CAD or Computer Aided Design involves the use of the computer to create 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional models by using advanced CAD softwares such as AutoCAD,Solidworks etc. These CAD softwares helps the design engineers and draftsman for optimizing the design process.

Here are the list of CAD softwares used in mechanical engineering

• AutoCAD

• Solidworks

• PTC Creo

• CATIA

• Siemens NX or unigraphics

• Autodesk Inventor

Now lets discuss the importance of learning these CAD softwares and applications of it. We would also discuss industrial applications of these softwares.

1. AutoCAD

AutoCAD is mostly used by draftsmen to create 2-dimensional drawing of a model. This software eliminates the complicated hand-drawing method.

AutoCAD is known to increase productivity in many industries.

The drawings drawn in AutoCAD can be accessed anywhere anytime by using AutoCAD mobile app or AutoCAD web app.

Most small scale industries use AutoCAD for their process planning and architectural designs.

Important Features of AutoCAD

• The drawings drawn in AutoCAD can be accessed anywhere anytime by usine AutoCAD mobile application or AutoCAD web application.

• The drawing sheets can be easily converted into PDFs and DOCs type.

• Sharing of AutoCAD drawing with team mates and colleague is is easy.

• The AutoCAD drawings can be stored on cloud storage which requires no space and is also efficient.

• AutoCAD has greater precision as it uses various system of units.

Industrial applications of AutoCAD

AutoCAD increases productivity and makes the design process more easy and accurate.

AutoCAD has following applications

• It is used to draw architectural designs in civil engineering.

• It creates a flow chart for interior design and facility planning.

• AutoCAD is used to draw technical illustrations and assembly diagrams.

• AutoCAD is used in many small scale industries to create work flow charts and interior designs.

• AutoCAD is easy to learn and also it has a large number of drafting and annotation tools.

2. SOLIDWORKS

Solidworks is the most used 3-d CAD software in mechanical engineering.Solid modellling,part modelling and assembly modelling can be easily done by using solidworks.

Many manufacturing industries use solidworks to design and manufacture their solid component.Solidworks is user friendly as its interface are simple and easy to understand.

Features of Solidworks

• Part modelling.

• Assembly modelling

• Sheetmetal and weldments design.

• 2-D drafting and annotation.

• Simple and basic simulations.

• Surface modelling.

Industrial applications of solidworks

The following are the industrial applications of solidworks

• Solidworks is used in machining industries to machine and manufacture mechanical parts.

• It is also used in the aviation industries.

• Automotive industries.

• Heavy equipment and sheetmetal manufacturing industries.

• Solidworks is used to create mold and tools design in foundry.

3. PTC CREO

The term PTC stands for Parametric Technology Corporation.

Creo supports generative design,real time simulation,additive manufacturing and Product Life cycle Management.

PRO-E OR CREO?

The term PRO-E stands for pro-engineer. There is no such differnce between pro-E or creo. Creo is the advanced version of pro-E which has advanced features and complexibility when compared to creo.

PRO-E is more complex and can be read only by engineers,whereas creo can be easliy laeaned by beginners.

FEATURES OF CREO

• Similar to solidworks creo also has advanced features to enhance productivity for its users.The following are the important features of Creo

• Part modelling

• Creo has advanced sheet metal modelling tools when compard to other CAD softwares.

• Asembly modelling

• Piping and creo windchill

• Product life cycle management

• Creo has manikin features to apply human posture in our design.

Industrial applications of creo

• creo is used in architectural and planning industries.

• it is used in machinery industry to machine and manufacture the products.

• creo is used in aerospace and aviation industries to design aircrafts models.

• Creo can be used to create 3d prototypes for better visual understanding concepts.

• Live simulation analysis in creo helps to create better aerodynamic parts in the aviation industries.

• creo is also used to create interior design and 2d layouts in architectural industries.

4. CATIA

CATIA also known as Computer Aided Three dimensional Interactive Application is CAD software which is mainly used for surface modelling.

Many aviation and automotive industries uses CATIA to create smooth surfaces of aircrafts.

CATIA is developed by dassault systems.

IMPORTANT FEATURES OF CATIA

• CATIA is used to create geometrical surface modelling for complex parts.

• It also uses integrated multidisciplinary approach.

• The mechanism used in CATIA are used to evaluate and simulate the assembled machine parts.

• Used to create complex surface models by using high detailed shape manipulation tools.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS OF CATIA

CATIA is mostly used in

• Automotive industries

• Aviation and aerospace industries.

• Machinery industries to manufacture and machine complex products.

• ship building industries.

Many companies such as Porsche,Audi, Volkswagen, Bentley Motors Limited, Volvo, Renault, Toyota, Ford, Hyundai, Tesla Motors,Tata motors and Mahindra & Mahindra Limited uses CATIA for their industrial growth.

5. Siemens NX or unigraphics

Siemens NX also known as Unigraphics is a high end CAD CAM CAE software used to design complex solid components.Unigraphics is used to design electromechanical and mechatronics designs.

Unigraphics is more similar to solidworks.

Unigraphics has simple user interface thereby making it easier to learn.

Unigraphics has Product Life cycle management feature to manage all of the information and processes at every step of a product or service lifecycle.

Unigraphics also has excellent rendering systems to create a realistic models for better visual understanding.

6. AUTODESK INVENTOR

Autodesk inventor is used to create product design, tooling creation, mechanical design, and also create product simulation using suitable tools available.

inventor is used to design simple parts to complex machinery assemblies and simulate the working of it using the features available.

With an add on called HSM you can also do CAM on inventor to design cutting of parts using CNC machines. Also it used to create productive solutions for easily creating highly efficient multi-axis toolpaths with advanced collision control for complex 3d components.