CAD Software and Product Development

We’ve come a long way since the 2D drafting boards from days of yore.   Today’s CAD software can create accurate 3D models, is history based, and parametric.  Here are why these things are so important to the product development process.

CAD software allows a very accurate model to be created in 3D.  This helps eliminate confusion.  Rather than  interpret orthographic views, the virtual product can be zoomed and rotated to view details clearly.  The product designer can tweak and perfect the design –  down to thousandth’s of an inch.   The 3D model can then be printed and prototyped for testing and validation – often within a few hours.  These advancements in software and 3D printing have helped to greatly speed up the product development process, and greatly reduce the time and cost of prototypes.

Another advantage of having a 3D CAD model is that it can be used with other software packages for further testing.  One example is that it can be imported into simulation software for stress analysis.  Another example would be using it in inside of mold flow software to evaluate plastic flow during the molding process.

Many of the 3D CAD software programs being used today are referred to as parametric.  Parametric is history based CAD.  This means that as the part is created, a history is kept; the driving dimensions and features are stored, and can be rolled back and retrieved at any point in time.   Some major players in this arena are Solidworks, Creo, Catia, and Siemens.

In summary, 3D CAD has opened the door to many possibilities that did not exist during the age of 2D CAD drawings.   Feel free to contact us at info@caddesignco.com to learn more about 3D CAD software or to discuss your CAD modeling needs.

Many of the 3D CAD software programs being used today are referred to as parametric.  Parametric is history based CAD.  This means that as the part is created, a history is kept; the driving dimensions and features are stored, and can be rolled back and retrieved at any point in time.   Some major players in this arena are Solidworks, Creo, Catia, and Siemens.

In summary, 3D CAD has opened the door to many possibilities that did not exist during the age of 2D CAD drawings.   Feel free to contact us at info@caddesignco.com to learn more about 3D CAD software or to discuss your CAD modeling needs.