Computer-aided design

Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of computers (or workstations) to

aid in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design.[1] CAD
software is used to increase the productivity of the designer, improve the
quality of design, improve communications through documentation, and to
create a database for manufacturing.[2] CAD output is often in the form of
electronic files for print, machining, or other manufacturing operations. The
term CADD (for Computer Aided Design and Drafting) is also used.[3]

Its use in designing electronic systems is known as electronic design

Example: 2D CAD drawing
automation (EDA). In mechanical design it is known as mechanical design
automation (MDA) or computer-aided drafting (CAD), which includes the
process of creating a technical drawing with the use of computer software.[4]

CAD software for mechanical design uses either vector-based graphics to

depict the objects of traditional drafting, or may also produce raster graphics
showing the overall appearance of designed objects. However, it involves more
than just shapes. As in the manual drafting of technical and engineering
drawings, the output of CAD must convey information, such as materials,
processes, dimensions, and tolerances, according to application-specific
conventions.

CAD may be used to design curves and figures in two-dimensional (2D) space; Example: 3D CAD model
or curves, surfaces, and solids in three-dimensional (3D) space.[5]

CAD is an important industrial art extensively used in many applications, including automotive, shipbuilding, and
aerospace industries, industrial and architectural design, prosthetics, and many more. CAD is also widely used to produce
computer animation for special effects in movies, advertising and technical manuals, often called DCC digital content
creation. The modern ubiquity and power of computers means that even perfume bottles and shampoo dispensers are
designed using techniques unheard of by engineers of the 1960s. Because of its enormous economic importance, CAD has
been a major driving force for research in computational geometry, computer graphics (both hardware and software), and
discrete differential geometry.[6]

The design of geometric models for object shapes, in particular, is occasionally called computer-aided geometric design
(CAGD).[7]

Contents
History
Overview of CAD software
Uses
Types
Technology
 Software
Commercial
Freeware and open source
CAD kernels
See also
References
External links

History

Overview of CAD software

Starting around the mid 1960s, with the IBM Drafting System, computer-aided design systems began to provide more
capability than just an ability to reproduce manual drafting with electronic drafting, the cost-benefit for companies to
switch to CAD became apparent. The benefits of CAD systems over manual drafting are the capabilities one often takes for
granted from computer systems today; automated generation of bills of materials, auto layout in integrated circuits,
interference checking, and many others. Eventually, CAD provided the designer with the ability to perform engineering
calculations. During this transition, calculations were still performed either by hand or by those individuals who could run
computer programs. CAD was a revolutionary change in the engineering industry, where draftsmen, designers and
engineering roles begin to merge. It did not eliminate departments as much as it merged departments and empowered
draftsman, designers, and engineers. CAD is an example of the pervasive effect computers were beginning to have on
industry. Current computer-aided design software packages range from 2D vector-based drafting systems to 3D solid and
surface modelers. Modern CAD packages can also frequently allow rotations in three dimensions, allowing viewing of a
designed object from any desired angle, even from the inside looking out. Some CAD software is capable of dynamic
mathematical modeling.

CAD technology is used in the design of tools and machinery and in the drafting and design of all types of buildings, from
small residential types (houses) to the largest commercial and industrial structures (hospitals and factories).[8]

CAD is mainly used for detailed engineering of 3D models or 2D drawings of physical components, but it is also used
throughout the engineering process from conceptual design and layout of products, through strength and dynamic
analysis of assemblies to definition of manufacturing methods of components. It can also be used to design objects such as
jewelry, furniture, appliances, etc. Furthermore, many CAD applications now offer advanced rendering and animation
capabilities so engineers can better visualize their product designs. 4D BIM is a type of virtual construction engineering
simulation incorporating time or schedule related information for project management.

CAD has become an especially important technology within the scope of computer-aided technologies, with benefits such
as lower product development costs and a greatly shortened design cycle. CAD enables designers to layout and develop
work on screen, print it out and save it for future editing, saving time on their drawings.

Uses
Computer-aided design is one of the many tools used by engineers and designers and is used in many ways depending on
the profession of the user and the type of software in question.
CAD is one part of the whole digital product development (DPD) activity within the product lifecycle management (PLM)
processes, and as such is used together with other tools, which are either integrated modules or stand-alone products,
such as:

Computer-aided engineering (CAE) and finite element analysis (FEA)

Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) including instructions to computer numerical control (CNC) machines
Photorealistic rendering and motion simulation.
Document management and revision control using product data management (PDM).
CAD is also used for the accurate creation of photo simulations that are often required in the preparation of environmental
impact reports, in which computer-aided designs of intended buildings are superimposed into photographs of existing
environments to represent what that locale will be like, where the proposed facilities are allowed to be built. Potential
blockage of view corridors and shadow studies are also frequently analyzed through the use of CAD.

CAD has been proven to be useful to engineers as well. Using four properties which are history, features, parametrization,
and high-level constraints. The construction history can be used to look back into the model's personal features and work
on the single area rather than the whole model. Parameters and constraints can be used to determine the size, shape, and
other properties of the different modeling elements. The features in the CAD system can be used for the variety of tools for
measurement such as tensile strength, yield strength, electrical or electromagnetic properties. Also its stress, strain,
timing or how the element gets affected in certain temperatures, etc.

Types
There are several different types of CAD,[9] each requiring the operator to
think differently about how to use them and design their virtual components in
a different manner for each.

There are many producers of the lower-end 2D systems, including a number of

free and open-source programs. These provide an approach to the drawing
process without all the fuss over scale and placement on the drawing sheet that
accompanied hand drafting since these can be adjusted as required during the
creation of the final draft.
A simple procedure
3D wireframe is basically an extension of 2D drafting (not often used today).
Each line has to be manually inserted into the drawing. The final product has
no mass properties associated with it and cannot have features directly added to it, such as holes. The operator approaches
these in a similar fashion to the 2D systems, although many 3D systems allow using the wireframe model to make the final
engineering drawing views.

3D "dumb" solids are created in a way analogous to manipulations of real-world objects (not often used today). Basic
three-dimensional geometric forms (prisms, cylinders, spheres, and so on) have solid volumes added or subtracted from
them as if assembling or cutting real-world objects. Two-dimensional projected views can easily be generated from the
models. Basic 3D solids don't usually include tools to easily allow motion of components, set limits to their motion, or
identify interference between components.

There are two types of 3D solid modeling

Parametric modeling allows the operator to use what is referred to as "design intent". The objects and features
created are modifiable. Any future modifications can be made by changing how the original part was created. If a
feature was intended to be located from the center of the part, the operator should locate it from the center of the
model. The feature could be located using any geometric object already available in the part, but this random
 placement would defeat the design intent. If the operator designs the part as it functions the parametric modeler is
able to make changes to the part while maintaining geometric and functional relationships.
Direct or explicit modeling provide the ability to edit geometry without a history tree. With direct modeling, once a
sketch is used to create geometry the sketch is incorporated into the new geometry and the designer just modifies the
geometry without needing the original sketch. As with parametric modeling, direct modeling has the ability to include
relationships between selected geometry (e.g., tangency, concentricity).
Top end systems offer the capabilities to incorporate more organic, aesthetics and ergonomic features into designs.
Freeform surface modeling is often combined with solids to allow the designer to create products that fit the human form
and visual requirements as well as they interface with the machine.

Technology
Originally software for CAD systems was developed with computer languages
such as Fortran, ALGOL but with the advancement of object-oriented
programming methods this has radically changed. Typical modern parametric
feature-based modeler and freeform surface systems are built around a
number of key C modules with their own APIs. A CAD system can be seen as
built up from the interaction of a graphical user interface (GUI) with NURBS
geometry or boundary representation (B-rep) data via a geometric modeling
kernel. A geometry constraint engine may also be employed to manage the
associative relationships between geometry, such as wireframe geometry in a A CAD model of a computer mouse
sketch or components in an assembly.

Unexpected capabilities of these associative relationships have led to a new form of prototyping called digital prototyping.
In contrast to physical prototypes, which entail manufacturing time in the design. That said, CAD models can be generated
by a computer after the physical prototype has been scanned using an industrial CT scanning machine. Depending on the
nature of the business, digital or physical prototypes can be initially chosen according to specific needs.

Today, CAD systems exist for all the major platforms (Windows, Linux, UNIX and Mac OS X); some packages support
multiple platforms.

Currently, no special hardware is required for most CAD software. However, some CAD systems can do graphically and
computationally intensive tasks, so a modern graphics card, high speed (and possibly multiple) CPUs and large amounts
of RAM may be recommended.

The human-machine interface is generally via a computer mouse but can also be via a pen and digitizing graphics tablet.
Manipulation of the view of the model on the screen is also sometimes done with the use of a Spacemouse/SpaceBall.
Some systems also support stereoscopic glasses for viewing the 3D model.Technologies which in the past were limited to
larger installations or specialist applications have become available to a wide group of users. These include the CAVE or
HMDs and interactive devices like motion-sensing technology

Software
CAD software enables engineers and architects to design, inspect and manage engineering projects within an integrated
graphical user interface (GUI) on a personal computer system. Most applications support solid modeling with boundary
representation (B-Rep) and NURBS geometry, and enable the same to be published in a variety of formats. A geometric
modeling kernel is a software component that provides solid modeling and surface modeling features to CAD applications.
Based on market statistics, commercial software from Autodesk, Dassault Systems, Siemens PLM Software, and PTC
dominate the CAD industry.[10][11] The following is a list of major CAD applications, grouped by usage statistics.[12]

Commercial
AgiliCity Modelur
Autodesk AutoCAD
Bricsys BricsCAD
Dassault Systemes CATIA
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Kubotek KeyCreator
PTC PTC Creo (formerly known as Pro/ENGINEER)
Siemens Solid Edge
Trimble SketchUp
Alibre Design
AllyCAD
Autodesk Inventor
AxSTREAM
Bentley Systems - MicroStation
Cobalt
IRONCAD
MEDUSA
Onshape
ProgeCAD
Promine
PunchCAD
Remo 3D
Rhinoceros 3D
RoutCad
Siemens NX
SketchUp
SpaceClaim
T-FLEX CAD
TurboCAD
VariCAD

Freeware and open source

123D
BRL-CAD
BricsCAD Shape
FreeCAD
LibreCAD
QCad
OpenSCAD
SolveSpace

CAD kernels
Parasolid by Siemens
ACIS by Spatial
 ShapeManager by Autodesk
Open CASCADE
C3D by C3D Labs

See also
3D computer graphics software
3D printing
Additive Manufacturing File Format
CAD standards
Coarse space (numerical analysis)
Comparison of 3D computer graphics software
Comparison of computer-aided design editors
Comparison of CAD, CAM and CAE file viewers
Comparison of Free EDA software (Electronic Design Automation)
Computer-aided industrial design
Digital architecture
Electronic design automation
Engineering optimization
Finite element method
Integrating functionality
ISO 128
ISO 10303 STEP
Model based definition
Molecular design software
Open hardware
Rapid prototyping
Responsive computer-aided design
Space mapping
Surrogate model
Virtual prototyping
Virtual reality

References
1. Narayan, K. Lalit (2008). Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing (https://books.google.com/books?id=zXdivq93W
IUC&printsec=frontcover). New Delhi: Prentice Hall of India. p. 3. ISBN 978-8120333420.
2. Narayan, K. Lalit (2008). Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing (https://books.google.com/books?id=zXdivq93W
IUC&printsec=frontcover). New Delhi: Prentice Hall of India. p. 4. ISBN 978-8120333420.
3. Duggal, Vijay (2000). Cadd Primer: A General Guide to Computer Aided Design and Drafting-Cadd, CAD. Mailmax
Pub. ISBN 978-0962916595.
4. Madsen, David A. (2012). Engineering Drawing & Design (https://books.google.com/books?id=qdtJDEPZrrkC&pg=PA
2). Clifton Park, NY: Delmar. p. 10. ISBN 978-1111309572.
5. Farin, Gerald; Hoschek, Josef; Kim, Myung-Soo (2002). Handbook of computer aided geometric design [electronic
resource] (https://books.google.com/books?id=0SV5G8fgxLoC). Elsevier. ISBN 978-0-444-51104-1.
6. Pottmann, H.; Brell-Cokcan, S. and Wallner, J. (2007) "Discrete surfaces for architectural design" (http://www.geometr
ie.tuwien.ac.at/ig/sn/2007/pbw_surfaces_07/pbw_surfaces_07.html) Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/20090812
113324/http://www.geometrie.tuwien.ac.at/ig/sn/2007/pbw_surfaces_07/pbw_surfaces_07.html) 2009-08-12 at the
Wayback Machine, pp. 213–234 in Curve and Surface Design, Patrick Chenin, Tom Lyche and Larry L. Schumaker
(eds.), Nashboro Press, ISBN 978-0-9728482-7-5.
 7. Farin, Gerald (2002) Curves and Surfaces for CAGD: A Practical Guide (http://www.farinhansford.com/books/cagd/),
Morgan-Kaufmann, ISBN 1-55860-737-4.
8. Jennifer Herron (2010). "3D Model-Based Design: Setting the Definitions Straight" (http://www10.mcadcafe.com/nbc/a
rticles/2/867959/3D-Model-Based-Design-Setting-Definitions-Straight). MCADCafe.
9. "3D Feature-based, Parametric Solid Modeling" (https://web.archive.org/web/20121118110426/http://www.engineersh
andbook.com/Software/cad2.htm#3dp). engineershandbook.com. Archived from the original (http://engineershandboo
k.com/Software/cad2.htm#3dp) on 2012-11-18. Retrieved 2012-03-01.
10. The Big 6 in CAD/CAE/PLM software industry (2011) (http://caewatch.com/the-big-6-in-cadcaeplm-software-industry-
2011/), CAEWatch, September 12, 2011
11. van Kooten, Michel (2011-08-23). "GLOBAL SOFTWARE TOP 100 – EDITION 2011" (http://www.softwaretop100.org/
global-software-top-100-edition-2011). Software Top 100.
12. List of mechanical CAD softwares (http://www.beyondmech.com/pro-e/cad-topic-33.html), BeyondMech

External links
MIT 1982 CAD lab (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgUSsXdLjvc)
Learning materials related to Computer-aided Geometric Design at Wikiversity
Learning materials related to Computer-aided design at Wikiversity
Media related to Computer-aided design at Wikimedia Commons
The dictionary definition of computer-aided design at Wiktionary

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