Computer Aided Design (CAD) is simply the application of computer-assisted design principles to the production of designs. The software has been around for decades and is still a staple in many businesses. CAD software allows a designer to generate complex designs that are then used by a CAD operator to help create the physical product. The software was initially designed to help architects and engineers produce detailed designs for new structures. Today, the software is commonly used to improve the quality of architectural drawings, to increase the productivity of designers, and to build a large database for future manufacturing from automobiles and airplanes, ships and boats to buildings and even furniture. Additionally, with the advent of computer based technology, CAD has become increasingly accessible to the average consumer.
Although it may sound like an oxymoron, there are some differences between traditional engineering drawings and CAD software. The first obvious difference is that in order to create a mechanical or electrical piece of equipment, an engineer must physically inspect each component. A CAD operator simply has to draw it on a computer, and then determine where the cut points should be and how deep they need to be. This process is typically done using a cylindrical view. A cylinder is drawn and the distance from the center of the circle is plotted against the rotation of the axis of rotation. As the axis of rotation changes, so does the distance from the center of the circle. This results in a change in the size of the object relative to the center of the drawing. A CAD software program will allow you to visualize your product as it would actually look.
Because it is impossible to examine each and every component of equipment during the production phase of manufacturing, engineers often use CAD software systems to prototype parts before they are designed for production. For example, many manufacturers will produce rubber parts and other industrial products using CAD systems rather than manually designing the pieces. While manual prototypes can be produced for testing purposes, it is very difficult to make any changes after the manufacturing process is complete.
Factors to consider when choosing a CAD Software
“The first and main factor is quality. However, we are lucky to live in the time when high quality is not always equal to high price. So, the second important criterion is a good price. Today most software has a free trial version and I’d recommend to test different programs. Make your own decision and don’t overpay for brands. There are even good free online CAD viewers,” says Mr. Dmitry Sidorkin, CEO at CADSoftTools.
“The next factor concerns the capabilities of the software. If you need to create highly specialized drawings and you work in one definite industry, it is a good idea to buy specialized software that has unique features. If you work with several industries, general purpose CAD software is a great solution. Choose the software offering as many supported formats and features as possible. But make sure that the formats you mostly work with are supported well. And one more factor is the localization of software. It is nice to use the software in your language,” add Mr. Sidorkin.
Just like when you would like to choose any other software, there are specific factors that you need to put into consideration before deciding which software to choose for your next project or task, this is according to Sammy Ekaran, Content Writer and SEO Specialist at SelfCAD. He further elaborates on the curated list of the 4 main factors that you need to consider when choosing a 3D modeling Software.
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The Purpose or Industry you are working on
Each 3D modeling has its own target group and it’s meant for specific tasks although all of them have some commonalities. So before choosing any 3D modeling software you need to know the industry you are in and the type of programs used in that area.
Once you know the industry you are working in, you will be able to know the 3D modeling software and which 3D modeling technique that you will be using. The 3D modeling techniques available include solid modeling, surface modeling, organic modeling, and box modeling. Not all 3D modeling software can utilize these techniques. So you need to know your specific area of specialization and choose the most appropriate CAD program. It’s very important to choose a 3D modeling software that meets your specific needs or the needs of your company to make your design process easy and efficient.
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CAD Software or 3D Modeling Software
Though these two categories of 3D Software sound like they are the same, they are a bit different. CAD Software are programs used to create drawings and 3D models where precision, simulation, and tolerance are important. They are mostly being used by engineers and product designers. 3D modeling on the other hand is where 3D designs artists and hobbyists create 3D models where geometry is of more importance. The designs created in 3D modeling include toys, games designs etc. Each of these programs are best for their specific needs and you need to know which category is best for you.
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Ease of Use
Before choosing any 3D modeling software, you need to consider ease of use. As a beginner, you have to choose a 3D modeling software that won’t take you a long time to get started. You need a program that will take you only a few weeks or months to be able to create something professional and not years. This ensures that you achieve a lot in a short period of time without having to struggle much.
As you choose the easy to use 3D modeling software, you need also to ensure that the program is able to create something complex. There are a lot of easy to use 3D modeling software available in the market but the only challenge is that they are too basic and can’t be used to create complex designs. But there are a good number that are easy to use and can be used to create professional and complex models.
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Cost
Before choosing a 3D modeling software, you need to have your budget in mind. This is because there are cheaper as well as expensive programs that can even cost as much as $9, 000.
Advantages of CAD Software
CAD Software is being used in many industries because of its many advantages. According to Ekaran, the following are the key advantages of CAD Software.
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Ensure there is Accuracy
With CAD Software, there is accurate measurement and drawings as compared to manual drawing. Though the 3D designer needs to be attentive when designing the models, CAD software has minimal errors as compared to manual drafting. With a 3D modeling software, it’s easier to prepare complex designs and as long as you have mastered the software, you are only limited by your imagination.
“CAD software also helps reduce errors (we all are people and sometimes make mistakes) and increase productivity,” highlighted Mr. Sidorkin.
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Useful in Preparing Prototypes
3d modeling an architectural design in Preparing prototypes with CAD software is easier. As long as you have an idea in mind, you can easily turn the idea into a reality. Prototypes are important as they serve as a blueprint for the design that is being created. With CAD software, errors can easily be identified and even rectified. This saves on time and money that would have been spent in demolishing the structures when errors are identified. Some CAD software allows one to even prepare the designs for 3D printing without having to switch to other programs.
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Saves Cost and Time
Before a product is delivered to the market, the engineers usually have to put a lot of effort and time in order to bring it live. With CAD software, the time it takes engineers to come up with their design is greatly reduced regardless of its complexity. “Good CAD software helps you save a lot of time. It doesn’t take long to learn how to use modern software as there are a lot of video lessons that are helpful and the software itself is very user friendly. You start spending less time on the usual drawings almost at the very beginning of CAD software usage and as you become more experienced, you save more time,” adds Mr. Sidorkin.
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It Enhances Creativity
With CAD software, you don’t have to worry about making design mistakes. You can always undo them and redo again with much ease as the software gives you these capabilities unlike when manually drafting and drawing. This gives one the ability to explore different designs and hence enhancing creativity in the process.
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Ease of Understanding and Presentation
3D modeling makes it easier for one to understand the design regardless of its complexity. With 3D models, one can be able to see the entire design; how it looks and how it works even before it’s created. 3D modeling makes it easier to understand how the design looks and even how it will be created.
Presenting the product design to the clients is easier too because they can be able to see all the details of the design in 3D dimensions. With 3D rendering, materials and colors can be applied too and different categories can be tried to see which one fits the most. Animations can also be created in a CAD software to show how the structure looks like.
“For business owners, CAD software usage also means better communication between teams, shorter productions cycles and reduced production costs,” comments Mr. Sidorkin.
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Easy Installation
“Your choice of CAD software should be able to add, as example, MapWorks functionality as third party software and custom menus without problems,” says Joe Smith of CAD-Manufacturing Solutions Inc.
There are many different brands of CAD software available. The best CAD software available will depend upon the size of your business, the type of product you are producing, and the type of designs you want to create. The best CAD software allows you to create detailed, accurate designs in various shapes and sizes. It also allows you to change these designs once you’ve finalized them so that you can always have the latest designs available. You should only buy the best cad software that is capable of all the features you want to use. You may find that you can’t use the advanced features of some programs, but this does not mean that they are not right for your business.
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