Uses of 3D CAD design software
Home KitchenCAD (Computer Aided Design) software has been around for quite a few years in one form or another and as the power of computers has increased, so have the capabilities it gives engineers and designers.
Today’s computer-aided design software packages allow for 2D vector-based drawing, 3D solid and surface modeling, and much more. Modern CAD software also allows objects to be rotated in three dimensions so that they can be viewed from any angle, even inside out. It can also be used to specify materials, processes, and tolerances.
CAD software is widely used in many industries, including automobile manufacturing, shipbuilding, construction, manufacturing of all kinds, and even animation for special effects in movies.
Whether the project or object is large or small, the power of 3D CAD software gives engineers the ability to design in great detail, test different models, and create final specifications before even moving to the potentially costly prototyping stage and beyond. there.
The automotive industry makes widespread use of computer-aided design software to create new models, taking into account aerodynamics and safety, as well as attractive design, while the shipbuilding industry uses 3D CAD software, not not only to design new ships, but also to test the strengths and weaknesses of the ships. those designs.
The construction industry makes perhaps the most extensive use of software, designing everything from gigantic skyscrapers, to huge warehouses and offices, to residential housing.
It is in this latter area that the general public will likely have come into direct contact with 3D CAD software when choosing new kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms.
Often called interior design software, when it comes to choosing a new design and look for a new room in a house, it is 3D CAD software that is used to place various fixtures and fittings until a final design is decided upon.
Anyone visiting a kitchen showroom, for example, is likely to be guided through the design and layout using purpose-built kitchen design software. The same applies to bathroom design software and bedroom design software.
The reason it is used is that it reduces costs, saves time and effort that was previously required by a proper designer, as well as time spent by the client choosing different designs and having to draw them to see how they would look. .
The use of CAD software in movies has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, culminating in today’s plethora of 3D movies like Despicable Me and Megamind. It is also used in 2D movies to create characters within live action movies, not just animated ones. If you’ve seen The Lord of the Rings, for example, Golem was created using a sophisticated form of CAD software.
The general public can also use this software in a rather less sophisticated way as there are now several free packages available online for download that can be used to create stunning 2D and 3D models.
Paid software is also available and of course offers a bit more power and versatility, although it is nothing like the commercial packages used by large companies and industry.