CAD

Introduction:

            The technology which is use computer hardware and software to create or modify any drafting or designing model for manufacturing to full fill the need of customer is known as Computer Aided Design (CAD). In the other way we can also say that cad model is a graphical representation / virtual prototype  of a physical part or object to assist to design process and manufacturing.  It can also refer to the use of computer hardware and software to prepare representational image files or gathering some basic information about the object to be manufactured. CAD is also refer to  the use of computer hardware and software to prepare exploding - assembling of various no of parts in an assembly, mechanism videos between fixed and moving parts etc.

CAD can be derived into two categories as follows:-

1.             2-Dimensional   Representation

2.             3-Dimensional   Representation

Number of soft wares are used in the present scenario for CAD as per requirement in the field Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Interior Architecture etc. like AutoCAD (2D Specifically). In the mechanical engineering Creo, CATIA, SolidWorks, Inventor, NX, etc. In the electrical engineering AutoCAD electrical.  In the Civil engineering \ Architecture civil 3D, Staad Pro, Revit, google sketch up, 3DS Max etc.

Benefits of CAD:

CAD software is being used on large scale basis by a number of engineering professionals and firms for various applications. The most common application of CAD software is designing and drafting. Here are some of the benefits of implementing CAD systems in the companies:

Following are some of the key advantages of using the CAD software.

1.                  Decrease in error percentage: As the CAD software makes use of some of the best tools, the percentage of error that occurred because of manual designing is significantly reduced.

2.                  Decrease in effort: When it comes to the amount of effort that was needed for the sake of designing the different models, it has been reduced significantly because the software automates most of the task.

3.                  Saves time: When you are using the computer aided design software, it will save your time and you can make better and more efficient designs in shorter time duration.

4.                  Easy to edit: When you are making designs, you may find the need to make alterations. When you are using computer aided design software, it will be much easier to make any changes because you can fix the errors and modify the drawings easily.

5.                  Code re-use: As the entire task is carried out with the help of computer tools, it removes the problem of duplication of labor, you can copy the different parts of code and design which can then be reused multiple times over and over again.

6.                  Improved accuracy: There is absolutely no doubt about the fact that the kind of accuracy that CAD software will offer can never be achieved by opting for manual drawings. You have tools to measure the precision, skill and accuracy level of the designs.

7.                  Easy to share: The CAD tools make it easier to save the files and store it in a way that you can use it time and again and send it without any unwanted hassles too.

Architectural CAD:

            As technology continues to strive forward architecture CAD introduced in late 1980’s.Architecture and CAD have played a major role in virtual reality. Around 1995, Matsushita Electronic Industries produced a virtual house with its bases in CAD. Since then, a number of projects that incorporated virtual reality with CAD began to grow.

            The most basic CAD packages permit construction and editing of drawings using geometric primitives, parts stored in the computer’s libraries & 3D geometric modeling and viewing, usually wire frame and solid modelling. 

Civil CAD:

            When it comes to construction of civil projects, there is a lot of designing that is involved. Planning bridges and even towers and other structures needs special consideration of some of the main points. Even a minor flaw in the design can be problematic and it can create a big ruckus. This is why CAD software is put to use as the different tools will come in handy in sketching the fine details of what you really desire.

Mechanical CAD:

            Computer aided design is the use of computer systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis or optimization of an engineering design. CAD software is used to increase the productivity of the designer, improve the quality of design, improve communication through documentation and create a database for manufacturing. CAD output is often in the form of electronic files for print, manufacturing or other manufacturing processes.

The technical and engineering drawings and images must convey information such as materials, processes, dimensions and tolerances according to application-specific conventions. CAD may be used to design curves and figures in two-dimensional (2D) space or curves, surfaces and solids in three-dimensional (3D) space. CAD is also used to produce computer animation for the special effects used in, for example, advertising and technical manuals.

CAD is an important industrial art and is the way projects come true. It is extensively used in many applications, including automotive, ship building and aerospace industries, and in industrial design. The CAD process and outputs are essential to successful solutions for engineering and manufacturing problems.

CAD software helps us explore ideas, visualize concepts through photo-realistic

 renderings and movies and simulates how the design project will perform in the real world.

Electrical CAD:

Electrical drawings are the representation of electrical components and connected wiring to fulfill a specific purpose. An electrical drawing can be of a house, industry or an electrical panel. Also, an electrical drawing can be divided into following categories: 

1.                        Circuit diagram: - A circuit drawing is derived from a block or functional diagram. It does not generally bear any relationship to the physical shape, size or layout of the parts and although you could wire up an assembly from the information given in it, they are usually intended to show the detail of how an electrical circuit works.

2.                        Wiring diagram: - This is the drawing which shows all the wiring between the parts, such as Control or signal functions; Power supplies and earth connections; Termination of unused leads, contacts; Interconnection via terminal posts, blocks, plugs, sockets, and lead-through.

3.                        Wiring schedule: - A wiring schedule defines the wire reference number, type (size and number of conductors), length and the amount of insulation stripping required for soldering. In complex equipment you may also find a table of interconnections which will give the starting and finishing reference points of each connection as well as other important information such as wire color, identification marking

4.                        Block diagram: - The block diagram is a functional drawing which is used to show and describe the main operating principles of the equipment and is usually drawn before the circuit diagram is started. It will not give any real detail of the actual wiring connections or even the smaller components and so is only of limited interest to us in the wiring of control panels and equipment.

5.                        Parts list: - Although not a drawing in itself, in fact it may be part of a drawing. The parts list gives vital information, it relates component types to circuit drawing reference numbers. It is used to locate and cross refer actual component code numbers to ensure you have the correct parts to commence a wiring job.