Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Software Overview
What is Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Software?
CAD Software (computer-aided design) software is used by architects, engineers, and others to create precision drawings or technical illustrations. This category of software can increase productivity, and improve quality. It also aids communication between designers by creating documentation and creates a database for manufacturing.
CAD can be used to create two-dimensional (2-D) drawings or three-dimensional (3-D) models, and is frequently used in the design of electronic circuit boards in electronic devices. Typically, this software uses either traditional vector-based graphics or raster graphics which show how finished objects would actually look.
But this software is not just about producing technical drawings. It must also facilitate the flow from the design process to the manufacturing process.
Recent advances in this kind of software mean that the design and manufacturing processes are not separate but are interlinked. CAD software can simulate the movement of a part through the manufacturing process in three dimensions.
As this software becomes ever better at simulating the manufacturing process, specialized software for designing the manufacturing process and controlling machine tools called Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) has become integrated with CAD as a single platform.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Products
AutoCAD
AutoCAD is a CAD product from Autodesk. It allows designers to work in 2D and 3D, and has extensive online collaboration tools.
DraftSight
DraftSight® is a 2D design and drafting solution. According to the vendor, it offers a familiar user interface and a minimal learning curve that facilitates a quick transition from your current 2D CAD application at a low cost. DraftSight Offerings: DraftSight Download: for individuals who nee...
PTC Mathcad
PTC offers Mathcad, the company's engineering analytics engine including Mathcad Prime, for managing complex mathematical calculations inherent in solving engineering problems. Additionally the software includes Area Protection and Locking, which limits access to information based on role so that...
GrabCAD Workbench
GrabCAD Workbench is a CAD collaboration solution that helps designers to manage files and engage partners in the design process.
SOLIDWORKS
Dassault Systemes offers SOLIDWORKS, a computer-aided design (CAD) system for education and manufacturing supporting 2D or 3D design, electrical design, simulations, and product development with collaboration tools.
TurboCAD
TurboCAD is 2D and 3D CAD software sold in many different editions, including Deluxe, Expert, and ProPlatinum.
Inspire
Inspire from solidThinking is a CAD system enabling designers and architects to create structurally efficient concepts quickly. It includes structural simulations allowing engineers to check if a design will support the required loads.
SIMULIA
SIMULIA from Dassault Systemes is a simulation application for 3d objects.
CADWorx
CADWorx Plant Design Suite from Hexagon PPM is a 3D plant design software toolset that allows for the option to run on the AutoCAD or BricsCAD platform and design piping, structural steel, equipment, process and instrument diagrams, and design review, plus automatic isometrics and bills of mater...
PTC Creo
PTC offers Creo, the company's line of computer-aided design (CAD) products that support the product lifecycle management (PLM) process with 2D and 3D design kits (Creo Elements and Creo Direct), an augmented reality module, Creo Illustrate for technical illustrations, Creo Sketch, Creo Schematic...
ANSYS Discovery
ANSYS Discovery is a design and modeling simulation suite, supporting electromagnets, thermal, structures, fluids, and many combinations of different materials in a single-window 3D design interface for concept exploration, repair, or other purposes. ANSYS Discovery is available in an Essentials...
Simulink
MathWorks offers the Simulink product family including the Simscape physical modeling suite, simulation, validation, and testing tool set, a 3D animation module, signal processing toolbox for wireless communication, control systems, and event-based monitoring, to aid in the design of complex syst...
Studio 5000
Rockwell Automation offers the Studio 5000 suite of design and engineering applications, including Studio 5000 Architect engineering environment, Studio 5000 Logix Designer for management of Allen-Bradley Logix controllers, Studio 500 View Designer for graphic terminals and alarms, the Studio 500...
OpenRoads Designer
Bentley Systems offers OpenRoads Designer, their civil engineering and design platform which replaces the former GEOPAK Civil Engineering Suite, InRoads, MX, and PowerCivil.
Autodesk Inventor
hAutodesk Inventor 3D CAD software offers professional-grade 3D mechanical design, documentation, and product simulation tools.S