When it comes to software design programs, computer-aided design (or those of us in the technology world lovingly refer to it as CAD), has been around since the 1980s. CAD is used to create two- and three-dimensional models, producing more accurate designs faster and at a lower cost than manual drafts and physical models.
CAD first appeared in the 1960s as an alternative to manual drafting. Over the next few decades, it increased in capability and accessibility, transforming how products are developed. What once was limited to only top companies and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars is now easily accessible online, with many different programs available.
Benefits of CAD
There are many benefits to using CAD in product design today. CAD increases the accuracy of designs and the overall efficiency of the development process. By enabling greater collaboration and reducing the need for physical prototypes, CAD transforms how products are conceptualized, tested, and brought to market.
Precision and Accuracy
With CAD, designers can be accurate to a point that is hard to achieve with manual drafting. Precise measurements are input into CAD software and displayed. The design can then be easily scaled up or down. Because CAD operates on mathematical algorithms, it also flags human error, preventing mistakes.
Visualization, Testing, and Redesign
With 3D modeling, engineers, designers, and stakeholders can visualize their product before it is built, offering a view that traditional methods cannot provide. The ability to zoom in/out, pan, and rotate around 3D models allows for greater analysis of component interactions and imaging of minute details.
Most modern CAD software includes a wide range of built-in tests and simulations, that can be run with the click of a button. Stress tests, thermal simulations, motion analysis, and other performance evaluations allow engineers to virtually test real-world conditions. By running these simulations early in the design process, teams can predict how their products will perform in various circumstances, helping them optimize designs for functionality and durability.
CAD’s visualization and testing capabilities are essential in revealing potential errors or flaws in the product design well before production begins. By identifying these issues early on, companies can save significant amounts of time and money during the design-to-production process. Unlike physical models, CAD models can be instantly adjusted based on test results or design feedback, allowing for continuous improvement. 3D models created in CAD can also be easily 3D printed, an asset in rapid prototyping.
Greater Collaboration
CAD can be accessed and edited from anywhere in the world. Teams in different locations can access to the same models simultaneously, eliminating possible errors between separate physical models. Updates can also be tested in real-time, and files can be easily transferred from one department to another.
When working with a partner on the design and development of a product, both parties can maintain constant access to the latest designs, eliminating the delays associated with waiting for scheduled meetings or progress reports. Designs can also be modified by all parties, unlike scanned files. This level of connectivity not only reduces errors but also accelerates the overall development timeline.
Documentation Building
CAD hasn’t just increased design efficiency. Programs can also generate a BOM and other documents needed for testing and certifications. Different product markings and certifications, such as UL, ISO, and CE, are required depending on where your product is released. Requirements also vary based on product classification. For example, medical devices are highly regulated due to their interactions with the human body. CAD helps developers stay up to date with the latest requirements.
Economic Advantage of Using CAD
We’ve already established that using virtual modeling reduces costs in the design process by eliminating the expenses linked to repeated redesigns. However, the financial benefits extend beyond the initial design phase. Products designed with CAD are less prone to errors, ensuring greater accuracy and reducing the need for costly corrections during production. Additionally, CAD-driven designs integrate seamlessly with computer-aided manufacturing, leading to a more streamlined and efficient manufacturing process and further reducing production time and resources.
Types of CAD Software
There are many different types of CAD software on the market. Each has its own features and benefits.
- SolidWorks: This cloud-connected CAD software is ideal for engineering, design, and collaboration. SolidWorks contains tools to help engineers follow design for manufacturing principles and test cost and manufacturability. Its parametric modeling ensures consistency. Engineers can run simulations and get design analysis. SolidWorks also automatically generates BOMs, which can then be easily transferred to supply chain teams. Pivot International and our global companies use SolidWorks to develop product designs that our global teams can easily collaborate on and share with our partners.
- Altium: Altium’s ECAD (electronic computer-aided design) software is optimized for electronic design, particularly PCB development. Altium’s capabilities include multi-layer PCB design. As experienced PCB designers, Pivot’s engineers use this software in addition to SolidWorks.
- AutoCAD: AutoCAD caters to architects and construction professionals. Its features include architecture-specific tools, such as placing elements with AI.
- Creo: Creo’s modeling software helps designers optimize their products according to targeted areas, such as weight and cost. Creo is also available as a SaaS.
- Autodesk Inventor: Autodesk Inventor is from the same company as AutoCAD, but is intended for engineers. Data from Inventor can be connected to other Autodesk applications, including AutoCAD.
- IronCAD: Marketed as being extremely user-friendly, some of IronCAD’s main features are drag-and-drop modeling and its catalog of predefined 3D components.
- Fusion360: Another Autodesk product, Fusion360, is free for hobbyists (with limited features). The software still includes 3D modeling and limited electronic design at the free level, with the option to upgrade to more capabilities.
- CADKEY: CADKEY was originally released in 1984 as a 2D- and 3D-capable CAD software. Though no longer supported, many .prt files originated in CADKEY.
Using CAD in Your Future Product
At Pivot International, CAD allows our teams to collaborate not only between continents but also between teams. Our engineering teams can easily share information and models with the supply chain team and manufacturers, and we can show our partners the designs at any time, no matter where they are located.
With experience across various industries, including agriculture, entertainment, security, and more, our teams have the expertise to bring your product from concept to market. After finalizing a design and generating a BOM, our global supply chain team sources parts efficiently and cost-effectively. Additionally, files can be copied and amended for future redesigns and updates. Contact our team today to learn how we can help design and manufacture your next product.
