CAD (Computer Aided Design) is a type of lean manufacturing tools which uses computer software to ease the generation, modification & optimisation of a part or a collection of parts. Use of software to facilitate part design allows for simpler & more accurate design iterations, higher precision and comprehensive documentation for part or project management. Some of the benefits of CAD over 3-D model making or traditional drafting are following:
With CAD software, simple & accurate automation or process modelling known as MDA (Mechanical Design Automation) is possible. Traditionally it was no possible without first creating a physical prototype of each part in the system and then assembling it to check functionality. To be able to digitally model & automate a prototype before generating a physical model adds tremendous efficiency to manufacturing processes & cost reduction benefits.
- CAD has the ability to conduct Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM). For example, integrating CAD technology with Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines or Additive Manufacturing processes (3D printers) e.g. Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) machines.
- CAD takes interactive characteristics and material properties into account between different materials.
- With CAD analysis of highly accurate dimension as well as allows the mathematical scalability using vector graphing technology.
- CAD provides highly precise part tolerance (lower margin of errors between parts).
- CAD for Static Mechanical Design or Mechanical Design Automation (MDA): One of the enormous benefits of CAD software is the ability to automate 3D imagery and integrate different pieces of the same product in tandem with one another.
CAD for Computer Aided Manufacturing (CNC & Additive Manufacturing): We use fully integrated hardware-software package that ties our heavy machinery and computer aided design software. The benefit of having a fully integrated system is that design iterations can be made near-instantaneously without the headache of downloading and re-uploading everything each time you want to print an updated part. This is a small thing that makes a big difference when it comes to rapid prototyping productivity.
CAD for Manufacturing
There aren’t many technologies that compete with injection moulding when it comes to mass-manufacturing. One of the most important things to analyse when designing for injection mould production is the particulars of the mould flow.
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