Qno.

1
What is Cad and its uses?
Cad is basically computer aided designing, it is the electronic method of creating a 2-dimensional
or 3-dimensional drawing of a component. This drawing is further used for different purposes like
analyzing the reliability of a product by mean of Finite Element Analysis software and computer aided
engineering. These softwares perform engineering calculations on the 3d-object and give us result.
Moreover, cad model can also be used for computer aided manufacturing (CAM). A 3-Dimensional CAD
model can be input into CAM software that generate instructions for Computer Numerical Control
machine that finally fabricate our 3d model into a real object when raw material is provided to it. This
method of manufacturing is widely used in industries nowadays. We can also create a small prototype of
object by rapid prototyping machine.

Advantages of CAD Over Conventional Methods

CAD is modern face of engineering. It has numerous advantages over conventional designing
methods some which are discussed briefly in the following:

Quality of 3D Representation.
CAD is Capable of drawing highly accurate drawings of the parts to be manufactured as software
program is capable of drawing a dimension that is far more accurate than that can be achieved by
machine tools. Accuracy is actually degree of conformity to a known value. We can create a highly
accurate 3d object in cad but sometimes too much accuracy is not good as it increases cost and time for
manufacturing an object. Moreover 3D- Representation offers viewer to see multiple views of the
object. It I also very time efficient way as compared to conventional one. Existing data can be used for
further design.

Accuracy of 2D Part /Assembly Drawing

We can create a highly accurate 2D sketch in CAD Software we can create a dimension of even
1/100000th part of millimeter which is practically not fabricated and impossible to draw it using
conventional drawing methods. Software drawing accuracy is unquestionable but for manufacturing
process it is preferred to dimension the total length, height and width of object so that total dimension
of part does not get much affected due to tolerances as whole. So, while making production drawings
dimensions should be so that it can be fabricated. Production drawing can easily be created from a 3d
model in cad, this option is available in the software itself.

Timeline from Concept idea to Manufacturing

The very first step of manufacturing is the requirement of customer as identifying the problem is first
step to solution. First of all, focus on purpose and application of the object to be manufactured, for
example someone ask for a computer table. The second step is visualization, you have to visualize the
object depending upon its application. In case of computer table, you have to visualize the platform for
LCD, a drawer for CPU, holes for wires, space for keyboard and movement of mouse, footrest etc. The
next step is dimensioning, you have to set dimensions depending upon the requirement. Then using a
CAD software create a 3d model of the object, it will show you how it will look like, now you can also
modify it if needed. After modelling it you have you analyze it using FEA software. You can optimize the
object if required to make it more reliable. When its done and your fully optimized 3d model is ready
then a prototype is made to test it in real world to make sure its working properly. If its not then, then
changes are made in the design of object according. After prototype gets passed then object is ready to
use for customers so, it is input into CAM that finally fabricates it. Object is then finished using different
procedures depending upon product.

Parametric Modelling Significance

Parametric modelling is basically a type of modelling in which each sketch is related with the other in
some ratio, for example if you draw a cuboid of length three time its height and width two times its
height than when we change the height or any other dimension then remaining dimensions will change
automatically. This type of drawing is very significant when alterations are required in model. Parametric
models are made using mathematical equations, in which one variable is related to the other. There are
two types of parametric modelling

 Constructive Solid Geometry

CGS defines a model in terms of basic and generated solid shapes like cylinder, cube, cone,
prism etc. that are manipulated using Boolean operations

 Boundary Representation
A solid model is formed by defining the surfaces that form its spatial boundaries. Many spatial
points are joined together to form object.

One of the best advantage is that we can build flexible designs.

Libraries and Subassemblies

Library is basically a collection of pre drawn objects that can be utilized by user in his design. This is also
very helpful when you are designing a complex object. It saves time and effort of user. Libraries contains
common used objects like ball bearings, nuts, bolts etc. User can easily assemble these parts together to
form a complete object.

Similarly, we can create a subassembly by combining one assembly with another assembly. This is also
very efficient way of designing. This feature of cad made much easier for user to design a complex
machinery. Assembly within assembly reduced the complexity to some extent as it would be more
difficult to assemble all parts from smaller to larger in one screen.

What is License and its Benefit

Buying a license make you software usage legal and no one can claim copyrights. Some of the other
reasons why it makes sense to use legal software is to make sure your data is safe or protected. With
illegal software, sometimes you may lose data. Having a license may also allow you to get support. It also
helps if you need to exchange data with other companies. You don’t want to explain that you don’t have a
license. License packages vary from software to software. Auto Desk charges for its license as 308.63
USD per month and 7,384.65 USD for 3 years.
Data Exchange in softwares
When you want to transfer the model, you made in one CAD software to the other CAD software you
have to change the file format so that it can be executed by the other software. Usually letter after the
full stop in the name of file indicates its format or file type. In CAD softwares the format that is created
for file transfer is IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification). When you want t transfer the CAD file to
CAM than it types will depend on the type of machine for example for STL file give instruction to laser to
follow the specified way. Similarly, for 2D file, format use dis Bitmap(.bmp) or DXF. Although its not
tough to transfer data but while this transfer some features that are not compatible with the software in
which it is transferred, will be lost. Now which features will lose it depends upon receiving software or
type of format you are converting your file.

Q no. 2

Different CAD Software for different Operating Systems:

Different CAD softwares are made compatible with different operating softwares like for windows there
are number of software eg. Solid Works, Pro engineer, Auto Cad etc. that require window 10. Similarly
for Lunix software like FREE CAD, LibreCAD are used. On Mac Archicad21, AutoCAD, QCAD etc. are used.
Due to portability of androids some CAD software are designed for androids also like DWG Fast Viewer,
GNA CAD, Auto Q3D etc.

CAD Softwares for different Industries:

Industries depending upon their requirement use different Softwares. Mostly Pro engineer and CATIA
are used for automotive industry, Design tech is used for Aerospace, solid works is used for medical
instrument designing, CADMATIC is used for marine designs, Maya, 3Ds Max, Cinema 4D are used for
offshore designing.

System requirements for CAD

Cad software has different requirements depending upon the version and features of the software.
Basically, a latest software like AutoCAD and Pro engineer require Quad core processor or more , Ram of
1gb or more, Graphic Card any that is currently manufactured by companies (not an outdated card) and
a disk space of 1.6 - 2.0 GB.

Input and output devices for CAD:

Different devices can be used for giving instruction to the cad software. Most Commonly we use a
QWERTY Keyboard and Digital Mouse. Some advance users also use G13 Programmable Keyboard, touch
pads, touch screens, digitizers and light pens and many more. In industries usually, employees work on a
networked environment all the clients are connected to server and it compiles all data input by clients.
Output Devices are used for display and viewing you model. For output of CAD software design LCD or
LED screens are used. More output devices are also used depending upon the requirement like rapid
prototyping device, 3d printer, Plotter etc. You can also Save your model in different storage medium
like Hard disk, USB, server in networked environment, etc. for further usage or for keeping a record.

Qno.3
CAD a Production Management Software

CAD software plays an important role in production and manufacturing of product as it serves as a base
of manufacturing. Nowadays manufacturing starts with Cad and ends up with a final finished product.
CAD revolutionized the way of manufacture. Its really a time efficient way as its user-friendly
environment allow its users to work easily in less time. More over modification can easily be made with
comparatively less cost and effort as CAD design is when input into CAM, it interprets it and starts
production. So we can say that CAD not only Saved time and cost but also reduced wastage of material
too.

Concurrent Engineering for CAD:

Concurrent engineering is a strategy where all the tasks involved in product development are done in
parallel. While this CAD models should not only be tested on FEA softwares but also a prototype should
be tested and all departments should be for design modification. Concurrent Engineering is time
efficient process and maximizes profit.

Why Industries Invest in CAD:

CAD is basic part of manufacturing so industry invest best on cad. CAD is First step for designing a new
product or for optimizing a product. CAD provide us a platform where we can not only design our
required product but also we can analyze it and test our design so in this way it helps in Research and
Development of industry which is foremost need of an industry. If your product is not updated than its
demand might end up in market. That’s the reason Industries Invest heavily in CAD.

My Opinion:

I think it’s a no doubt a best way to invest in CAD as it serves as a base of industry. Moreover We can
invest on CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machines) that checks accuracy of manufactured part based on
the data instructions given by CAD.

CAD Training

Cad training is best way to keep your industry updated. Industries should hold a training session of CAD
for its employees in order to keep them in touch with revolution in CAD world and teach them modern
ways so that production can be made more efficient in both terms cost and time.