INTRODUCTION IN CAD

the definition for CAD is “Computer Aided Design: General term referring to
applications and the method to design things using your computer. CAD is used
to design buildings and items. A popular CAD program is AutoCAD.”.

Computer-aided design (CAD) is a way to digitally create 2D drawings and

3D models of real-world products before they’re ever manufactured. With 3D
CAD, you can share, review, simulate, and modify designs easily, opening doors
to innovative and differentiated products that get to market fast.
In 1985, Dr. Samuel Geisberg formed Parametric Technology Corporation
(PTC) and defined a radically new approach for CAD software. This innovation
produced the first parametric and feature-based solid modeling CAD software in
the market, which today is known as Creo, the industry standard for product
design and development software.

CAD (Computer Aided Design) is the use of computer software to design

and document a product’s design process.
Engineering drawing entails the use of graphical symbols such as points, lines,
curves, planes and shapes. Essentially, it gives detailed description about any
component in a graphical form.

Background
Engineering drawings have been in use for more than 2000 years.
However, the use of orthographic projections was formally introduced by the
French mathematician Gaspard Monge in the eighteenth century.
Since visual objects transcend languages, engineering drawings have
evolved and become popular over the years. While earlier engineering drawings
were handmade, studies have shown that engineering designs are quite
complicated. A solution to many engineering problems requires a combination of
organization, analysis, problem solving principles and a graphical representation
of the problem. Objects in engineering are represented by a technical drawing
(also called as drafting) that represents designs and specifications of the physical
object and data relationships. Since a technical drawing is precise and
communicates all information of the object clearly, it has to be precise. This is
where CAD comes to the fore.
CAD stands for Computer Aided Design. CAD is used to design, develop
and optimize products. While it is very versatile, CAD is extensively used in the
design of tools and equipment required in the manufacturing process as well as
in the construction domain. CAD enables design engineers to layout and to
develop their work on a computer screen, print and save it for future editing.
When it was introduced first, CAD was not exactly an economic proposition
because the machines at those times were very costly. The increasing computer
power in the later part of the twentieth century, with the arrival of minicomputer
and subsequently the microprocessor, has allowed engineers to use CAD files
that are an accurate representation of the dimensions / properties of the object.
Use of CAD

CAD is used to accomplish preliminary design and layouts, design details and
calculations, creating 3-D models, creating and releasing drawings, as well as
interfacing with analysis, marketing, manufacturing, and end-user personnel.
CAD facilitates the manufacturing process by transferring detailed information
about a product in an automated form that can be universally interpreted by
trained personnel. It can be used to produce either two-dimensional or three-
dimensional diagrams. The use of CAD software tools allows the object to be
viewed from any angle, even from the inside looking out. One of the main
advantages of a CAD drawing is that the editing is a fast process as compared to
manual method. Apart from detailed engineering of 2D or 3D models, CAD is
widely used from conceptual design and layout of products to definition of
manufacturing of components. CAD reduces design time by allowing precise
simulation rather than build and test physical prototypes. Integrating CAD with
CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) streamlines the product development
even more.
CAD is currently widely used for industrial products, animated movies and other
applications. A special printer or plotter is usually required for printing
professional design renderings. CAD programs use either vector-based graphics
or raster graphics that show how an object will look.

CAD software enables

 Efficiency in the quality of design
 Increase in the Engineer’s productivity
 Improve record keeping through better documentation and
communication

Today, the use of CAD has permeated almost all industries. From aerospace,
electronics to manufacturing, CAD is used in all industry verticals. Since CAD
encourages creativity and speeds up productivity, it is becoming more and more
useful as an important tool for visualization before actually implementing a
manufacturing process. That is also one of the reasons CAD trainings is gaining
more and more importance.

TYPES OF CAD
Since its introduction in late 1960’s, CAD software has improved by leaps and
bounds. A broad classification of CAD is:

1. 2D CAD
Early in the 1970s, 2D CAD, the industry’s first CAD program, was created. At
that time, large aerospace, automotive, and other engineering businesses
developed internal technologies to automate repetitive drafting tasks. To
make flat drawings, 2D CAD uses fundamental geometric shapes like lines,
rectangles, circles, etc.
This is the earliest iteration of CAD that most people are familiar with. The use
of text, dimensions, leaders, and tables as annotations on drawings is another
feature of 2D CAD software. 2D CAD is used to design, plan, section, elevation
views, and detail structures in the built environment. Additionally, they
convey how various components work together to form assemblies and offer
crucial inspection locations.
A library of geometric images, the capacity to design Bezier curves, splines,
and polylines, the ability to specify hatching patterns, and the ability to
generate a bill of materials are all standard features of 2D CAD systems.
AutoCAD, CADkey, CATIA v4, and Medusa are some of the well-known 2D CAD
applications.

2. 2.5D CAD
2.5-D CAD is a medium-level CAD between 2D and 3D. Because they
depict the depth of the objects, the prismatic models are produced by this
kind of CAD. These items’ components are geometric shapes, just like in 2D
CAD. Even if the object is three-dimensional, there cannot be any overhanging
 parts, which is what is meant when a surface is described as 2.5D. The height
of the item (i.e., thickness or depth) at each place is commonly depicted for
objects of this type using a contour map. Although they are on solitary planes,
Z levels do exist.

3. 3D CAD
There are several distinct kinds of three-dimensional (3D) CAD software,
each designed for a different application and level of detail. 3D CAD has
grown in popularity as a design tool as computer processing power and
graphic display capabilities have improved.
There are numerous versions of three-dimensional (3D) CAD software
designed for various applications and levels of detail. In general, 3D CAD
software produces a realistic representation of the design object, enabling
designers to address potential issues earlier and with lower production costs.
Inventor by Autodesk, VX CAD, and CATIA V5 are a few 3D CAD applications,
and there is many SOFTWARE AS A SERVICE (SAAS) apps for 3D CAD.
This type of computer-aided design can be further subdivided into three
categories.
 Surface modeling: In contrast to wireframes, these models are
produced by joining 3D surfaces. The surface models are pretty
accurate, considering that the background is not visible. Modifying the
model (a relatively complex action in surface modeling software)
typically does not have a tree of operations in surface modeling
software. This is different from solid modeling software, where you can
revisit and modify any action in the modeling process without having to
begin the model again.
 Wireframe modeling: With lines and arcs, they build skeleton-like
models. Wire-frame models are referred to as such because everything
in the background is visible and they appear to be formed of wires. They
are not as well-liked as they formerly were. These models have a
skeletal framework constructed of wires that resembles a whole item.
 Solid modeling: Solid modeling is helpful because the
program can typically calculate object dimensions while creating it
automatically. There are several variations of this. Constructive Solid
Geometry (CSG) CAD follows the same fundamental principles as 2D
CAD, i.e., it constructs an item from prepared solid geometric objects.
However, this CAD software is frequently impossible to modify once
they are developed.

4. CAD using neutral file formats

These file types were developed to allow sharing between various
software. As a result, interoperability is improved, which is essential. A
neutral file format that any other software business may easily understand
was required. Operating between several software packages is possible
with CAD agnostic file formats. When you don’t want to spend money on
additional CAD software, it’s pretty helpful.
They dismantle barriers and promote greater levels of collaboration. The
most popular today is the CAD-neutral file types STEP, IGES, 3D PDF, JT,
STL, ACIS, PARASOLID, and QIF file types. These CAD-neutral file formats
do a great job of tearing down barriers, but not all of them are made equal.

5. CAD using native file formats

Native CAD Formats are formats that are exclusive to particular CAD
systems. The term “native CAD Formats” describes file types exclusive to
particular CAD applications. Compared to Neutral CAD formats and
Geometric Modeling Kernel CAD formats, if you can understand them, they
will include the most data and be the most accurate.
 One should utilize only the software included with such CAD file types. Any
other software that uses their CAD formats cannot access them. The use of
a proprietary file type is common across all CAD design programs. These
file types are typically only viewable with the same program that created
them.

With more and more companies (if not all) turning to CAD / CAE / CAM to
achieve efficiency, accuracy and reduced time-to-market of products, there is a
growing demand for CAD software. The industry leaders in this space include
AutoCAD, Dassault Systems and Altair.

The purpose of CAD is to optimize and streamline the designer's workflow,

increase productivity, improve the quality and level of detail in the design,
improve documentation communications and often contribute toward a
manufacturing design database. CAD software outputs come in the form of
electronic files, which are then used accordingly for manufacturing processes.
CAD is often used in tandem with digitized manufacturing processes.
CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) is software
used to design products such as electronic circuit boards in computers and other
devices.

Who uses CAD?

Computer-aided design is used in a wide variety of professions. CAD software is

used heavily within various architecture, arts and engineering projects. CAD use
cases are specific to industry and job functions. Professions that use CAD tools
include, but are not limited to:

 Architects  Interior designers

 Engineers  Exterior designers
 City planners  Game designers
 Graphic designers  Product designers
 Animation illustrators  Industrial designers
 Drafters  Manufacturers
 Fashion designers

CAD benefits
Compared to traditional technical sketching and manual drafting, the use of CAD
design tools can have significant benefits for engineers and designers:

 Lower production costs for designs;

 Quicker project completion due to efficient workflow and design process;
 Changes can be made independent of other design details, without the
need to completely re-do a sketch;
  Higher quality designs with documentation (such as angles,
measurements, presets) built into the file;
 Clearer designs, better legibility and ease of interpretation by
collaborators, as handmade drawings are not as clear or detailed;
 Use of digital files can make collaborating with colleagues simpler; and
 Software features can support generative design, solid modeling, and other
technical functions.

THE REFERENCE SOFTWARE FOR ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING

a CAD-type software oriented to drawing and modeling in 2D and 3D. It

allows the creation and modification of geometric models with an almost infinite
capacity to develop all types of structures and objects.
This ability to work in different fields has made AutoCAD transcend its traditional
use in the world of architecture and engineering, to enter the world of graphic
and interior design.
Currently, AutoCAD has a multitude of specialized auxiliary tools which cover
every kind of industrial fields related to 2D design and 3D modeling.

How CAD Works and Its Use in Designing Complex Systems

CAD is also sometimes called “computer-aided design and drafting”

(CADD). Using computer-based software to assist in design processes is
known as computer-aided design. Various kinds of engineers and designers
regularly utilize CAD software. Two-dimensional (2-D) drawings and three-
dimensional (3-D) models can both be produced using CAD software.
By making designs simple to share, review, simulate, and edit using
3D CAD, you can quickly bring new, unique items to market. When it
comes to the conventional “pencil on paper” method of engineering and
design, known as manual drafting, CAD software has supplanted the T-
squares and protractors employed by past designers.
The first commercial numerical-control programming system,
PRONTO, created by Dr. Patrick J. Hanratty in 1957, is credited with giving
rise to computer-aided design (CAD). SKETCHPAD, developed by Ivan
Sutherland in 1960 at MIT’s Lincoln Laboratory, proved the viability and
fundamentals of computer-aided technical sketching.
Because the machines were so expensive when CAD was first
developed, it was not precisely a viable business option. Engineers may
now employ CAD files that accurately depict the object’s dimensions and
attributes thanks to the development of minicomputers and
microprocessors in the latter half of the 20th century and the resulting
increase in computing power, particularly after the rise of cloud computing.

How does computer-aided design work?

A standard CAD system requires the installation of a CAD software package

and, occasionally, a graphics card on your computer to work. The graphics kernel
is the brains of a CAD software application. The graphical user interface (GUI) is
another crucial component of CAD software. The GUI is used to display the CAD
geometry and collect user input.
 Developing computer models with geometrical constraints is known as
computer-aided design (CAD). These models often provide a three-dimensional
representation of a component or a whole system on a computer screen.
Developers can easily modify the model by altering the suitable parameters,
which makes life easier for designers and engineers.
This indicates that the characteristics and relationships we feed into
geometry, shape and size are controlled. If you use solid geometric modeling,
which requires that you apply material first, the geometric will respond to forces
similarly to real objects.
The mouse and keyboards are often used as input devices, and trackballs
and digitizers are also occasionally utilized. The GUI transfers the input from the
input devices to the graphics kernel in an appropriate format. The graphics
kernel creates the geometric entities and instructs the graphics card to show
them on the GUI.
Design engineers may plan and create their work on a computer screen
with CAD, print it, and save it for upcoming revisions. The objects of traditional
drafting are represented by CAD software for a mechanical design using either
vector-based visuals or, in some cases, raster graphics that show the overall
appearance of planned things. It involves more than simply forms, though.
According to application-specific norms, the CAD output must express
information, such as materials, procedures, measurements, and tolerances, just
like hand drafting of technical and engineering drawings. The software also
considers the interactions between various materials and stakeholders, which is
particularly important as more specifics are added to the drawings by
subcontractors.

Computer-aided design (CAD) is a crucial field in product engineering and

the industrial sector. It allows engineers to develop, test, and optimize their
design in a safe environment, without having to build expensive prototypes. CAD
software also provides a documentation trail, records specifications, and enables
collaboration between multiple disciplines and stakeholders in product
manufacturing. That is why organizations need to understand how computer-
aided design works and its key concepts.

Top Applications of CAD

Since CAD aids in numerical data modeling, simulation, and design, its
applications cut across industries. Some of its critical use cases include:

1. 3D printing
Creating a three-dimensional, real-world object from a digital model
can be done via a process called three-dimensional printing. It is
accomplished by using an additive technique that involves building up
layers of material, typically thermoplastic, in succession. A horizontal
cross-section of the ultimate object is represented by each layer, which is
finely sliced.
A CAD file, produced by a 3D modeling program or reverse
engineering, is the first step in creating each object. Today, almost every
industry employs CAD for tasks including creating and preparing drawings
for additive manufacturing applications (3D printing) and creating
representations for goods under development.

2. Dental industry
One of the best systems for helping with the design and production
of dental treatment-related elements right now is CAD technology. Due to
the ability of this digital technology to provide a 3D representation of the
 patient’s oral structures, it’s virtually solely employed in restorative dental
procedures.
The software can create parts with the highest precision, including
veneers, prostheses, and crowns for dental implants. The treatment may
be planned using CAD software, and the custom-made piece can be
manufactured without removing the mouth molds. It not only saves time
but also keeps patients from feeling uncomfortable.

3. Mapping
People probably believe they will never again need a physical map because
so many map apps are accessible to everybody with a smartphone.
Custom maps can prevent individuals from becoming lost in a cell service
dead zone, making helpful maps useless when navigating unfamiliar
terrain.
Users can add points of interest, their accommodation, and the routes they
take to get there to create a custom map if they travel, for instance, to the
mountains or anywhere else. With CAD, one can keep it digital by saving it
to a smart device or printing it off.

4. Fashion
Initially conceptualizing their designs, fashion designers employ 2D CAD
software programs. CAD is useful in many areas of the fashion design
sector, from mass-market to haute couture. With features like pattern
creation, virtual test fitting, pattern grading, marker creation, etc., CAD
applications have become an indispensable tool for fashion designers,
clothing manufacturers, export companies, etc.
By utilizing a CAD system, clothing manufacturers have significantly
shortened production times. Additionally, CAD lets designers see clothing
designs on virtual figures in various colors and shapes, saving time by
reducing the need for later revisions to prototypes and samples.

5. Architecture
Animations and other presentational materials can also be produced using
CAD, which can also be used to construct 2D or 3D representations.
Detailed instructions on how to make something are delivered through
technical drawings. Designs for mechanical engineering and architectural
structures can be included in technical drawings using CAD.
Technical drawings are copies of blueprints. However, “blueprint” is
frequently used to denote any layout, like a floor plan. The size, location,
and shape of rooms and other objects within a structure are depicted in
floor plans and scaled diagrams shown from the top down.

6. Building furniture
The features of this software enable the creation of intricate furniture that
is frequently more intricate than specialized furniture design tools. CAD
created an industry-specific software solution that satisfies all of the needs
of the furniture business to satisfy market demands, assure an inexpensive
production process, and still offer personalized solutions.
A combination of mechanical design system modeling capabilities and
specialized furniture system automatization may be the best response to
today’s market challenges, including creating furniture of any complexity
level from any material quickly. Modeling opportunities are becoming an
increasingly important factor.

7. Automotive sector
 The automotive supply chain industry’s major and minor businesses
are increasingly using CAD, which is becoming more widely available as
their standard software. The future of software is one of simplicity and less
human involvement. Increasing efficiency and raising the caliber of their
products are ongoing problems for the automotive industry.
To face these problems, all automakers search for innovative
technologies and approaches to lower manufacturing intensity, shorten
development times, and integrate and work more closely with their
international suppliers. Even though virtual and augmented reality
technologies are already in use today, they will eventually be accessible to
all businesses.

8. Interior design
Plans and mockups of room arrangements can be made using CAD.
The software makes it considerably quicker than hand drawing to produce
a mockup of any physical place in a 2D or 3D model. The majority will
begin with a 2D layout as they collaborate with a customer to plan the
overall positioning of important furniture or fixtures.
The ability to transform 2D floor plans to 3D with the RoomMaker
feature is one of the most excellent software features like AutoCAD 2010
for interior designers since it makes it simple to show clients exactly how
their finished room will look.

CAD SOFTWARES

DRAFTSIGHT
o It is a CAD type software (remember, computer aided design). It has
been on the market since 2011 and it is a tool that reminds a lot to
AutoCAD.
o It works, like AutoCAD, with DWG files and the DXF standard. As a
matter of fact, Draftsight’s licenses are perpetual and cheaper than
Autodesk’s software
SELFCAD
o Selfcad is a tool focused on 3D CAD design that is used from the
browser. Its simple design feels attractive and facilitates the learning
curve for users.
o It is recommended for those people who want to get started in the
world of 3D design
BRICSCAD
o BricsCAD is another alternative to AutoCAD compatible with DWG
files and focused on 2D drawing and 3D modeling.
o It allows you to export your files to well-known formats such as PDF,
DWF or SVG.

MICROSTATION
o It is another CAD program focused on architecture and engineering
based on 2D design and 3D modeling.
o It is one of the oldest programs, without taking into account
AutoCAD, as it was released in early 1987
CORELCAD
 o CorelCAD is the CAD program of CorelDRAW, the well-known graphic
design program, with which it shares a great similarity in terms of
interface. It has all the standard CAD features and is compatible with
all major CAD programs.
SKETCHUP
o One of the most popular software among architects and is
considered to be one of the easiest CAD programs to use.
o It is especially popular for urban and interior design and architecture.

Qcad
o QCad is an open-source application for 2D design, oriented to the
creation of plans and technical drawings such as buildings, interiors,
schemes and diagrams or mechanical parts.
o Despite being a free software, it includes some paid versions.

librecad
o LibreCAD is available for Windows, Apple and Linux environments,
and bases its development on its user community. \
o It took its first steps as a QCAD project for CAM, that is, computer
aided manufacturing to be used with CNC machines.

freecad
o FreeCAD is more focused on engineering and design tasks than on
plans and architecture.
o However, the program is adaptable to the needs of each user and
can be extended with extra functionality.

ENDER
o Blender is one of the most recognized free alternatives for 3D
modeling, with a strong component dedicated to animation,
rendering and lighting.
o After the release of its last version its use has been popularized and
nowadays is one of the most popular open-source options.

OPENSCAD
o In the case of OpenSCAD, it focuses more on the industrial design
CAD itself than on the graphics section.
o Through the codes that the user adds, the software builds and
modifies the created piece in 3D.

SOLVESPACE
o SolveSpace is specialized in parametric modeling of 2D and 3D
figures. It offers the possibility of preparing products for machining. It
includes a mechanical simulator and can be executed in Windows,
MacOS and Linux

REFERENCES:
https://www.spiceworks.com/tech/devops/articles/what-is-cad/
https://stacbond.com/en/what-is-autocad-and-what-is-it-for/
https://stacbond.com/en/what-is-autocad-and-what-is-it-for/
https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/CAD-computer-aided-
design#:~:text=The%20purpose%20of%20CAD%20is,toward%20a
%20manufacturing%20design%20database.