Since CAD (computer-aided design) first came on the scene in the 1950s, CAD drawings have completely transformed how products, buildings and even aeroplanes are designed. But, what is CAD drawing?
Initially, CAD was only used by big manufacturers, as Norman Sanders explains. Boeing was one of the first to use it to design aircraft like the 727 in the early 1960s. Over the years, CAD has gone from being a bit of a niche tool for aerospace to being a core part of almost every design-oriented industry, from architecture to entertainment.
It’s not just made drafting quicker and easier, but it’s also made the design process more precise and efficient.
What is a CAD Drawing?
CAD drawing is a way of creating digital representations of designs using a computer. These lets designers create 2D or 3D shapes, see how things fit together, and run simulations like animation or structural analysis. Usually, CAD drawings are used a lot in engineering, architecture, and manufacturing, as well as lots of other industries.
History of CAD drawing
The creation of CAD drawings was made possible by software like PRONTO, which came out in 1957. It helped transform design instructions into digital information that could be used by machine tools.
Later, software like Sketchpad in 1963, let designers interact directly with the design on a computer using tools like a light pen. Which was a bit like a modern mouse. These early systems led to a shift from 2D to 3D modelling.
One of the first 3D modelling techniques was wireframe design, which represents objects using points connected by lines.
Surface design was a big step forward. It used mathematical functions to accurately describe and represent the surfaces of objects, which paved the way for solid modelling and parametric modelling.
The IBM PC, which came out in 1981, was a big turning point for CAD. It made the technology more affordable and accessible, which led to it being used much more widely.
And there are software like AutoCAD in 1982. This software really changed the game. It made some pretty sophisticated design tools available to a broader range of users.
For a comparison of two popular CAD software in the market, kindly read “BricsCAD vs AutoCAD: Which Software is Better For Your Project?”
Advantages of CAD drawing
Make sure the design process more precise
One of the best advantages of CAD drawing is how it makes the design process more precise. CAD gets rid of the mistakes and inconsistencies that can happen when you’re drawing by hand because it defines shapes and dimensions mathematically.
Improve efficiency
As well as being super precise, CAD can automate lots of parts of the design process, which makes things even more efficient.
Avoid physical prototypes
Another benefit of CAD drawings is that they can help you avoid having to produce physical prototypes, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
Improve project collaboration
With CAD, it’s easy to share and access design info across teams and locations, which makes the design and manufacturing process a lot more streamlined and ensures that everyone’s working from the same accurate data.
Easy to integrate
Integrating CAD with product data management (PDM) and product lifecycle management (PLM) systems makes these benefits even better. We should also give a big shout-out to CAD for changing the way we design and the skills engineers and designers need.
Here are several reviews of good open-source CAD software you can get in the market “Best Options of CAD Software for Mac in 2024 – Free & Open Source.”
Disadvantages of CAD drawing
Since CAD history began, one of the biggest hurdles for newcomers has been the high cost of the software and the powerful workstations you need to run it.
Another downside to CAD is that it can take a while to get to grips with some of the more advanced software. As CAD programs get more complex, it can be tough for new users to get up to speed.
We should also talk about how different CAD software packages work together. Using different file formats can make it tricky to share designs between users of different programs.
While there are ways to get around this, like converting files or using import options, these can be time-consuming and sometimes result in data loss or formatting inconsistencies.
For more info on how CAD stacks up against BIM, kindly check “CAD vs. BIM: How is BIM different from CAD? Which One Should I Use?”
What is a CAD Drawing Example?
A good example of a CAD drawing is one you’ll see in architectural design. Just picture an architect designing a residential building.
With a CAD program like AutoCAD, the architect can create detailed drawings of every room, wall, and window with exact measurements. Being able to create 3D views from these drawings makes it simpler for both the architect and the client to visualise what the finished building will look like.
Another example is a mechanical engineer who has to design an engine component. CAD software like Siemens NX lets engineers create 3D models of parts, run stress tests to see how they’ll hold up, and check that they’ll fit perfectly in the engine assembly.
How Small Businesses Can Adopt CAD in a Cost-Effective Way
What’s in it for small businesses if they adopt CAD? In today’s competitive market, staying ahead means delivering designs that are precise and efficient. For small architectural or engineering firms, CAD tools are a must if you want to produce high-quality work.
You can learn about some CAD software options at Top Free CAD Drawing Software: Features, Benefits, & How to Choose.
However, as we said earlier, cost can be a big issue. So, how can we make CAD more affordable?
By making the most of the services on offer from Interscale, you can get CAD drawing and BIM solutions up and running without breaking the bank. Interscale’s BIM Management services provide solutions you can scale up or down to suit your needs. So you can adopt these technologies in a gradual, cost-effective manner.
Our team of experts can help with things like model auditing, Revit training, and content creation. That’s why, to help you get up to speed, and improve accuracy, collaboration, and overall project success, we suggest you spend some time looking into what we do.
We’d love for you to visit our Interscale BIM Management support page, learn about our case studies, and see how we’ve helped other AEC companies with similar challenges.
Optimize your design with our CAD software support
Contact us today to learn more!
In Closing
CAD drawing has had a huge impact on industries as diverse as aerospace, architecture, manufacturing, and civil engineering. This shift from hand-drawn sketches to complex computer-aided models shows how important it is to embrace technology in how we create and innovate.
Ultimately, what is CAD drawing? It’s about visualising and refining your ideas before a single physical prototype is produced.
FAQ about CAD drawing
What do CAD Drawings Look Like?
CAD drawings can look like many things, as CAD software is used to create a wide range of outputs. The appearance of a CAD drawing depends on factors like the specific software used, the purpose of the drawing, and the level of detail required. Some common examples of what CAD drawings can look like include 2D drawings, 3D models, rendered images, and animation.
Who Uses CAD Drawing?
CAD drawing is something lots of people can use. In industry, CAD drawings are used by lots of different professionals, including engineers, architects and industrial designers. For example, the public sector uses CAD for all kinds of building and construction projects to make sure everything meets the highest standards.
Is CAD Drawing Difficult to Learn?
How tricky it is to learn CAD drawing depends on the type of software you’re using and how much expertise you need.
For those just starting out, the steep learning curve can be a difficult, especially if you’re not familiar with technical drawing principles. But as users get to grips with CAD, they can use it for things like simulation, structural analysis and computer-aided manufacturing, giving them some pretty powerful tools for effective design.
References:
- Sanders, N. (2012). A possible first use of CAM/CAD. In A. Tatnall (Ed.), Reflections on the History of Computing: Preserving Memories and Sharing Stories (pp. 43-56). Springer.
- Young, M. (n.d.). Introduction to CAD. MAE 455 Computer-Aided Design and Drafting, Michigan Technological University.
- Weisberg, D. E. (2008). The engineering design revolution: A history of CAD.
- Starosta, P. (2021). CAD usage in modern engineering and effects on the design process. University of Virginia, School of Engineering and Applied Science.
