Autocad: An Industrial Application

A Story by Parth Sharma

CAD stands for "Computer Aided Design." AutoCAD is a line of two-dimensional and three-dimensional design software produced by the Autodesk company. It includes a powerful suite of features to improve workflow and create true-to-life maps, diagrams, structures and schematics. CAD software is equal part design and analysis. The design is needed to produce models and prepare component production, and the analysis helps calculate stress levels, the influence of forces and the influences of finite elements in a design.

Industrial Application of AutoCAD

1) As an architectural planning tool - AutoCAD provides its users with an intuitive user-interface that comes with built-in design lay-outs. These lay-outs include numerous templates that were specifically designed for architectural planning and building construction. Newer versions of AutoCAD also provide architects and builders with the analytical tools needed to analyze a building's components and troubleshoot the stress and load levels of every support structure of a virtually designed building.

2) As an Engineering Drafting Tool - AutoCAD's innate features that enable its users plan out architectural spaces, map them out and take advantage of the available space makes it a formidable design tool that can be used simultaneously with 3D Max, Maya and other design/animation tools when the need arises. AutoCAD supports the use of DWG and DXF files which can be exported from its interface to those of other advanced CAD applications to aid animation projects.

3) In 3D Printing - With AutoCAD, 3D printing enthusiasts can create be-spoke 3D models on its workspace for use in the 3D printing process. AutoCAD also ensures that file compatibility is not an issue for you can design your models on its interface and export your designs in the preferred '.stl' format which most 3D printers and slicing software functions with.

4) In the Fashion Industry - It is important to understand that the design pattern of every diamond, shining stone or jewelry you have had the pleasure of either wearing or viewing did not come by chance but from careful design considerations and plans. AutoCAD is a design software that comes with required tools needed to draft and design virtually anything of your choice, and the design of certain fashion items is no exception.

5) As an Industrial Design Tool - The goal of every manufacturing and industrial organization is to make enough money to cover the cost accrued in producing any product and AutoCAD helps reduce that cost in many ways. With the use of its CAD interface, industrialists can design working prototypes of virtually any object as well as test its functionality during the design process. AutoCAD provides the tools to both design the initial prototype as well as tweak its ergonomics before the need to sink money into the actually production comes up.

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