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CAD Design – Advantages and Disadvantages in Graphic Design

Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of CAD design is essential for technical designers to apply it effectively in their work. Today, graphic and technical design requires a high level of precision and attention to detail to create products with complex and flawless features for industrial and daily-life applications. To achieve this, CAD design plays a crucial role.

What is CAD Design?

CAD (Computer-Aided Design) refers to the use of computers to support the design process. It allows engineers and designers to create sketches, build 3D models, assemble components, and generate technical drawings. Before computers became widespread, technical drawings were done by hand, which made it difficult for engineers—especially when dealing with complex details.

CAD is mainly used to represent 3D models and 2D drawings in product design and development. Currently, three major “giants” in the CAD industry are Dassault (CATIA), PTC (Pro/E), and Siemens (NX). Other successful and emerging providers include SolidWorks, TopSolid, Cimatron, Space-E (NTT DATA Engineering System – Japan), IronCAD, and SpaceClaim.

Applications of CAD in Practice

The development of CAD marked a major turning point not only in mechanical engineering but also in many other fields such as construction, architecture, art, commerce, and medicine, including:

• Aerospace Industry: Designing aircraft, rockets, robots, and components with high accuracy.
• Architecture & Construction: Creating 2D and 3D building models.
• Civil Engineering: Designing electrical systems for buildings, offices, and apartments.
• Interior Design: Designing houses and furniture layouts.
• 3D CAD: Creating digital models with powerful product design tools.
• Simulation and Analysis: Simulating designs under real-world conditions.
• Augmented Reality: Sharing designs in real-scale environments.
• Model-Based Definition (MBD): Embedding manufacturing information directly into models.
• Concept Design: Exploring creative product design options and reducing redundant work.
• Smart Connected Design: Applying IoT data to improve design decisions.

Main Modules of CAD Software

A standard CAD software package usually includes three main modules:

• Modeling: Sketching and creating 3D models.
• Assembly: Assembling individual parts into complete systems.
• Drafting: Generating technical drawings with full details such as sections, dimensions, tolerances, and surface roughness.

Advantages and Disadvantages of CAD Design

Advantages

• Gradually replaces hand-drawn paper drawings.
• Enables fast file sharing and communication.
• Easier analysis and error detection compared to manual drawings.
• High accuracy.
• 3D models reduce the need for multiple drawings.
• Flexible viewing angles, zooming, and navigation.
• Easy separation and combination of components.
• Convenient storage and reuse of drawings via digital devices.

Disadvantages

• High costs for training, implementation, and system maintenance.
• Time-consuming transition from manual drawing to CAD.

Popular CAD Software Today

• AutoCAD: The most widely used CAD software for 2D vector drawings and basic 3D modeling.
• SketchUp: Beginner-friendly and easy to use, but limited for advanced applications.
• CATIA: Provides advanced simulation and analysis directly on design models. NSV is a trusted provider of CATIA software and certification training.
• BricsCAD: Similar to AutoCAD with cloud integration and high customization, but file and library management can be complex.