Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is traditionally known for being the stomping ground of architects and engineers. These days, however, CAD is used vertically in more industries. According to data from business review platform G2.com, ‘other users’ comprising hundreds of industries have overtaken Architecture and Planning as the leading industry segment using general-purpose CAD software.
And why wouldn’t it be? After all, CAD systems offer a broad range of functionalities with industry-specific enhancements and solutions. They are used to create product prototypes, fashion-design blueprints, and even the special effects and animations you have probably seen in favourite movies and television shows. CAD allows an increasing number of users to rapidly design, save time, and improve their outputs across many industries. Let us take a look at some of these examples:
AEC
AEC, an industry that is inseparable from CAD, is shorthand for Architecture, Engineering, and Construction. The computer-aided design produces architectural blueprints and building plans of urban infrastructure with precise specifications such as measurements, volume, and other dimensions. CAD guarantees a comprehensive outline by factoring in elements like electricity, plumbing, and the like; thus, improving quality, reducing waste, and lowering project costs.
Shipbuilding
CAD systems offer a comprehensive ship design, construction, and management process. It optimises the shipbuilding process with the speed of construction, ease of design, and the use and reuse of information. Hence, it dramatically shortens the design period from days to minutes and reduces production costs. CAD is also used in designing offshore platforms and submarines.
Automotive
Computer-aided design and manufacturing are used in every aspect of auto design. For instance, it is used to create prototypes of new car forms or auto components such as tires, engines, or upholstery. CAD plays a central role in automotive development, and it is used by parties across the board – from project engineers and ergonomic specialists, to safety and crash personnel.
Manufacturing
Computer-aided manufacturing utilises computer-controlled machinery to automate the manufacturing process, boost output, and increase efficiency. CAD software facilitates the entire flow from the first design stages to the manufacturing process. After all, the goal is not the initial drawing but the final, tangible product. This is why virtually every manufacturing plant uses CAD at some point during its operations.
Transportation
Computer-aided systems are well-used in highway design, public transport, and transportation logistics. CAD is employed to plan transportation interface facilities, such as MRT projects and train routing. Transportation is evolving to become a system as compared to when it was initially a single project approach. Thus, urban planners should consider insights for interchanges on urban streets to enhance pedestrian and commuter convenience.
Education
CAD software is utilised in various industries; from fashion design, and forensics, to dentistry. While one would expect it to happen at the college or professional level, CAD is now trickling down to high-school and even middle-school classrooms! Schools are incorporating CAD into their curriculum so that students get a head start in any number of prospective fields. This fact can be attributed to CAD applying to virtually every industry and career.
Conclusion
Computer-aided design has indeed come a long way from traditional AEC design. It is now an indispensable part of various sectors used in projects of all types and at all stages. Since we have now explored the multiple capabilities of CAD software, it comes down to finding the ideal software to suit your design needs.
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