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Last Updated: March 3, 2007
Last Updated: March 3, 2007
What is Computer Aided Design CAD?
Architectural CAD software is used by architects, builders, facility managers, and construction companies. Landscape CAD software is used by landscape designers and architects as well as municipalities and environmental planners. Specialized CAD products are used in the design of structural steel and concrete. CAD file viewers, CAD file converters, CAD file red lining, CAD symbols, and CAD libraries are also available.
Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software allows designers to import CAD files and control manufacturing equipment. Mechanical engineers use CAM software to calculate tool paths and set up machining operations. Most tool paths are usually stored in cutter location (CL) format and exported to a postprocessor for conversion to a numerically controlled (NC) program. Most NC programs use text files and incorporate start and stop locations along a grid with X, Y, and Z axes. Computer numerically controlled (CNC) manufacturing uses a special programmer to specify the machining operations. In turn, the CAM software creates the CNC program. Machines such as lathes, routers, lasers, water jets and plasma tables often use 2D models. By contrast, most milling machines use 3D models. CAM software is also used to prepare printed circuit board (PCB) and integrated circuit (IC) designs for manufacturing.
Computer-aided engineering (CAE) software allows engineers to analyze the performance of completed components and assemblies. Common applications for CAE software include structural, stress, and dynamic analysis; fluid flow analysis, kinematics, mechanical event simulation (MES) and process simulation for operations such as casting, molding, and forming. Tasks such as product validation, simulation, and optimization can be divided into three stages. Pre-processing defines the basic model and environmental factors. Product analysis is performed on specialized computers or workstations and substitutes simulation for physical prototyping. The post-processing of test results is achieved by using CAE software visualization tools.
Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software allows designers to import CAD files and control manufacturing equipment. Mechanical engineers use CAM software to calculate tool paths and set up machining operations. Most tool paths are usually stored in cutter location (CL) format and exported to a postprocessor for conversion to a numerically controlled (NC) program. Most NC programs use text files and incorporate start and stop locations along a grid with X, Y, and Z axes. Computer numerically controlled (CNC) manufacturing uses a special programmer to specify the machining operations. In turn, the CAM software creates the CNC program. Machines such as lathes, routers, lasers, water jets and plasma tables often use 2D models. By contrast, most milling machines use 3D models. CAM software is also used to prepare printed circuit board (PCB) and integrated circuit (IC) designs for manufacturing.
Computer-aided engineering (CAE) software allows engineers to analyze the performance of completed components and assemblies. Common applications for CAE software include structural, stress, and dynamic analysis; fluid flow analysis, kinematics, mechanical event simulation (MES) and process simulation for operations such as casting, molding, and forming. Tasks such as product validation, simulation, and optimization can be divided into three stages. Pre-processing defines the basic model and environmental factors. Product analysis is performed on specialized computers or workstations and substitutes simulation for physical prototyping. The post-processing of test results is achieved by using CAE software visualization tools.
Computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and computer aided engineering (CAE) software is used for mechanical, electrical and electronic design; simulation, drafting, and engineering; and product analysis and manufacturing. CAD, CAM, CAE and design software runs on mainframes, general-purpose workstations, and personal computers (PCs). Common operating systems include Microsoft Windows, UNIX, Solaris and SunOS. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. UNIX is a registered trademark of The Open Group. Solaris and SunOS are trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. CAD, CAM, CAE and design software that run on proprietary operating systems or requires specialized hardware is also available.
Computer-aided design (CAD) software allows engineers, architects, and designers to create conceptual drawings for assessment and approval. There are several types of products. Two-dimensional (2D) CAD software is suitable for drafting services and general-purpose applications. By contrast, three-dimensional (3D) CAD software is suitable for machine shops, product designers, reverse engineering, and complex surfacing.
Computer-aided design (CAD) software allows engineers, architects, and designers to create conceptual drawings for assessment and approval. There are several types of products. Two-dimensional (2D) CAD software is suitable for drafting services and general-purpose applications. By contrast, three-dimensional (3D) CAD software is suitable for machine shops, product designers, reverse engineering, and complex surfacing.
