CAD
Computer Aided Design (CAD) is the use of computers to assist the design
process. Specialized CAD programs exist for various types of design:
architectural, engineering, electronics, roadways, and woven fabrics to name a
few. CAD programs usually allow a structure to be built up from several
re-usable 3-dimensional components, and the components (such as gears) may be
able to move in relation to one another. It is normally possible to generate
engineering drawings to allow the final design to be constructed.
When the field was initially established it was typically limited to producing
drawings similar to hand drafted drawings. Advances in computer technology have
allowed more skillful application of computers in design activities. Today CAD
is not limited to drafting and rendering, and it ventures into more
"intellectual" areas of designer's expertise. The capabilities of
modern CAD systems include :
Reuse of design components (so-called "IP")
Ease of design modification and versioning
Automatical generation of standard components of the design
Validation/verification of designs against specifications and design rules
Simulation of designs without building a physical prototype
Automated design of assemblies, which are collections of parts and/or other
assemblies
Output of engineering documentation, such as manufacturing drawings, and Bill
of Materials
Output of design directly to manufacturing facilities
Development in CAD resulted in the following tools and methods:
Wireframes
Solid modelling
Intelligent wiring diagrams and production
Linked database systems
Graphically represented system or plant
Diagrams and databases
Parametric design models
Real-time process simulation
Computer numerically controlled (CNC) load files (toolpath instructions)
FEA (Finite Element Analysis)
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