What is CAD
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is a process where designers use computer software packages to help them complete their work. Designers use CAD across a number of different industries as it provides them with advantages and features that traditional design tools can’t. If you’re a designer or considering a career in design, you may wish to learn more about CAD. In this article, we discuss what CAD is, where it’s used, the history of design software and the advantages of using CAD.
The answer to ‘What is CAD?’ is that it’s an acronym for Computer-Aided Design. It’s a process using computers to assist in the design of various structures and products, from commercial products to buildings. CAD software allows designers to realise fully formed, two or three-dimensional renderings of whatever they’re designing in a virtual environment. They can easily and intuitively manipulate and edit their virtual designs. Designers are also able to easily share their designs with multiple collaborators, with all of them being able to efficiently contribute to the final design.
CAD originated in 1962 when computer scientist Ivan Sutherland created SketchPad. This was the world’s first computer graphic programme, which allowed people to use a specially designed pencil to write or draw simple figures directly onto a screen. Initially used only for research purposes, CAD soon became useful in other industries. The 1970s saw another major development, with automotive and aerospace companies beginning to develop their own CAD packages. Further growth and expansion in the 1980s and 90s mean that today, professionals use CAD across various professional sectors.
The major advantage of CAD over sketch design, for example, is that it offers the ability to render 3D models. This allows for a full, malleable, virtual representation of the design for visualisation purposes. It’s possible also to use some sophisticated CAD packages to model and visualise how these designs may interact with certain conditions or challenges. This can be particularly useful in construction design, for example.
The major advantage of CAD over traditional, analogue design methods, even if rendering 2D designs, is the ability to quickly amend designs. You can make as many alterations, additions or redrafts as you may need. You can do this with far less effort than you’d require with traditional sketches.
3D Printing, 3D Scanning, 3D Design & CAD Services
Digital design allows you to make creations to a high level of detail, possibly greater than would be possible by a designer not assisted by a computer. You can also alter and change CAD-produced designs by incredibly fine margins. This means that you’re able to make micro-adjustments to your designs with the assistance of a computer to get them to the exact specification you want. The sort of margins you can make modifications to using this method may not be possible without the aid of computer software.
In the decades since its conception, there’s been a wide proliferation of CAD solutions available to professionals. Virtually every sector where work involves some form of design function has a specialised CAD package or packages that people in that sector can use. The software includes features designed to help you combat the specific challenges you face in your work effectively.
Who uses CAD?
Professionals in a number of different disciplines and industries use CAD, including:
Architects
In terms of design, architecture can be an incredibly demanding field. Modern construction can be a massive design undertaking, with a number of factors requiring consideration and input from multiple sources to finalise complex designs. Given the number of elements involved in architectural design and the complexity of the products, it’s almost impossible to complete modern architectural plans without the use of software support. Larger firms typically use bespoke Building Information Modelling (BIM) software specifically designed to meet their needs, while smaller firms may use a combination of different CAD tools in their work.
Graphic designers
While professionals often use CAD to design products virtually that they then fabricate physically, sometimes the virtual CAD creation is the finished product. Graphic designers use design software to create 2D or 3D visualisations for clients. CAD software gives graphic designers the tools they require to add digital effects, writing, backgrounds or animations to their design visuals. Graphic designers may make commercial creations for clients such as logos, infographics or advertising materials. The use of CAD is also popular in non-commercial graphic design pursuits in digital art.
Engineers
The development of CAD software is beneficial to the engineering sector. Engineers can use software packages throughout the whole engineering process, from the earliest conceptual stages through to analysing manufacturing methods for the engineering components. Using software gives engineers the quality, accuracy and precision necessary to complete their work to the highest level. CAD also gives them the chance to run simulations on their virtual designs, measuring things like stress levels, modelling fluid flow and calculating the tolerances of their designs before manufacturing begins. Some other common engineering applications of CAD include circuit design, telecommunications and thermodynamics.
Product designers
Product design is a term that captures a range of activities involved in conceiving and producing entirely new products for use by consumers. Design covers all aspects of a product, from aesthetics to function. The process of designing novel products can be a fairly fluid one, particularly in the early conceptual stages. During this stage in which new ideas are constantly under consideration, the flexibility CAD provides to revise and amend designs is of great value to the productivity of product designers. CAD software also allows for virtual testing and simulation of functionality before committing to making a prototype.
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