How does cad software work

The use of computer modeling to test products was pioneered by high-tech industries like aerospace and semiconductors. The third source of CAD development resulted from efforts to facilitate the flow from the design process to the manufacturing process using numerical control NC technologies, which enjoyed widespread use in many applications by the mids. The development of CAD and CAM and particularly the linkage between the two overcame traditional NC shortcomings in expense, ease of use, and speed by enabling the design and manufacture of a part to be undertaken using the same system of encoding geometrical data.

This innovation greatly shortened the period between design and manufacture and greatly expanded the scope of production processes for which automated machinery could be economically used. Computers are also used to control a number of manufacturing processes such as chemical processing that are not strictly defined as CAM because the control data are not based on geometrical parameters.

Using CAD, it is possible to simulate in three dimensions the movement of a part through a production process. This process can simulate feed rates, angles and speeds of machine tools, the position of part-holding clamps, as well as range and other constraints limiting the operations of a machine.

The continuing development of the simulation of various manufacturing processes is one of the key means by which CAD and CAM systems are becoming increasingly integrated. This is of particular importance when one firm contracts another to either design or produce a component. Modeling with CAD systems offers a number of advantages over traditional drafting methods that use rulers, squares, and compasses.

For example, designs can be altered without erasing and redrawing. CAD systems also offer "zoom" features analogous to a camera lens, whereby a designer can magnify certain elements of a model to facilitate inspection. Computer models are typically three dimensional and can be rotated on any axis, much as one could rotate an actual three dimensional model in one's hand, enabling the designer to gain a fuller sense of the object.

CAD systems also lend themselves to modeling cutaway drawings, in which the internal shape of a part is revealed, and to illustrating the spatial relationships among a system of parts. For the past 5 years, Larry Bernstein has written abut the construction industry. As a freelance writer, he has covered construction from A-Z. His work at The Jobsite has focused primarily on getting an inside view of construction companies and how they have been strengthened by using construction project management software.

The floor plans consist of 13 pages of drawings. So now modifications are needed to reduce the width of the building from 53 feet to 50 feet and the elimination of the basement to be built slab on grade. Larry my question is that my architect is using CAD to make those modifications. Are those above mention modifications difficult and time consuming according to architect or does CAD simplify task at hand. I been waiting a month and half for the completion of these modifications, Larry if someone using CAD to perform these modifications in actual time roughly how long would it take?

Good morning James. Thanks for reading the post. Unfortunately, I do not have an exact answer for you. Good luck. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Skip to main content Skip to primary sidebar Skip to footer When most people envision a construction worker, they see a person at a construction site wearing a hard hat and a safety vest. CAD in Practice Eric Cylwik is a senior virtual construction engineer at Sundt Construction, a full-service general contractor that is one of the largest construction companies in the United States.

Larry Bernstein For the past 5 years, Larry Bernstein has written abut the construction industry. CAD, or computer-aided design, is a form of computer technology that assists in the drawing and technical drafting of products and even buildings. Architects use CAD to develop 3D drawings of their designs—CAD can be highly specific and different versions exist for different applications—but its main function is the creation of 2D vector-based models and 3D solid and surface models.

CAM, an acronym for computer-aided manufacturing, creates physical models—this is helpful when manufacturers need to check a part or component against other parts for proper fit. Each program lists appropriate operating systems like Linux or OS Independent and the category vector-based or electronic design automation, to name two.

Since many of the programs are free to download, this site is a good way for small companies or individuals to explore different programs at no cost. Your 3D modeler should, for a start, provide the following: Polyhedral Modeling In addition to B-Rep, the 3D modeler should offer the ability to represent geometry in triangular mesh form, especially from STL, 3MF and other comparable data sources. Error Checking and Diagnostics The modeler should be able to find anomalies or issues in the design that could cause in functional failure.

Checking Operations Your 3D modelers should equip your users to identify issues in need of potential correction, e. Cleanup Operations These are healing functions that help the user save time when fixing potential issues. Query Capabilities With query capabilities, your users will be able to examine CAD models in detail so as to find and resolve potential issues earlier in the design process.

Defeaturing It should recognize feature types e. Meshing Your CAD suite should offer the ability to create a mesh model, i. Previous Story. Next Story. CGM Modeler. Tue Jul 13, Wed Apr 14, Mon Mar 15,