Free CAD systems (CAD). analogues of autocad, compass. What are CAD and CAM? Popular CAD

In almost all areas of human activity today there is fierce competition. Advantages go to those market participants who are able to design a product faster and more accurately, accurately predict its quality and determine the optimal production technology. A computer-aided design (CAD) system is designed to achieve successful implementation of ideas of any complexity. This concept means software that allows you to create a model of an object with maximum accuracy and provide the manufacturer with a complete package of design documentation in accordance with international standards.

They practically solve this problem using a set of effective technologies for analysis, development, and preparation of the production process using CAD/CAM/CAE systems. This is the only way to achieve the required quality and reduce production costs. The main part of the work on creating a project is done by computer programs, the speed and accuracy of which many times exceed the capabilities of traditional technologies, such as creating drawings, calculating expected loads, predicting the behavior of materials.

Capabilities and Applications

Humanity has always strived to automate production. But until the mid-20th century, these were attempts to improve mechanisms and technologies. The first experiments in using automation systems began after the Second World War. The use of electronic devices for the needs of the military-industrial complex in the United States in the late 40s and early 50s cannot be called a breakthrough. The power of computers was not enough at that time. Serious successes came only in the 70s, when electronic devices capable of working with a large amount of information appeared. This period is usually called the first stage in the development of computer-aided design systems. The effectiveness of using computers in solving production problems has been proven.

The second stage of the electronic revolution began in the 80s. By this time, the size of computing devices had noticeably decreased, and the speed of operation had increased significantly. A serious reason for the explosive growth was the release of personal computers, with the help of which the number of users increased.

Among the many development paths and several large manufacturers, a leader began to emerge - IBM. The architecture of devices with an Intel x86 microprocessor has proven to be the most successful for use in design automation. At the same time, CAD and CAM systems began to emerge in mechanical engineering and high-tech industries.

Spatial modeling methods made it possible to calculate complex processes and create the basis of programming technology for CNC machines. By the mid-80s, there was a decline in the popularity of Apple and Motorola products. However, graphic stations running Unix OS held the leading position. But already in the early 90s, programs on the Windows platform overtook their competitors. The proposed systems for machines and equipment were more convenient, more productive and, most importantly, cheaper. Spatial design methods are in demand in the energy sector, the production of household appliances, the automotive industry, and astronautics.

Technology has become more actively used in mechanical engineering. Programs for lathes and machining centers have improved product quality and reduced production time. There was a need to form separate areas in digital graphics. The terms CAD, CAM, CAE, their purpose and features have finally taken shape.

The concept of CAD adopted in domestic engineering practice is of a general nature. It includes all software design capabilities. However, it is more convenient to use English versions that describe the types and technologies of work performed in more detail. The most popular terms mean:

CAD systems - means computer-aided design. Programs with a package of modules for creating three-dimensional objects with details of their features and the ability to obtain a complete set of design documentation.
CAM systems - translated as computer-aided manufacturing. Application programs for project implementation. With their help, the algorithm for operating CNC machines is prescribed. A three-dimensional model made according to CAD standards is used as a basis.
CAE systems are a class of products for computer support of calculations and engineering analysis (computer-aided engineering). The emergence of the ability to create a solid model required a detailed description of it, prediction of operational loads, including the effects of temperature and environmental resistance.

The automated design system in the process of evolution was divided into separate areas, within which highly specialized tasks were solved. The arsenal of tools to achieve the goal also expanded. At each stage of production, you can choose the system that is most suitable for a particular case. The technology of creating a 3D model in CAD has significantly accelerated the launch of new products that are designed with specified characteristics. The solid-state prototype is verified and tested virtually with sufficient accuracy, minimizing the costs of real testing.

Electronic design methods are penetrating certain areas of activity, given the nature of production. Subject to general rules and norms, new directions of development are created. So in 2012, the Rosatom state corporation switched to the Unified Industry Document Management System (UIDS). The program made it possible to systematize project documentation. Access to the electronic archive has become easier. As a result, labor productivity, information security, and the reliability of its protection have increased.

Examples of computer-aided design programs

The profession of a modern developer requires serious training. They teach CAD in specialized universities. However, basic education is not a guarantee of success. The sector is actively developing. New products regularly appear on the market, requiring study and operating skills. It is becoming the norm for engineers to take advanced training courses. Software developers meet the needs of the users of their products. Paid programs include an important option - the ability to receive support and learn how to work.

It takes time to learn all the graphics capabilities of the software. Many developers offer a bonus for students. Thus, the market leader Autodesk gives a license for students for three years when using 3ds Max. The functionality of the design program is almost the same as the expensive professional version. The cost of the basic Autodesk 3ds Max package for the current period is more than 60,000 rubles for one user. The amount is large even for an active engineer. Typically, such products are purchased by the enterprise.

Not only large enterprises have a need for 3D modeling. Today, three-dimensional design is in demand among individual entrepreneurs and just amateurs. To implement their ideas, they do not need to purchase products with a set of functions required in high-tech industries. You can find design programs for more reasonable prices, or use free versions with limited capabilities.

Designers working in CAD systems are well aware of the AutoCAD package. For many years now, he has enjoyed well-deserved respect for his ability to implement ideas with fairly simple, intuitive tools. The ability to work in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional space is supported. Projects are saved in standard CAD form. The cost of the product allows it to be purchased by medium and small companies. As a trial, the manufacturer gives you the opportunity to use the program for free for 30 days. During this time, a specialist with basic education will learn to use the basic functions and decide whether it is worth buying or not.

Professional products also include Pro/ENGINEER from the American developer Parametric Technology Corp. The original program engine is characterized by high performance and quality. It is possible to display the project in a photorealistic image in good resolution. The French brand CATIA is known to innovation specialists. The product is fully integrated with CAD/CAM/CAE systems and can be used in various areas of industrial activity, from mechanical engineering to construction.

The domestic development of the Ascon company, the 3D design program Compass, is being actively promoted on the market. The classic version of options for creating CAD projects. The interface, description, help are in Russian, which is the reason for its growing popularity. The function of creating text and graphic documents according to the ESKD standard is supported. The program is easy to learn and use.

It is impossible not to mention SolidWorks software. The program is adapted for wide use on medium-power computers. Not the richest functionality, but the available capabilities are quite enough to implement fairly complex projects. Large enterprises also use the program. The manufacturer offers a line of products for various purposes to solve all problems in CAD, CAM, CAE systems. The core of the graphic design is Parasolid's own development, which has both pros and cons.

In the age of modern technology, the design of buildings and structures, like many other things, has been shouldered by automated systems. It became possible to quickly create a full-fledged project, show it to the customer, and quickly change or add something to it. Tools such as CAD programs will be discussed in this article.

What is CAD?

Computer-aided design system is nothing more than the domestic name CAD (computer-aided design). Its essence is to increase the productivity of designers and engineers, as well as improve the quality of their work. This is achieved due to several useful properties of CAD programs:

the process of creating all documentation occurs automatically;
the ability to use parallel design by several people;
previously created projects can be easily used in new ones, connecting them in a short time;
there is no need to use mock-ups and tests;
reduces the percentage of errors and shortcomings.

Thus, we took design to a completely new level, reducing labor costs and increasing productivity.

Overview of CAD programs

There are many different software solutions on the market for a wide variety of design industries. It is worth considering them in more detail.

AutoCAD

This review would not be complete without including this mastodon of CAD. AutoCAD has been on the market for over 20 years and has long taken the position of the best CAD program. Everything a designer needs is implemented in this software.

However, technology and requirements do not stand still, and very soon the capabilities of AutoCAD became insufficient. It is suitable for medium and small projects. But if you need to create a full-fledged huge project, it will no longer be convenient to work with it.

Therefore, the developer company Autodesk went further and created Architectural Desktop. Its users are professional architects and experts in the field. With all its capabilities, this CAD program has managed to maintain the ease of use of AutoCAD.

Since design covers a large number of industries that require drawings and plans, Autodesk has created several highly specialized solutions. All of the developer's products are paid and significantly expensive.

ArchiCAD

This is one of the CAD programs that is gaining popularity among designers. Has great potential. In particular, it provides a virtual model with which you can work out to the smallest detail not only the internal structure, but also the external appearance.

The program can also generate the entire necessary set of documents for registration.

Large architectural studios and bureaus will love the project collaboration feature. Parallelizing tasks significantly speeds up the creative process.

ATHENA

CAD program for creating drawings and designs. Specializes mainly in solutions for façade and metal structures. But the latest versions can also design full-fledged buildings and complexes.

The work takes place both in 2D mode and in three-dimensional space.

CAD programs for Linux

As you know, the most common programs in the Linux environment are those with free licenses or even open source. In most cases, they are far behind the paid Windows products in terms of capabilities. However, let's look at several decent CAD solutions that can solve the problems of designers.

Qcad

Distributed under the free GNU GPL license. However, there is also a version for professionals, the price of which is about $33.

The scope of application of the software product is 2D drawings and sketches. In general, the system is suitable for creating small and not complex projects.

Open CASCADE

This product is already focused on creating full-fledged 3D projects. In addition, there are tools for rapid exchange of documentation, visualization and collaborative development.

CASCADE is distributed freely and is open source. However, according to the terms of the license, if the user makes changes to the code, he must notify the developers.

ARCAD

And this is already a paid solution for the Linux environment. A complete system designed for professionals. Has great potential. In particular, creating a 3D model, visualizations, calculations of required volumes and masses, and much more.

CAD and Android

With such a trend in the development of mobile devices, it is not surprising that smartphones and tablets will soon completely replace their “big brothers”. And now such complex and heavy tools as CAD tools are available on mobile platforms. Next will be a short review of CAD programs for Android.

AutoCAD 360

This product was already mentioned at the beginning of the article. The program developer is the same - Autodesk. The application is free, but there are also commercial versions Pro and Pro Plus. This representative can work with files of the full PC version, that is, create and edit them. The interface is simple and clear. However, there is one small limitation - you can work with files smaller than 10 MB.

CadTouch

A good CAD editor and viewer. Free, simple and intuitive. It has an extensive list of tools, works with DWG files, and also has a raster mode.

Unfortunately, development in the 3D environment has not yet been finalized, but the application has room to grow. Like most programs, it has a Pro version, for which you need to pay about $20.

TurboViewer

This application is not an editor, but a simple viewer for DWG/DXF files. It works pretty fast. It will be a good solution for designers when they need to quickly show the working elements of the project to the customer away from the computer.

Conclusion

Design automation programs are available on all known platforms. Some are paid solutions, others are open source. But they all have one thing in common - the ability to create a full-fledged project of an object in a short time.

CAD systems are systems that are used to carry out a variety of design procedures using computer technology. Also, with the help of such software, technological information is created for individual buildings, products or structures. Modern CAD systems are used in a wide variety of areas of activity of a modern person, and almost each has its own unique type of such utilities.

What it is?

The abbreviation CAD is often considered to be the standard English equivalent of the term CAD, but in fact this is not entirely true. CAD systems cannot be considered as a full-fledged analogue of CAD as an organizational and technical system, since GOST gives this phrase as a standardized English equivalent of the term “computer-aided design”. Thus, the term CAD is translated into English more like CAE system, but a number of foreign sources indicate that the term CAE is a generalized concept that includes the use of any computer technology in engineering work, including CAM and CAD.

Why is this necessary?

CAD systems are used primarily to maximize the efficiency and productivity of engineers through full automation of design and further preparation of production. Thus, through their use the following advantages are achieved:

the design time is significantly reduced;
the amount of labor required for planning and design is reduced;
the total cost of manufacturing and design is significantly reduced, which directly affects operating costs;
increasing the technical and economic level, as well as the quality of the results of the design work carried out;
reducing the costs required for testing and full-scale modeling.

As input, modern CAD systems use various technical knowledge of experts who are engaged in refining the results, entering various design requirements, checking the resulting design, changing it, and many other things.

The implementation of a computer-aided design system is carried out as a set of applied utilities, with the help of which design is provided, as well as further drawing and three-dimensional modeling of structures or volumetric and flat parts.

In the vast majority of cases, CAD systems include modules for modeling three-dimensional structures, as well as for preparing drawings and various design text documentation.

They are classified mainly according to several parameters:

variety and type of the object in question;
level of automation of the design procedure;
complexity of the created object;
complexity of the automation process;
number of documents used;
the nature of the documents used;
the total number of levels that will be present in the hardware structure.

Special purpose

Depending on what tasks are implemented in CAD systems, they are divided into several groups:

Automation of three-dimensional or two-dimensional geometric design, as well as the creation of various technological or design documentation.
Design and further creation of drawings.
Conducting geometric modeling.
Automation of various engineering calculations, dynamic modeling, as well as analysis and simulation of physical processes with subsequent testing and optimization of products.
A subclass of StrAU tools used for computer analysis.
Tools designed for technological preparation of the production process of various products, which allows for automation of the programming procedure and further control of equipment with GAPS or CNC.
Tools designed to automate planning processes for various technological processes, used at the interface of CAM and CAD systems.

Most computer-aided design systems can combine the solution of various tasks that relate to different aspects of design - this is a comprehensive or integrated computer-aided design (CAD) system.

Generally accepted international classification

Modern classification divides them into several categories:

drawing-based systems, which first appeared in the seventies of the last century, but can still be used in some situations;
systems that create three-dimensional electronic models of objects, due to which it becomes possible to solve various problems related to modeling up to the production procedure;
systems that support the concept of a complete electronic description of an object.

The latter type is a technology that ensures the development and subsequent support of an electronic information model throughout its entire life cycle, including conceptual and detailed design, full-fledged marketing, production, technological preparation, operation, as well as disposal and repair.

In modern technical and educational literature, as well as various state standards, the abbreviation CAD is interpreted as “Computer-Aided Design System”, but at the same time, the concept of “Design Work Automation System” most closely corresponds here, but it is more difficult to understand, therefore it is found much less often . It often happens that when designing in CAD systems, you may notice an incorrect interpretation of “Computer-aided design system,” although in fact this is inherently erroneous. Do not forget that the concept of “automatic” provides for completely independent operation of the system without the need for any human participation, while CAD still requires the execution of some tasks by the person himself, and full automation refers only to individual procedures and operations .

The concept “Computer-aided design software” is also not entirely correct, since it can be called too narrowly focused. Of course, at the moment, CAD is considered exclusively as application software necessary for carrying out design activities, but in fact, in the domestic literature and various state standards, CAD is considered as a more comprehensive concept, which includes not only software tools.

CAD in dentistry

The vast majority of modern dental clinics use CAD. CAD systems in dentistry are used to produce high-quality dentures; for more than ten years they have been used to produce abutments for implants, crowns and all kinds of prostheses, and all these products are of excellent quality and high accuracy. The essence of this technology is that initially a three-dimensional modeling of the structure being created is carried out on a computer, and only then, using the design model, manufacturing is carried out on a milling unit.

Thus, dentists gain a lot of benefits by using CAD technology in their work. CAD systems in dentistry are most often used as follows:

first, the doctor takes an impression, which is then sent to the laboratory;
after delivery, the impression is placed in a specialized scanner, which creates a model of the future product;
The CAD system comes into play: the 3D model is turned into a specialized file that will serve as a source of data for the milling unit;
using the resulting file, a frame is produced on a milling block from a special blank made of zirconium oxide;
Ultimately, the resulting frame is carefully covered with ceramic mass and baked.

CAD/CAM systems in dentistry make it possible to produce crowns from zirconium dioxide, which differ from metal-containing products in many advantages. These products themselves have virtually no differences in color from natural teeth, since the choice of shade is carried out during the production of the frame. Next, the frame is carefully covered with a special ceramic mass, which has a translucent and translucent structure, and also includes a fairly wide range of colors in its palette, making it possible to produce crowns that look like natural teeth.

It itself is highly biocompatible, even when compared with precious metals, and is a hypoallergenic material, which has been confirmed in a number of scientific clinical studies. However, in fact, crowns based on a zirconium oxide framework are far from the only type of product for the manufacture of which CAD/CAM systems are used. A CNC machine based on such technologies allows you to produce:

various bridges;
custom abutments.

In addition to the already mentioned zirconium dioxide, a wide variety of materials can be used in the manufacturing process, including plastic, wax, cobalt and titanium, chromium.

What are the advantages?

These technologies provide benefits such as:

the highest possible manufacturing accuracy with minor deviations;
complete automation of production processes, which almost completely eliminates the possibility of errors;
the ability to use a range of materials;
the ability to carry out modeling procedures and production of products in different places;
maximum productivity of any ongoing processes.

CAD in mechanical engineering

The CAD system (T-FLEX CAD and others) has found quite widespread use in the field of mechanical engineering, which is divided into three levels - lower, middle and upper. This division appeared at the turn of the eighties and nineties of the last century.

The lower level includes CAD/CAM/CAE systems with low cost, which are mainly focused on 2D graphics, that is, they are aimed mainly at providing automation of drawing work. Personal computers were used as lightweight CAD systems, which even at that time were significantly inferior in functionality to full-fledged workstations.

Top-level systems, or, as they are commonly called, heavy CAD systems, were developed to be used on all kinds of mainframes or workstations. Such systems turned out to be much more universal, but at the same time had a rather high cost, focusing mainly on surface and solid modeling. The preparation of various drawing documentation in them is often carried out through the preliminary development of special geometric three-dimensional models. After this, systems in which the 3D modeling function was limited exclusively to solid-state models, that is, occupying an intermediate position between heavy and light, received their own, average level.

Today, the development of CAD has already led to the fact that special surface modeling tools have begun to appear in most mid-level systems, and functions available for use in personal computers have also become acceptable for modern high-level systems. Due to this, even the principles by which the distinction between medium and heavy systems were previously made have changed. Modern heavy-level CAD systems are now commonly called CAE/CAD/CAM/PDM, that is, those that simultaneously include such capabilities as:

technological and design design;
engineering analysis;
project information management;
expanded composition of special software modules.

In contrast, modern mid-level systems are usually called mainstream, mid-range, or simply serial.

Systems of the same level can be called approximately equivalent in functionality, since some new achievements appearing in a certain software and methodological complex will in the near future be implemented in new versions of others. In CAD systems of large companies, it is quite common to combine several systems at different levels at the same time. This is often due to the fact that almost all design procedures can be carried out on mid- and low-level CAD systems, and in addition, heavy ones are too expensive. It is for this reason that enterprises purchase licenses for top-tier software in fairly limited quantities, while the vast majority of today's customer bases are provided by the lower and middle tiers.

At the same time, it often happens that CAD/CAE systems may have certain problems in terms of exchanging information with each other, but such troubles are solved through the use of special formats and languages adopted in CALS technologies, although to ensure undistorted transmission of geometric data through intermediate unified languages have to overcome some difficulties.

Structure

Like any other complex systems, CAD includes several subsystems, which can be design or maintenance.

The first are directly involved in the implementation of various design work. Examples of these include subsystems for three-dimensional geometric modeling of various mechanical objects, circuit analysis, creation of design documentation, or routing of printed circuit board connections.

Servicing subsystems are intended to ensure the normal functioning of designers, and their combination is quite often among specialists called the CAD system environment. Typical service subsystems often include design data management databases, various subsystems for the development and subsequent maintenance of CASE software, as well as training ones designed to facilitate users’ mastery of technologies implemented in CAD.

Structuring according to various aspects allowed the emergence of types of CAD software, of which today there are only seven:

technical, which includes various;
mathematical, combining all kinds of mathematical methods, algorithms and models;
software, which are CAD computer programs;
information, which includes databases, management systems for these databases, as well as many other information used in the design process;
linguistic, expressed in the form of languages of communication between computers and designers, languages of data exchange between technical CAD tools and programming languages;
methodological, which includes all kinds of design technologies;
organizational, made in the form of job descriptions, staffing schedules and other documentation, with the help of which the work of project enterprises is regulated.

It is worth noting that the entire set of information that is used in the design process is called by specialists the CAD information fund. A database is an ordered collection of information that reflects the various characteristics of objects and their relationships in a certain way. Access to the database for studying, recording and subsequent correction of data is carried out through a DBMS, and the combination of a DBMS and a DB is usually called a BnD, that is, a data bank.

Classification

CAD/CAM design systems are classified according to a number of criteria, such as application, intended purpose, scale (how comprehensively the tasks are solved), and the nature of the underlying subsystem.

In terms of applications, the following CAD groups are worth highlighting among the most popular and representative:

used in the field of general mechanical engineering (due to which they are usually called mechanical engineering);
used in the field of radio electronics;
used in the field of construction and architecture.

In addition, there is also a fairly large number of specialized systems, either classified in the listed groups, or representing a completely independent branch of the classification. As a clear example, we can cite CAD for large integrated circuits, electrical machines, aircraft and a number of others.

Individual software and methodological complexes differ in scale, including a complex for testing the strength of various mechanical products according to the finite element method or a complex for testing electronic circuits, as well as systems with a unique architecture of not only software, but also hardware.

Basic subsystem

There are the following types of CAD:

Based on geometric modeling and computer graphics subsystem. Such CAD systems are mainly focused on various applications in which the main design procedure is construction, that is, a clear definition of spatial forms, as well as the relative location of objects. That is why this group includes many CAD systems from the field of mechanical engineering, based on graphics cores. Nowadays, it is quite common to use unified graphics cores.
Based on DBMS. They are mainly focused on those applications in which it is possible, by carrying out relatively simple mathematical calculations, to process a fairly large amount of information. They can often be found in technical and economic applications, such as the design of business plans, but they are also often used in the design of large objects such as control panels in automatic systems.

In addition, there are also complex CAD systems, which include subsystems of all previous types. Typical examples of such complex systems include software that is actively used in modern mechanical engineering, or CAD LSI. The latter includes a DBMS and various subsystems for designing components, functional and logical circuits, chip topologies, as well as tests for analyzing the suitability of manufactured products. In order to ensure normal management of such complex programs, it is customary to use specialized system environments.

With the increasing role of construction, design, engineering and modeling in society, the workload on people in related professions has increased. To facilitate their work, computer software was developed that performs a standard set of actions for a person, in order to save energy resources and time.

The first systems were developed in the 1970s and were able to draw and create models on a plane. 40 years later, advanced applications can even compile document packages by topic based on design and process data for objects. In this article we will talk about what a CAD system program is, how it works, what its features are and where it is used.

CAD and CAM systems: what are they?

Platforms help with drawings, schedules and lists related to construction and design engineering. Development in electronic form allows you to make edits that will not affect the layout, because when printing only the last version will be visible. The advantage is increased productivity, because while the automated work is happening, the person can carry out the next step, speeding up the time it takes to complete the task. The quality of the developed graphs, documents and models is high, since the process of automatic execution has been improved more than once by experienced specialists.

The advantage of CAD is the reduction in production costs. If the funds spent on implementing the plan remain, then they go to the benefit of the company, its employees and to the purchase of the latest versions of products. Upon completion of the development of a three-dimensional model, the platform provides a list of materials from which production would be more profitable and convenient. A laptop or PC can be located anywhere in the world, but the production process will not depend on geolocation.

Most companies give preference to systems that work quickly, efficiently, have a clear and convenient interface, but are inexpensive. One of the sites that is popular among builders and engineers where you can find such a platform is ZWSOFT. On this page you can choose an analogue of AutoCAD that suits you in terms of price and functionality. Modern CAD systems are a set of capabilities that carry out the basic tasks of engineering and design.

These include:

Creation of three-dimensional (volume) models.
Development of drawings and graphs using algorithms included in the database.
Drawing up documentation according to a standard scheme, where characteristics of objects are identified.

Thanks to CAD, work is optimized in many fundamental areas that improve living standards. For example, in architecture and construction, this type of application is suitable for planning and detailing the exterior and interior of buildings. Typical buildings are completed faster than the stated deadline, because the developments are ready in advance. Most companies whose work depends on massive drawings and templates are required to have CAD for each authorized employee.

The software may also have differences in the set of extensions for performing tasks of different levels of complexity. You can read about filling the system package in the instructions from the manufacturer. Additions are released to each type at a fixed frequency, introducing new procedures and correcting the operation of the platform.

You can divide the functionality of programs for engineers and designers according to the following criteria:

The complexity of the model that needs to be created.
The number of modules in the production of the layout.
Type of object being developed.
The volume of a three-dimensional part and the number of levels in the design structure.
The degree of automation of the drawing process, production of documents and layouts.
Type of documents and amount of information processed to fill them out.
Integrity of the production process. If the product was made in more than one run of the program, either a larger system or reuse is required. The latter contradicts the purpose of using CAD - saving resources.

Universal is software that combines complex and integrated functionality. Companies prefer them because they are suitable for all employees. More often, authorized representatives of companies order software packages on the website, where experienced employees advise clients if they have questions and present types of programs with their functionality. Site visitors see updated versions of platforms and then decide which one is better to buy.

There are paid and free systems, updated versions are divided into the same subtypes. Questions from clients and visitors are collected in the “Forum” section, where a dialogue takes place between developers and users. The variety of professions that require automation at the initial stage of work is great. Designers, builders, mathematicians, engineers, architects, doctors, programmers, technologists - everyone needs highly specialized platforms that allow them to work in a certain area.

Each type of CAD system includes a set of tasks, the implementation of which speeds up the work of a person in a certain occupation. CAD is developed by programmers together with specialists in various fields for which narrow-profile versions of the application are designed. There are several types of such systems, and the variety of CAD programs helps answer the question of what they are.

Platforms in which geometric modeling occurs automatically are suitable for mathematicians and builders. You can configure the 3D Modeling function if the solution to the problem requires it.
For these same specialists, there is a sophisticated program with a large range of automation. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional design can be supported by documentation, the data for which is taken from the characteristics of objects.
For architects, designers and engineers, the creation of drawings and further design based on them has been developed.
It is possible to save and print an electronic template on paper of any size.
CAE tools have been created for programmers to facilitate software analysis and troubleshooting of operating system problems.
For technologists, there is a special set of CAD and CAD settings that allows you to control the technological preparation of the production process of certain products. The program automatically generates a report that includes the percentage of errors and successfully completed standards.

Let’s take a closer look at the systems that doctors use to analyze diseases and the general condition of the body.

CAD programs in medicine

A separate family of platforms are CAD/CAM systems aimed at analyzing human health. It is impossible to do without them when creating an artificial organ or filling out patient registration forms. The operating principle of this software is as follows:

Creation of a three-dimensional model in electronic form.
Error checking and general analysis of the object.
Making a prosthesis on a milling block.

Dentists use the program more often and more productively. Poor dental condition can lead to infectious diseases of the oral cavity or the whole body, so it is necessary to act on the source of the problem as soon as possible. Fast operation of automated equipment allows you to reduce customer service time. Saving the patient's time is part of the care provided by the medical institution. Sometimes test results and casts appear on the day of visiting the clinic, that is, he immediately goes with them to his doctor and the problem is solved within a few hours.

The benefits of using CAD by dentists are:

Fast and error-free impression creation. Since the work is mechanized, the human factor and errors due to the carelessness of personnel are eliminated.
Saving the frame in a database in electronic form. The function allows you to later create a report on the object.
Possibility of making adjustments by the doctor. If necessary, the dentist can correct a detail of the impression according to the client’s wishes. For example, if a frame is being made to create braces, and the patient has additional wishes.

Special machines equipped with numerical control have been developed, which makes it possible to create impressions and crowns in a matter of minutes. The CNC receives information from the CAD and casts the object according to the drawing, taking into account all the changes made. Thanks to CAD, the principle of creating crowns has been improved. The model can be made of zirconium oxide. This material does not cause allergic reactions and is highly biocompatible. Implants look more natural, because a specialist can choose the appropriate shade. The color will be taken into account when covering the artificial tooth with ceramic mass. The software may suggest the use of other materials, for example, chrome, plastic, wax, titanium. From a medical and practical point of view, the most suitable in all respects is zirconium oxide.

What does the abbreviation CAD stand for?

In state standards and design textbooks, the abbreviation CAD is more common, which can be interpreted as “Design Work Automation System.” In the documents you can find the interpretation “Computer-aided design system,” but this wording is applicable not only to software, that is, it does not correspond to the essence of the work. To translate CAD into English, the abbreviation CAD is often used. According to GOST, this phrase is given as a standardized English equivalent of the term “computer-aided design”. But CAD systems are not fully automated; in 65% of cases, human actions are required to establish commands.

Full automation occurs only on a few platforms and refers to simple actions specified in the database. From this point of view, the abbreviation CAD is chosen incorrectly. It is easy to make mistakes and get confused when deciphering CAD, CAM, CAE, you need to understand that all these applications are designed to help in the design and control of production modules.

International classification of CAD, CAE, CAM

According to modern classification, systems are divided into:

Allowing you to create a three-dimensional model of an object in electronic form. Thanks to them, it became possible to break down the creation process into phases: from drawing to production. These provisions are called CAD.
Displaying an electronic description of the item. The technology collects data about the model throughout its life: from design to sale and destruction. The general name of such platforms is CAE, these applications are used in all sectors of trade and industry.
Automated drawing structures that appeared back in the 70s. It was their creation that became the starting point in the development of automated assistance to workers in certain types of activities. The devices with which the simplest operations are carried out are defined by programmers as CAM systems.

Such a clear division helps to navigate the global computer software market. When releasing the program, the manufacturer indicates the CAD type, according to the generally accepted international classification. The buyer can familiarize himself with the documents and understand which generation a certain product belongs to and what benefit it will have in production. We figured out what CAD systems are and what role they play in optimizing the modern workflow. Company managers who understand that saving money and time can reduce costs are actively purchasing CAD programs.

Windows, Linux official website CAD - systems (CAD) 1

gCAD3D is a free CAD program. Supports working with files in the following formats: Step, Iges, VRML, DXF, SVG. Using the program you can view the designed objects in 3D. The program supports plugins that expand its functionality.

QCAD Community Edition

official website April 10, 2017 GNU General Public License - license for personal and commercial use CAD - systems (CAD) 10

QCAD Community Edition is a free program whose main purpose is to create complex 2D architectural plans and mechanical engineering drawings. This utility has a parts collection of over 4,700 CAD parts. The disadvantage of the development is the lack of support for DWG files; it works exclusively with the DXF format. The application allows you to use elements such as arcs, ellipses, circles, points, straight lines, polylines and others when drawing. QCAD provides the user with all the necessary functionality for changing and creating plans. Also included are 35 CAD fonts. To control the drawing process, a command line is provided, located under the main window. The program is capable of printing on a scale, which makes it stand out from its free counterparts. The utility boasts an intuitive interface and low system requirements.

A9Tech

Windows official website February 04, 2016 Free software - license for personal and commercial use CAD - systems (CAD) 2

A9Tech is a free analogue of AutoCAD. Supports A9Tech file formats. Using standard elements, the program allows you to create drawings. To simplify the work, the application supports several layers.

nanoCAD free

Windows official website February 06, 2016 Free software for home - license for personal use only (non-commercial purposes) CAD - systems (CAD) 15

nanoCAD free is a free analogue of basic level AutoCAD. Fully supports DWG file format. It has vertical applications designed for specialized areas. Registration is required to receive the free version.

FreeCAD

Windows, Linux, Mac OS X official website February 04, 2016 GNU Lesser General Public License - license for personal and commercial use more details...