The days of drawing with the protractor and rulers have almost been rendered archaic with the use of CAD or Computer Aided Design software. Nowadays we are making use of computer technology to design two and three dimensional components. With 3D modelling and printing there is the possibility of modifying three dimensional objects. This has made design and testing so much easier. Its use can be found in many industries namely construction, ship building, aerospace, manufacturing industries, prosthetics, and computer animation.
Perhaps the most popular use of CAD software is in architectural design. Buildings are designed with information on materials to be used, dimensions and positions of the individual components documented on an architectural plan. Included in these drawings are different views to ensure that the layout of different parts of the building are shown. The architect may access the plan in soft copy or in print.
Bridges, roads and railway networks have been given a similar treatment to architectural drawings. In this case though, the drawings may also include rock and soil structural types, construction materials and routing information. Advanced CAD software may allow for stress tests to be performed during the design process.
Planes, trains, automobiles, and entire manufacturing assembly lines have been designed and subsequently modified in CAD. The beauty of using this type of 3D modelling and printing is that the assembly of individual components can be tested in real time and any modifications done on specific components without needing to change the entire process later on. This means improvement in the models can be done on the original files without having to redraw the schematics.
Even simple household products such as shampoo bottles can be modeled in three dimensional spaces by CAD. Once again these products are first designed by the software first and documented before being sent to the manufacturing line.
CAD has even found its way to the movie screen. CAD allows for the images to be designed, sketched and then simulated creating the special effects which will eventually be transformed into an animation or movie.
An important feature of modern day CAD software is the ability of the software to rotate the object so that it can viewed from various angles. This is very important when the individual components are to be assembled later on to make a composite, because it can create an assembly layout, a technique which is useful for manuals.
Advanced CAD Software has been useful in improving the aesthetics and ergonomics of machines which cater to the human form. This is known as Free Form modeling and forms the basis of design. In fact it allows the machine to interface with the human form in a seamless manner. Chairs and beds have been designed so that they follow the contours of the human form and prevent back pains.
Photo simulations which are used in environmental Impact Reports can be prepared by CAD. CAD has proved to be a powerful tool in modeling the impact of buildings in certain locations with regard to the blocking of corridors or roads for example.
CAD is undoubtedly a powerful software when it comes to 3D modelling and printing. It has made an impact on a wide cross-section of industries ranging from construction through to cosmetics. Needless to say, 3D printing and modelling will continue to evolve as technological advancements continue to be introduced. Thanks to 3D printing, every design is so much more realistic, and many projects have been greatly simplified as a result.
Perhaps the most popular use of CAD software is in architectural design. Buildings are designed with information on materials to be used, dimensions and positions of the individual components documented on an architectural plan. Included in these drawings are different views to ensure that the layout of different parts of the building are shown. The architect may access the plan in soft copy or in print.
Bridges, roads and railway networks have been given a similar treatment to architectural drawings. In this case though, the drawings may also include rock and soil structural types, construction materials and routing information. Advanced CAD software may allow for stress tests to be performed during the design process.
Planes, trains, automobiles, and entire manufacturing assembly lines have been designed and subsequently modified in CAD. The beauty of using this type of 3D modelling and printing is that the assembly of individual components can be tested in real time and any modifications done on specific components without needing to change the entire process later on. This means improvement in the models can be done on the original files without having to redraw the schematics.
Even simple household products such as shampoo bottles can be modeled in three dimensional spaces by CAD. Once again these products are first designed by the software first and documented before being sent to the manufacturing line.
CAD has even found its way to the movie screen. CAD allows for the images to be designed, sketched and then simulated creating the special effects which will eventually be transformed into an animation or movie.
An important feature of modern day CAD software is the ability of the software to rotate the object so that it can viewed from various angles. This is very important when the individual components are to be assembled later on to make a composite, because it can create an assembly layout, a technique which is useful for manuals.
Advanced CAD Software has been useful in improving the aesthetics and ergonomics of machines which cater to the human form. This is known as Free Form modeling and forms the basis of design. In fact it allows the machine to interface with the human form in a seamless manner. Chairs and beds have been designed so that they follow the contours of the human form and prevent back pains.
Photo simulations which are used in environmental Impact Reports can be prepared by CAD. CAD has proved to be a powerful tool in modeling the impact of buildings in certain locations with regard to the blocking of corridors or roads for example.
CAD is undoubtedly a powerful software when it comes to 3D modelling and printing. It has made an impact on a wide cross-section of industries ranging from construction through to cosmetics. Needless to say, 3D printing and modelling will continue to evolve as technological advancements continue to be introduced. Thanks to 3D printing, every design is so much more realistic, and many projects have been greatly simplified as a result.