Computer Aided Design is the use of software to create, modify, analyse and document precise two- and three-dimensional geometric models of physical products and structures. CAD systems support parametric and direct modelling, assemblies, drafting and engineering analysis, forming the digital foundation for manufacturing and robotics. They produce the geometry and tolerances that downstream simulation, fabrication and inspection processes consume.
Overview
- Computer aided design replaced manual drafting with interactive geometric modelling, giving engineers exact, editable representations of parts and assemblies. Parametric CAD captures design intent as constraints and dimensions so that changes propagate consistently. The resulting models feed simulation, computer aided manufacturing, additive fabrication and digital twin workflows, and increasingly seed robotics planning and inspection pipelines.
Key aspects
- Parametric and direct geometric modelling
- Assembly modelling with mating constraints
- Engineering drawings and dimensional tolerancing
- Integration with simulation and analysis tools
- Export of geometry for fabrication and inspection
Mechanisms
- Parametric and direct geometric modelling
- Assembly modelling with mating constraints
- Engineering drawings and dimensional tolerancing
Applications
- Mechanical and product engineering design
- Architecture, engineering and construction modelling
- Robotics part and end-effector design
- Additive and subtractive manufacturing preparation
- Digital twin and inspection model generation