Interscale Content Hub – Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is more than just a tool for creating detailed drawings. It’s now a fundamental part of modern engineering practices.
CAD in engineering has made its mark on everything from the way ideas are developed to the way products are made.
This change shows how digital tech is becoming a bigger part of engineering work. Yes, as documented in “The Engineering Design Revolution CAD History” by David E. Weisberg, the evolution of CAD has been pretty remarkable.
So, we’ll look at how it’s developed from the early days to the sophisticated software suites we have today.
What is CAD in Engineering?
CAD in engineering is when you use computer software to help you create, change, analyse, or improve a design.
CAD systems let engineers create detailed 2D or 3D models that can be used to visualise and simulate how a design will perform in different situations.
So, the real power of CAD is in how it makes the design process easier. Why this big deal?
This digital approach has some big advantages over traditional methods, which rely on physical prototypes and manual drafting.
Dr. Jaby Mohammed et al., in their paper “Application of Computer Aided Design (CAD) In Knowledge Based Engineering,” point out how the traditional design process, which is often characterised by departmental silos and time-consuming iterations, has given way to a more collaborative and efficient approach thanks to CAD.
CAD has its roots in the early 1960s, when Ivan Sutherland developed “Sketchpad” at MIT. This laid the groundwork for modern CAD systems.
As time has gone on, CAD software has developed to include lots of different features beyond just simple drafting. These include things like finite element analysis (FEA), dynamic simulation and product lifecycle management (PLM).
Meanwhile, if you want to know more about BIM, have a look at “Why Use BIM: 7 Benefits for AEC Industry“
Types of CAD Software Companies Use
There are so many different types of CAD software out there, used by companies in all kinds of industries and for all kinds of design processes.
Let’s take a look at some of the most important types of CAD software that Australian companies use to gain a competitive edge.
2D Modeling Software
As David E. Weisberg shows in his historical overview book, moving from manual drafting to 2D CAD was a big step forward in terms of productivity and accuracy.
2D CAD software is still used a lot in industries where you need to draw detailed lines.
AutoCAD and similar apps let you control dimensions and layouts with precision, making them great for architectural designs and simple mechanical parts.
3D CAD Software
The move to 3D CAD has been one of the most game-changing developments in engineering design.
Software like SolidWorks, CATIA, and Autodesk Inventor lets engineers create complex 3D models that can be manipulated to visualise the final product from any angle.
This is an important feature in industries like automotive and aerospace, where getting the design right and being able to test it in the real world are key.
Specialised CAD Software
There are also industry-specific CAD tools with features built in for specific industries.
Take plastic manufacturing, for example. Autodesk Inventor is a popular choice for designing components with precise material properties and manufacturing constraints in mind.
These tools are linked up with knowledge-based engineering (KBE) systems to make repetitive tasks easier and designs better based on what’s been done before.
Simulation-Integrated CAD
Modern CAD tools are increasingly being developed with simulation features.
Programs like ANSYS work with CAD software to run dynamic simulations and finite element analysis right in the design environment.
This integration means engineers don’t need to use separate software.
Also, engineers can make changes to their designs based on what they see in the simulations as they go along.
PDM/PLM Software
Product Data Management (PDM) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software are pretty important for managing all the data generated throughout a product’s lifecycle.
From design and engineering to manufacturing, marketing, and support, PDM/PLM systems provide a central place to store all product-related information.
As we can see from Weisberg’s historical account, the evolution of PDM/PLM has been driven by the increasing complexity of product development and the need for efficient data management.
Cloud-Based CAD
The world of CAD in engineering is changing fast, with new technologies like cloud-based CAD and generative design opening up new possibilities.
Cloud-based CAD platforms like Onshape are getting a lot of interest lately.
These tools let teams work on the same design at the same time from different places, which makes it easier for them to work together and make decisions faster.
What are the Applications of CAD in Engineering?
CAD is used a lot in the automotive and aerospace industries, where it’s super helpful for designing complex systems in detail.
In these sectors, CAD is used to create detailed 3D models of components and assemblies, which helps engineers visualise and test designs before they are physically produced.
Pascale Starosta, for instance, points out in “CAD Usage in Modern Engineering and Effects on the Design Process,” how CAD systems make it easier for different teams to work on different parts of a project at the same time.
This means products can be brought to market faster and are of a higher quality.
CAD is also used a lot in civil engineering for designing things like bridges, roads, and buildings.
In these projects, CAD software helps engineers test designs in different environments and under different loads, so they can be sure they’re safe and efficient.
This is a particularly relevant application in Australia, where the harsh environmental conditions require robust infrastructure design.
Another key area where CAD is used is in manufacturing, where it’s often used with Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) systems.
This integration, often called CAD/CAM, makes it easy to move from design to production.
Dr. Jaby Mohammed and colleagues talk about how CAD is used to automate the design process in manufacturing, which cuts down on design time and lets you make changes more quickly.
This is especially useful in industries that need to make lots of prototypes quickly, like plastic manufacturing, where the time saved can lead to big cost savings.
Also, you’re seeing a lot more use of CAD in environmental engineering, where it’s used to model and simulate the impact of engineering projects on the environment.
Engineers can use CAD tools to see how their designs might affect the environment and make changes to reduce any negative effects.
And there’s more; You can see how useful CAD is in different areas in “CAD in Architecture: Definition, Benefits, & Popular Software.”
Advantages of CAD Modeling in Engineering
One of the best things about CAD modelling is how it can cut down on design time.
A study referenced by Starosta showed how CAD can cut design time by up to compared to traditional drafting methods.
This reduction in time is down to CAD software being able to automate lots of parts of the design process, such as generating multiple views of a part or assembly, creating detailed documentation, and performing complex calculations.
Another big plus of CAD modelling is the improvement in design accuracy. CAD systems let you create really detailed and precise models.
David Weisberg shows how companies like Boeing using CAD from the start cut the number of mistakes in their aircraft designs and production way down. This set a new standard for precision in the industry.
CAD modelling also helps engineering teams to work together more effectively.
Modern CAD software often includes cloud-based platforms where multiple users can work on the same design at the same time, no matter where they are.
In Australia, where engineering projects often involve teams working across multiple states or even internationally, the collaborative features of CAD are really valuable.
On top of that, CAD modelling saves a lot of money by cutting out the need for physical prototypes.
CAD software lets engineers test how a design will perform in different situations, so they can spot and fix any problems before they start building physical prototypes.
What is a CAD Support System in Engineering?
There are lots of great things about CAD, but let’s be honest: It’s not always enough to rely on CAD software alone.
The modern design and manufacturing processes we’re working with these days are pretty complex.
That’s why it’s good to have a comprehensive support system in place to make sure everything runs smoothly, boost productivity and get the best results.
This system, as shown by Interscale’s full range of services, covers everything from the initial setup to ongoing maintenance.
For example, Interscale teamed up with V.J. Agosta and Associates to tweak the Revit templates and put together tailored training sessions.
Interscale’s training sessions, as provided to Studio Tate, also show how ongoing training can help teams stay up to speed with the latest CAD tools, leading to smoother transitions and more innovative design outcomes.
What are the implications for you?
In engineering, where precision and efficiency are key, our CAD support system can be a winning move for your projects.
We at Interscale make sure your engineering teams can focus on what they do best – creating amazing designs – while we take care of all the technical bits and pieces of CAD management.
We know it’s a lot to take in, and we’re sorry if we’re making things a bit confusing for you right now.
So, we’d love for you to take a look at our Interescale BIM Management page and get to know us a bit better.
Or, if you are ready for a coffee and croissants, let’s meet up. We’re ready to show you how we can help you get to grips with those CAD challenges.
In Closing
As CAD tech keeps on developing, we can look forward to even more impressive advances in the future, giving engineers even more power to innovate and create.
The combination of CAD and knowledge-based engineering could lead to even more automation and efficiency in the design process.
That’s why, as Australia keeps on innovating, CAD will stay at the heart of engineering.
Yes, the innovation and benefit of CAD in engineering and the Australian landscape will keep your project driving efficiency, accuracy, and competitiveness in the global market.
