Processes like 3D printing, injection molding and computer numerical control (CNC) machines allow manufacturers to create parts and assemble models. However, factors like size and shape have to be considered during the manufacturing process. One should also consider how these components hold with factors like temperature and tension.
That’s why computer-aided design, or CAD modeling, has helped in designing, building and manufacturing parts. Here’s what you need to know about CAD modeling and how it has helped provide efficient and cost-effective manufacturing solutions.
What Is CAD Modeling?
Computer-aided design is the process of developing the design of a part, object, or product through computer software before it’s ever made into a product.
When artists, manufacturers, design engineers, or any other professional needs a certain part that can’t be sourced through traditional means, it has to be made through processes like 3D printing, molding, CNC and more. However, trying to fabricate certain parts can exhaust plenty of resources trying to create the perfect model before having the final product made.
Instead of trying to exhaust physical resources, CAD allows designers and engineers to create a prototype on CAD software. These are developed, tested and refined virtually until the models meet the size and other specifications needed. The design is then processed and created into a physical object.
By using CAD, engineers and manufacturers can make their processes more efficient while reducing the costs and resources used to make the correct prototype.
What Is CAD Software?
CAD software is the program engineers use to develop the CAD for a specific model before it’s made physically. On CAD software, designers can create a parametric model where the sketch is made into a 3D CAD design. Some of the functions of 3D CAD modeling in software include:
- Generating CAD designs and layouts that meet the specifications, details, calculations, and other factors before creating the right 3D model prototype.
- Transferring specifications and other information about a product in a compatible file format that can be interpreted by professionals that can manufacture the part. These are then read by machines like 3D printers to create the physical model.
- Editing and developing the CAD compared to using physical resources and multiple prototypes.
- Speeding up the manufacturing process by simulating the model’s specifications. This can reduce the time and resources needed to fix the design.
- Compatible with computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) tools like CNC machines, which can speed up product development and manufacturing.
3D CAD Modeling Methods
Through 3D CAD programs, users can take 2D pictures of the top, bottom, left, right, front and back of the object and easily convert them into a 3D object on the software. Since then, CAD modeling has developed into various styles and applications. While 2D and 2.5D CAD are still in use, many CAD modeling methods are generally classified under 3D CAD modeling.
While 2D and 3D CAD models address the same purpose, 3D models present users with better details and specifications about a single part and how it relates to all the other parts when assembled into a 3D object. On software, 3D CAD is more realistic, provides a better view of the assembled product and takes into consideration how two objects can fit and interact with each other. This isn’t always possible with 2D CAD.
Users can classify 3D CAD modeling into three categories:
3D Wireframe Models
3D wireframe models are skeletal representations of their object. This consists of arcs, lines, circles and curves and helps users determine an object’s edges and depth. Some of the benefits used in wireframe models include the following:
- Basic design creation makes it easier for users to assess an object and make the necessary changes.
- 3D view from any angle and perspective. The skeletal representation makes it easier for designers to see the entire object’s shape from any angle.
- Ensure the precision in the object’s composition by noting factors like distance, perspective, potential differences, corners and more.
- Automate the orthographic and auxiliary views.
- Easily add surface textures when more graphical detail is needed.
Surface Models
Surface models build out visual representations of an object’s exterior. It’s more complex than wireframe models (which only show the skeletal representation) but less comprehensive than solid modeling, which has the most detail.
In other words, you only see the surface shape of the object. Your object can be geometrically and physically incorrect with no defined mass or thickness – which solid modeling provides. Some of the benefits of using surface models include:
- Make changes to an imported model that can open without any of its features.
- Design complex shapes as you start from basic shapes and can edit your model to have the right features.
Solid Models
Out of all the 3D CAD models, solid models are the closest to a real-life prototype before being developed. Aside from the geometrically and physically accurate figures, these models also take factors like weight, volume, thickness and density into account. Some advantages of using solid modeling include:
- Use geometrically correct objects that give a complete view of the object.
- Avoid component collision during assembly, as solid models ensure that all surfaces meet properly.
- Ensure the aesthetics of a model by providing 3D lifelike views, which can be an essential tool for designers and artists.
- Accurate features like thickness and strength are taken into account, which makes them more accurate to the real-life physical model compared to wireframe and surface models.
- Allow users to fine-tune their models before manufacturing a physical model, which reduces the time, costs and other resources that go into fabrication.
What Is Solid Modeling?
As mentioned earlier, solid models are the most complex type of 3D CAD model. Compared to wireframe and surface models, solid models offer the closest version to a real-life model. Solid modeling is the closest step towards manufacturable models.
Once these solid models have been fine-tuned, they can then undergo manufacturing. Depending on the manufacturer, this can be done through 3D printing, injection molding, CNC machines and more. These then undergo further development until they’re fabricated into the part or tool used for assembling the final product.
What Is the Best and Most Common 3D CAD Software?
There are several programs used for 3D CAD depending on the industry, file type and the type of object being developed. It’s highly recommended that users develop CAD models with the Standard for the Exchange of Product Data (STEP) file format as it’s the most popular format that’s offered in many popular software tools.
Users should also consider the pros and cons of using native file formats (files that can only be used by one specific software) and neutral file formats (which can be shared and exported in different CAD software).
Some of the most popular and most common CAD software in various industries and levels include:
- Fusion 360. Autodesk’s software is used by most design professionals. Its free version is enough for hobbyists, but the full version provides essential features necessary for design and development.
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- Solidworks. It uses the principle of parametric design and generates three kinds of interconnected files: the part, the assembly, and the drawing. Therefore, any modification to one of these three files will be reflected in the other two.
- Catia V5. Used heavily in the aerospace industry, it provides a scalable platform for collaborative product creation and product data management. It offers highly intuitive tools to create, modify, and validate any freeform and mechanical surfaces.
- Creo Parametric (formerly Pro-E). A feature-based, parametric manufacturing solid modeling system with many extended design and manufacturing applications.
- SketchUp. CAD software that’s primarily used by architects, landscapers and interior designers. Its simple features include a repository of thousands of 3D models that help designers create accurate designs.
- Vectary. The browser-based CAD software that’s mainly used for design. Although not as advanced as other programs primarily used for engineering and product design, it’s a popular tool for those who want to combine different forms of modeling into one parametric modeler.
- Onshape. The web-based CAD software’s main selling point is its collaborative features. Users can work together to design from the cloud. However, its free version isn’t available for commercial use.
- FreeCAD. An open-source parametric modeler that’s used for all primary CAD functions. Often used in product design, mechanical engineering and architecture, it’s often used for beginners who want to progress from the basics of CAD modeling.
- Solid Edge Community Edition. A free version of Solid Edge, it’s a Windows program that’s oriented towards more advanced users. Unlike other CAD software, Solid Edge doesn’t restrict exports and allows users to use different files.
Create Precise CAD Modeling with ATT Metrology Solutions
At ATT Metrology Solutions, we’ve developed effective and efficient metrology services for using three-dimensional measurement equipment. Additionally, our personnel use the latest in CAD software and 3D technology to ensure that we engineer, fabricate, align and assemble the right tools and parts necessary for your operations.
We have provided CAD modeling and reverse engineering solutions to manufacturers, industrial designers and more. Get in touch with us today to discuss our services and learn more about our professional metrology solutions.
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