Computer Aided Design

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is the use of computer technologies to assist in the design of a part or assembly. Current softwares range from 2D vector base drafting systems to 3D solid and surface modellers.
CAD is utilized to design, develop and optimize products. CAD is also extensively used in the design of tools and machinery used in the manufacture of parts, and in architectural design as well. CAD is mainly used for the creation of 3D models and 2D drawings (blue prints) of these parts.
Benefits such as lower product development costs and a greatly shortened design cycle. CAD allows designers to develop parts and assemblies on a computer screen and save it for future editing as well.

Types of CAD systems:

-Wireframe geometry creation
-Parametric Solid Modelling
-Free Form Surface Modelling

CAD assists in:

-Automated design of assemblies
-Creating Engineering drawings from Solid Models
-Reuse of design components
-Modification of design of model
-Validation of design
-Simulation of design
-Import/Export data with other software packages
-Output to Rapid Prototyping or Manufacturing

Parametric Solid Modeling softwares:

Alibre Design
Top Solid
Solidworks
SolidEdge
Pro E
Catia

Free Form Surface Modeling softwares:

3D Studio Max
NX
Alibre
Alias
Rhino
Pro E
Solidthinking

Related Terminology

Concept Design
Invention Drawings
Package Design
Proof of Concept
Marketing Analysis
Invention Prototyping
Digital Presentation
Computer Aided Design
Computer Aided Engineering
Computer Aided Manufacturing
Finite Element Analysis
Motion Simulation
Computational Fluid Dynamics
Advertising
Technology Lifecyle