subject: All About Computer Aided Design [print this page] Computer-Aided Design or CAD, as it is also known, is the use of computer software and systems to design and create 2D and 3D virtual models of different types of products and goods. These products can then be tested to see if they are likely to be successful should they ever make it past the prototype stage.
Products are being developed and changed all the time but in the field of product development it can often cost a lot to test new products. Testing is an essential part of the development process of any product so there is no getting away from it. Every new product must go through a series of physical tests to ensure that it meets minimum safety standards and that it is able to function properly when subjected to a range of conditions.
The product may require numerous tests before it can be certified safe and this process can be extremely time-consuming and expensive. In some cases, the cost of testing a new design may drive up the final cost and time scale of a project, especially if changes need to be made. However, it is not always necessary to physically test all of the products. Instead, technological advances have meant that developers can run virtual stress tests using CAD and simulating the sorts of conditions the product is likely to come into contact with using a CAD application.
The ability to use simulations brings with it some great benefits. As well as reducing costs all round, the time required to run the tests is also greatly reduced. There is also the advantage that conceptual designs can then be modified instantly as the tests progress.
As well as being a useful tool in the testing process, CAD can be used for a number of other reasons. As CAD doesn't put a limit on the prototype manufacture process, it allows for ideas to be generated more freely and easily. CAD also makes it easier to make slight improvements to product designs instantly. This is great for manufacturers on a tight time limit or those looking to improve existing products to stay ahead of the competition.
CAD also allows the process of market testing to begin much earlier in the process than in the past. Focus groups can see what they think of virtual mock-ups of the new products without the need for real prototypes which take time to produce. Alteration can then be made based on the feedback provided. Modifications can be done simply by entering data into the CAD software making the entire process a lot easier.
CAD is constantly developing and in the future we can expect to see further advancements that will make users experiences more intuitive and simple than ever before.
One of the greatest benefits of using computer aided design is the ease of manufacturing it provides. Present day CAD and CAM systems have know become very well suited to each other and work well together to make the manufacturing process more efficient and cost effective.
