CAD

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CAD: (1) Computer Software

The acronym CAD stands for computer-aided design today. Earlier, an alternative reading "computer-assisted drafting" was in use. A related acronym, CADD, stands for "computer-assisted drafting and design". It refers to the designing and technical drawing of various engineering or architectural projects on a computer rather than a traditional drawing board.

CAD implementations have evolved dramatically over the last few decades. When the field was initially established it was typically limited to producing drawings similar to hand drafted drawings. Advances in computer technology have allowed more skillful application of computers in design activities (see, for example 3D computer graphics).

Today CAD is not limited to drafting and rendering, and it ventures into more "intellectual" areas of designer's expertise. The useful features of CAD include

  • the ability to reuse design components (so-called "IP")
  • the ability to make changes in the design easily
  • the ability to automatically genrate standard components of the design
  • the ability to validate designs against design rules
  • the ability to simulate designs without building a physical prototype
  • the ability to construct assemblies, which are collections of parts and/or other assemblies
  • the ability to output engineering documentation, such as manufacturing drawings, and Bill of Materials

Development in CAD resulted in the following tools and methods:

  • wireframes
  • graphically represented system or plant diagrams and databases
  • parametric design models
  • realtime process simulation
  • computer numerically controlled (CNC) load files (toolpath instructions)
  • FEA (Finite Element Analysis)

See also

CAD: (2) Currency

CAD is the ISO 4217-code for the Canadian Dollar

CAD: (3) Medical

CAD an acronym used for Computer Assisted Dispatch.

References

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