate toolpaths, the precise movements of CNC machines, lathes, mills, routers and 3D printers. Examples of CAM software includes; fusion 360, MasterCAM, Siemens NX CAM, Solidworks + CAMworks, HSMworks, edgeCAM etc.

The advantages of CAD software are as follows; CAD software produces geometrically exact designs with exceptionally precision and accuracy. CAD software enhances productivity by drastically reducing the time taken to complete 2D and 3D drawings. CAD software provides for easy modification and editing of drawings. CAD software enables effective visualization and presentations. CAD software provide exceptional tools for simulations and analysis such as finite element analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD) etc. CAD software provides effective tools for collaboration and data sharing. CAD software provides direct or integration linkage with manufacturing operation by feeding CAD models directly into CAM for CNC tool path generation. CAD software provides standard path libraries to reduce redesign efforts, such that components once built can be reused across multiple projects. CAD software provides for elaborate documentation and compliance by adhering to authorized codes and standards. CAD software reduces expensive manual drafting and prototyping which is subject to design failures, material wastes, endless development cycles, errors and prohibitive costs. The disadvantages of CAD software are; the high cost of CAD equipment and software. CAD learning curve is very steep and training programs are expensive and time consuming. CAD proficiency in one software is rarely transferable to another. CAD software compatibility and interoperability across different software platforms is challenging. Over reliance on CAD software may reduce the effectiveness of humans to create intuitively because of the software limitations. CAD software is prone to data security risks such as intellectual property theft due to hacking and other cyber-attacks on CAD systems by bad actors. The use of CAD software for extended periods by humans may eventually lead to eye strain, fatigue and other health issues. The energy cost of using CAD system is very enormous and may lead to environmental pollution.

CAD software find applications in the following; mechanical engineering, automotive industry, aerospace and defense, architecture and construction, civil and infrastructure engineering, medical and health care, electronics and electrical engineering, consumer products, energy, education and research etc., primarily for design, illustration, presentation, animation, teaching,instruction and production.

The future of CAD software is based on the advances and development of the following technologies; artificial intelligence and generative design, cloud native CAD, Digital twins, AR and VR integration, additive manufacturing integration, convergence of CAD, CAE  and CAM, autonomous and robotic design and interoperability and open standard for seamless CAD migration across different platforms.

 

SOURCES:

• Introduction to computer aided design and manufacture by David Bedworth.
• Generative design: Visualization, Program and create with processing by Harnut Bohnacker, Benedikt Grob and Julia Kaub.
• The digital twin revolution by Parrot and Warshaw.
• Computer aided design: A conceptual approach by Ashok Kumar, Wolfgang B Renzien and S.S Rao.
• CAD/CAM: Computer aided design/Computer aided manufacturing by Mikell P. Groover.