Standing for Computer-aided design according to AbbreviationFinder, the CAD takes care of those exclusive design tasks, such as the technical drawing and its documentation, as a priority, but it usually allows other complementary tasks to be carried out mainly related to the presentation and analysis of the design carried out. Although a CAD system can take many aspects and can work in many different ways.
Definition
The computer – aided design: The use of a wide range of computational tools that assist engineers, architects and other design professionals in their respective actividades.Es all computer system designed to assist the designer in his specific task.
Types
- Analytical CAD: use analytical procedures to define your limits or actions. Analytical CAD-type programs emerged after the first graphic methods due to the need to quantify and allow evaluating the results of the variables involved in structural design. In analytical CADs, the drawing or tracing remains in the memory of the computer as a series of point-coordinate relationships, sense and direction in vector programs or as a group of pixels, in rendering and image treatment programs.
- Parametric CAD: use parameters to define its limits or actions. A parametric CAD program differs basically from any other traditional program in one key respect. In a parametric program, visual information is part of the information available in the database, that is, a representation of the information as an object, in the memory of the computer.
Nowadays, parametric CAD has almost completely replaced the classical techniques of three-dimensional design through solid and surface modeling, and it has become an essential knowledge for any professional in engineering or technical informatics.
Elements of CAD systems
The CAD process consists of four stages.
- Geometric modeling: A physical object is described as a mathematical or analytical form, the designer builds his geometric model by issuing commands that create or perfect lines, surfaces, bodies, dimensions and text; that give rise to an exact and complete representation in two or three dimensions.
- Analysis and optimization of the design: After having determined the geometric properties, it is subjected to an engineering analysis where the physical properties of the model (stresses, deformations, deflections, vibrations) can be analyzed.
- Design review and evaluation: In this important stage, it is checked if there is any interference between the various components, useful to avoid problems in the assembly and use of the part.
- Documentation and drawing (drafting): Finally, at this stage detailed and work plans are made. This can occur in drawings with different views of the part, handling scales in the drawings and making transformations to present different perspectives of the part.
Examples of CAD programs
- CATIA
- AutoCAD
- ArchiCAD
- QCad
- GstarCAD
- Abis CAD
- ARRIS CAD
- CAD builders
- Autosketch
- Arktecad
Importance
Improve the manufacture, development and design of products with the help of the computer. This process is intended to manufacture them with greater precision, at a lower price and much faster than if it were made only by man.
It also shows the complete manufacturing process of a certain product with each and every one of its characteristics such as size, contour, etc. All of this is recorded on the computer in two- or three-dimensional drawings. These drawings or designs are saved on the computer. So if the creator can later improve them, or share them with others to perfect their design. Manufacturing products using computer-aided design has many advantages over manufacturing with human operators. Among these are the reduction of labor costs, or the elimination of human errors.
Also in the computer a certain product is simulated in operation and checked. With computer-aided design, complex products can be made that would be practically impossible for humans to make. It is estimated that in the future the manufacture of expensive simulators will be completely eliminated, since everything will be verified by computer-aided design.
In the industry is where it has had the greatest impact, since designing by means of the computer increases production, and the precision with which products are manufactured, than if they were only made by man.
In the field of construction, I completely revolutionized construction design, since it can be more precise and faster in its elaboration since it is easy and safe to design through the programs already mentioned.
Advantages of its use
- It is possible to use libraries of common elements.
- The distinction between original plan and copy is eliminated.
- The storage of the plans is smaller, more reliable (taking certain security measures) and allows fast and precise searches through databases.
- Increases the uniformity in the planes.
- The quality of the plans is higher. There are no studs, no thicker lines than others.
- The time spent on modifications is greatly reduced.
- Reduction of time spent on repetitive operations.
- The data can be exported to other programs to obtain calculations, make reports, presentations…
- You can get a 3D model to view it from any point of view.
- Data can be exported to CAE programs and CNC machines.
- Obtain simulations, animations and do kinematic analysis.
- They facilitate teamwork.
