Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of a wide range
of computer-based tools that assist engineers, architects
and other design professionals in their design activities.
It is the main geometry authoring tool within the Product
Lifecycle Management process and involves both software
and sometimes special-purpose hardware. Current packages
range from 2D vector based drafting systems to 3D solid
and surface modellers. CAD is sometimes translated as
"computer-assisted", "computer-aided
drafting", or a similar phrase. Related acronyms
are CADD, which stands for "computer-aided design
and drafting", CAID for Computer-aided Industrial
Design and CAAD, for "computer-aided architectural
design". All these terms are essentially synonymous,
but there are some subtle differences in meaning and
application.
CAD is used to design, develop and optimize products,
which can be goods used by end consumers or intermediate
goods used in other products. CAD is also extensively
used in the design of tools and machinery used in
the manufacture of components. CAD is also used in
the drafting and design of all types of buildings,
from small residential types (houses) to the largest
commercial and industrial structures.
CAD is mainly used for detailed engineering of 3D
models and/or 2D drawings of physical components,
but it is also used throughout the engineering process
from conceptual design and layout of products, through
strength and dynamic analysis of assemblies to definition
of manufacturing methods of components. CAD has become
an especially important technology with benefits,
such as lower product development costs and a greatly
shortened design cycle, because CAD enables designers
to lay out and develop their work on screen, print
it out and save it for future editing, saving a lot
of time on their drawings.
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