What is Cad: Definition and 87 Discussions

Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of computers (or workstations) to aid in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design. 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. Designs made through CAD software are helpful in protecting products and inventions when used in patent applications. 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.Its use in designing electronic systems is known as electronic design 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.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; or curves, surfaces, and solids in three-dimensional (3D) space.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.The design of geometric models for object shapes, in particular, is occasionally called computer-aided geometric design (CAGD).

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  1. W

    Who is a CAD/CAM Technician and What Do They Do?

    New user. CAD/CAM technician.
  2. Ranger Mike

    Part print to CAD model software

    Hello all, Is there software that coverts a 2D part print to 3D Cad model with PMI? If you have a hand drawn mechanical drawing , 'blue print" part print with the classic human drawn tolerancing, can it be scanned to software to make a 3D CAD model with all the PM!? thank you rm
  3. AJSayad

    SolidWorks Sketching Visual Problem

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  4. karush

    MHB ASVAB Find Angle CAD: Using Alternate Interior Angles

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  5. M

    Learn How to Use Salome CAD Software for Creating STL Files

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  6. Making STRONG shelves with Topology Optimization

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  7. E

    Engineering How proficient do i need to be in CAD for a mechanical engineering internship?

    How proficient in cad should someone who is applying for mechanical engineering internship be? I am teaching myself solidworks and i would like to have a benchmark to progress towards so when I began applying for a mechanical engineering internship in the near future i will feel prepared.
  8. R

    Kisssoft 2011 CAD menu in Siemens NX 5

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  9. S

    New member from ITESM Toluca

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  10. M

    Introducing ANSYS SpaceClaim: The Ultimate CAD Neutral Tool

    Would you explain what a "CAD Netural Tool" mean? Ansys SpaceClaim is claimed to be one. http://www.ansys.com/Products/Platform/ANSYS-SpaceClaim Thank you.
  11. Robert House

    Any recommendations on free CAD software?

    I am working on a project and need to create several technical drawings of buildings and structures. The technical drawings will consist primarily of floorplans, schematics, and 3D models. Recommendations?
  12. Seth Allen

    Recommendations for an affordable 3D CAD for home use

    Hey! I hope this is the right place to post this. I'm looking for recommendations for a modeling/drafting cad program that is relatively affordable and capable. I have extensive experience with NX and Solidworks, but can't justify paying for either of those to simply use at home. My non-work...
  13. RoboNerd

    How are construction lines used in Autodesk?

    Hi everyone. I know that construction lines were used when drafting was done by hand. Now, we do everything on the computer. So, how are they used on the computer? Also, how are guidelines used in autodesk? Were they not used in manual drafting also? How are they used in computer drafting...
  14. F

    How to get a CAD drawing machined?

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  15. S

    How various CAD programs create relations among objects?

    I'd like a comparison of how various CAD programs handle the task of creating relationships among objects that have been created independently and where the uses wants to change some parameters of one object and have the program adjust the parameters of the others automatically. I'm interested...
  16. TheQuietOne

    How many people hand-draw schematics anymore? (versus CAD)

    I myself can't use CAD but just wanted to know because I think it is much more fun and artistic. (maybe I'm just the weird mechanic).
  17. Chevreuil

    Mount Rack & Pinion Interference in PTC Creo | Avoidance & Solutions

    Hello, I have downloaded CAD models of a rack and pinion, and I don't seem to be able to mount them up in PTC Creo without quite obvious interference. The pinion has a pitch diameter of 24 mm, and a modulus 2. The "pitch diameter" of the rack is exactly one modulus lower than the tip of the...
  18. E

    Am I able to get Autodesk CAD for free?

    I'm a high school student and I'm interested in getting Autodesk CAD and sort of playing around with it and teaching myself how to use it. I used it during a quarter long class in 8th grade, which was three years ago, and really enjoyed it. I'm also looking into engineering as a career. I know...
  19. Parsifal1

    Engineering Does anyone actually like CAD?

    After searching about I've found numerous accounts of Engineers hating being stuck on CAD, and wanting something more involved. Personally, CAD has been my least favourite aspect of Engineering, so I wonder if this is the same for many others. I wouldn't fear the prospect of being say a design...
  20. N

    Exploring Creative CAD Ideas: From Brake Calipers to 3D Printers

    I have a cad project where i have to make an assembly of a mechanical device with 5-8 parts and I also have to make a modification to the device. I was thinking maybe a brake caliper but I am just curious what some of you think would be a good device to model?
  21. chriswh86

    Educational Brake Caliper - Suggestions?

    Hi everyone, My project is nearing completion and it will be a 3d printed brake caliper with the intent on it being for education although it may see a lot of use as just a neat desktop item for people. Either way, id like to have some documentation and possibly a quiz to accompany the...
  22. J

    Electrostatic analysis of cad model of protons neutrons

    Could the orbit filling order of electrons be more classical and less quantum? I attached a jpeg and need someone to do a electrostatics analysis of the CAD model version of it. Does anyone have an electrostatics software package and have time to do a finite element analysis on a 3-D part to...
  23. M

    Troubleshooting ANSYS Mesher for Interior Part Views

    Homework Statement I have a part in my ANSYS Mesher that I am attempting to mesh Homework Equations I need to view the interior of my part as seen in the photo. However, each time I try to view my mesh this way, I get the view seen in the second image. I need to fix this issue so that I can...
  24. R

    How to communicate 3d CAD with complex surfacing?

    Hello everyone I am sure the answer to this would be on the internet but I can't seem to find much. When we create a complex 3d cad (examples include Aerodynamic Helmet of a cycle biker, computer mouse, exhaust fan blades etc) that includes complex surfacing in cad, how does one communicate...
  25. SSGD

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  26. ecfedele

    Where to Post CAD Questions on the Forum?

    Hey folks, Just wondering where the appropriate place to put CAD-related topics on this board would be. To give some context, I was thinking about posting a question about advice on constructing a Francis-vane impeller, so it feels like it falls in the mechanical engineering section; yet it...
  27. jtkpainter

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    I am a k-12 digital integration teacher/ technology director. Looking for validation to use sketchup pro 2015 as the primary CAD software for 9-12. Is sketchup sufficient to teach/train students who graduate high school and go to university programs or technical schools or do we need to use...
  28. J

    Drawing and meshing involute bevel gears in CAD

    Hello, I urgently need to be able to draw a set of bevel gears for 3d printing. The gears I am currently drawing intersect that is their teeth are penetrating each other when the gear turns. Currently using http://www.daycounter.com/Calculators/Bevel-Gear-Calculator.phtml to find the numbers...
  29. C

    Is "explicit modeling" strict subset of parametric CAD?

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  30. DEvens

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  31. P

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    I have an interview in next week . Can someone help me with some CAD files for practise inorder to overcome the tooltest.
  32. C

    How TO make a variable 3D metal box

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  33. O

    Free 3D software for calculating force of electromagnet?

    Hello! I need to build an electromagnet for my DIY project. But I have a problem with choosing right configuration. But I have not found any open-source or student-license software for this goal... It would be great if someone could post some links to that kind of software.
  34. E

    3D cad for piping and systems recommendation

    Hi everyone, as the title says, I am looking for a 3D cad to help visualise designs in piping systems and cut down errors. As a short background, I work in a small company which occasionally designs industrial gas pipings for pneumatic systems, gas delivery systems (to a lab, workshop, etc)...
  35. C

    Explain geometric constraints solver for CAD to a newbie

    I have seen the following said on a forum: This makes good sense to me. To me, as a programmer, this sounds like he is asking for a better API to look up the coordinate at runtime; perhaps that would force the engine to evaluate expressions in a particular order, but then that's what functional...
  36. Vigardo

    CAD program/s with plain-text scripting language

    Hi experts, What CAD program/s include a plain-text scripting language? Any free? I´m looking for something similar to Ansys´ APDL, but intended to perform boolean operations with simple geometrical shapes (spheres, boxes, cylinders, etc.) and able to generate meshed objects in STL or other 3D...
  37. J

    How can I gain CAD experience without access to expensive software?

    I guess this should go in this forum because I am out of school. Anyway I feel as I have a slight problem right now. I am 27 and have a BSME and a MSME but do not currently work in my field. I am lacking relevant work experience and didn't take advantage of certain things while in school. I am...
  38. R

    My way to be a cad drafter which are the best ways?

    Dear Community, am 24 and currently not occupationally active. Was in Austria HTL MÖDLING: Department of Industrial Engineering. However, the last year not completed, as 19 year old teenager I could have interested me more for something else. But yet got jobs but in the field of technical sales...
  39. J

    Design the Most Stable Base for a Rectangle

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  40. E

    Determine center point of offset circle

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  41. F

    Using a CNC Machine With a CAD File

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  42. C

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  43. J

    Is Sharing CAD files before you have a patent risky?

    I am making a prototype, all is ready, and the first frame of it will be made using foam and smaller moving parts using a 3d printer. Now I figured instead of cutting the foam myself I could use a CNC at a local "prototyping lab". But in order to do that I obviously have to give them all my CAD...
  44. E

    Recommended software for converting 2D images to 3D CAD model.

    Hello, Does anybody know/had experience with software that can turn 2D images to 3D models in CAD program, preferably in an offline environment (not on cloud)? The resulting model has to be accurate enough for aerospace engineering purposes. from looking online, I really didn't find...
  45. B

    Designing Motorbike Frame: Researching Forces & CAD Design

    Hi, Firstly i just want to apologise if this is in the incorrect part of the forum. I'm designing and building a motorbike frame for my 3rd year project in Mechanical Engineering. I've started my research into finding the optimal geometry for the purpose of the frame, however I'm...
  46. Monsterboy

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    What are the CAD and analysis softwares most widely used by Aerospace engineers?
  47. O

    Is There a CAD Benchmarking Tool for Virtual Desktop Performance?

    Hey guys, Long term lurker here in PF, first time posting though, so here goes :) I am working to help with a bid from an RFP for a Virtualized CAD Workstation environment on VMware Horizon (view). I am on the architectural side of things, not sales. One of the requirements is the ability...
  48. T

    What are the applications of CAD in scientific computing and engineering?

    Hi everyone. I've been looking at some computer aided design software, FreeCAD, and while it's to my understanding that engineers use programs like this constantly I wanted to ask if anyone knew if there programs are used in scientific computing or computational science and engineering. From...
  49. P

    Laptop for CAD Software (Entry Level)

    As suggested on my last post 'how to become a design engineer' self practice is the key to learn a design program to a competent level.. At this point, I am looking for a computer so to be able to train myself, refresh my pro/E skills, and be able to apply what I read in tutorials and watch...
  50. J

    CAD for magnetic field analysis.

    Hi, I've recently chosen my final year project which is partly based on interaction of magnetic field with various metals. Apart from MagNET what other software would you recommend in this area ? Thanks, Tom
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