What is ‘CAD’?
CAD is an abbreviation for Computer Aided Design.
CAD drawings have vastly improved modern day product engineering and manufacturing processes. It has allowed engineers to design in a digital layout, which drastically reduces the time it would take to make the same project by hand.
In the manufacturing world, CAD files have enhanced workflow and made reading and understanding designs simpler. Using CAD files allows a design to be rotated on an axis, and magnified to help see the details of all sides of a part. It also makes it possible to see internal features that may not be noticeable or obvious on a manufacturing print.
Simulations with CAD Drawings
CAD also allows its user to simulate how a part is run through a program and detect potential errors. How the part is secured, feed rates, the speeds of the tooling, and the movement of the tools can be safely simulated before running it in a machine. CAD files are imported to software programs easily which expedites the programming process. The more complex the part, the more time CAD files save. They can also be used to easily verify the manufacturer drawing; sometimes the engineer may have forgot to update the CAD file or the model.
Using CAD Effectively for Engineering & Manufacturing Benefits
We require that engineering drawings be provided to work on your project. Some manufacturers will also require CAD files to help get better insight on features that are hard to distinguish from just the print. Although CAD was initially created for engineering purposes, it has been a great help for improving manufacturing processes and saves a lot of time and money.
Our engineer can help you design or finish your CAD drawings, as well as help you with engineering services. Contact us to see if we can help you on a project you’re working on.