// ROBOTICS AND SMART FACTORIES TERM
CAD
CAD stands for Computer-Aided Design, which is software used by engineers and designers to create, modify, analyze, and optimize two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) digital models of products. It replaces manual drafting.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is software technology used by engineers and designers to create, modify, analyze, and document geometric models of physical products and systems in 2D or 3D, facilitating design visualization, simulation, and data exchange in product development and manufacturing.
BACKGROUND
Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of computers to aid in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design. This software is used to increase the productivity of the designer, improve the quality of design, improve communications through documentation, and to create a database for manufacturing. Designs made through CAD software help protect products and inventions when used in patent applications. CAD output is often in the form of electronic files for print, machining, or other manufacturing operations. The terms computer-aided drafting (CAD) and computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) are also used.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Computer design
- digital drafting
- 3D modeling
- engineering design software
USAGE NOTE
CAD software is indispensable for designing complex parts and assemblies before manufacturing begins.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to CAD.
A global leader in design and make software. Key products include AutoCAD, a foundational 2D and 3D CAD software, and Fusion 360, a cloud-based platform integrating CAD, CAM, CAE, and PCB design for modern manufacturing workflows.
Developer of SOLIDWORKS, one of the most widely used 3D CAD solutions, and CATIA, a high-end CAD/CAM/CAE suite for complex product design, particularly in the automotive and aerospace industries. Their 3DEXPERIENCE platform aims to create virtual twins of products and production systems.
Provides industrial software solutions, including NX, a powerful integrated CAD/CAM/CAE software for advanced product development, and Solid Edge, a portfolio of tools for 3D design, simulation, and manufacturing. These tools are deeply integrated into Siemens' broader industrial automation and digitalization ecosystem.
Developer of Creo, a suite of CAD applications for product design. PTC focuses on the convergence of the digital and physical worlds, integrating its CAD software with IoT (ThingWorx) and Augmented Reality (Vuforia) platforms to support smart, connected products and factories.
Provides a fully cloud-native, software-as-a-service (SaaS) product development platform that combines CAD, data management, and collaboration tools. Its architecture allows engineering teams to work together in real-time from any device, enhancing agility in the design process.
Offers a range of software solutions that connect design and engineering with production and metrology. While known for CAM (Mastercam, ESPRIT) and metrology, they also develop CAD and simulation software, focusing on creating a seamless digital thread from the initial design to the final quality inspection.
A leader in engineering simulation software (CAE), Ansys develops direct modeling CAD tools like Ansys Discovery and SpaceClaim. These tools are designed to prepare and create geometry specifically for simulation, enabling a simulation-driven design process that optimizes products early in the development cycle.