You may have heard this term “computer aided design” or “CAD” being spoken about but what actually is it? Let’s take a look.
Computer aided design, also known as CAD, is the use of computer technology in regards to the process of design and design-documentation.
Computer aided design can be used to design curves and models in two-dimensional. It can also be used to design curves, surfaces, and models in three-dimensional objects too.
What is Computer aided design used for?
Computer aided design is used usually alongside a 3D scanner in the design of tools, equipment and machinery and in the planning and design of all types of buildings. These buildings could be anything from small residential houses right up to the largest commercial and industrial structures such as hospitals and factories.
Computer aided design and a 3D scanner would mainly be used for detailed engineering of 3D models or physical components, but it is also used throughout the design process from the initial concept and first layout of products and right through. It can also be used to design objects and parts.
What are the different types of computer aided design?
There are several different types of computer aided design. Each of these different types of computer aided design systems requires the operative to think differently about how he or she will use them and he or she must design their virtual parts in a different way depending on what they are designing. There are many makers of the low-end 2D systems. There are also a lot of free programs available online.
These provide an attitude to the drawing process without all the hassle over scale and placement on the drawing sheet that accompanied hand drafting, since these can be attuned as required during the creation of the final draft. Top end systems offer the capabilities to incorporate more natural, aesthetics and ergonomic features into designs. There are also a number of very high end software packages that cost quite a lot of money and can only really be considered by serious businesses.
The use of computer aided design or that of a 3D scanner has become invaluable in the area of design today. Models are able to be made, shapes and surfaces can be measured quickly and efficiently which in turn means all necessary improvements can be made.
For more information see 3D Scanner