Momentum within the field of Computer-Aided Design is building as advancements in technology unlock new possibilities for what designers can achieve. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) refers to the use of computer technology in the creation of various designs that facilitate the manufacturing process. Thanks to the fact that CAD ensures accurate measurements and allows designers to produce informed 2D and 3D diagrams, computer-aided design is extremely useful as a tool to develop industrial products and simulate the function of designs before they are physically manufactured.
The potential for CAD as a means of increasing efficiency and innovation is growing, and the latest industry trends reflect the impact of new technologies in the field. If you’re interested in a career in engineering design technology, read on to discover three important trends in CAD that you’ll be sure to see in the future.
1. Those with CAD Training Will See an Increasing Cloud Influence in the Field
Advancements in cloud technology are expected to change the computer-aided design process for the better in the years to come. While CAD applications were formerly run solely on PCs, the arrival of cloud technology allowed vital information to be stored on cloud platforms, which designers and developers can access from anywhere at any time. Cloud technology not only increases the storage capacity of the software used in CAD, but it also increases mobility and makes updates significantly easier to implement.
Additionally, cloud platforms enable more parties to view and make changes to designs from other devices. In the future, those with CAD training will see a greater number of manufacturing units and facilities going online and accessing CAD prototypes. The increased access offered by cloud technology facilitates improved collaboration and understanding throughout the development process, reducing the chances for error and increasing productivity.
2. Model-Based Definition (MBD) Will Grow in Importance
Traditionally, the computer-aided design process utilizes 2D technical drawings to define metrics such as process information, dimensions, and the tolerance of a model, while the 3D CAD model provides the product’s geometric information. In the future, it’s likely that the merits of 2D designs will be increasingly incorporated by Model-Based Definition (MBD), reducing the necessity of 2D designs. The model-based definition is the use of 3D models within the CAD process to define both product assemblies and individual design components. The 3D digital dataset offered by MBD makes it possible to inspect and create a product without the need for 2D technical drawings.
There are many benefits of using a model-based definition that students in CAD college courses will appreciate. Often, 2D and 3D designs can become unsynchronized, and by using only a 3D model, designers can avoid this possibility. Additionally, utilizing model-based definition enables manufacturers to work directly from a 3D model—enabling clearer visualization and interpretation, and improving the degree of collaboration and consistency among professionals across the CAD process. As model-based definition improves, it’s likely that it will become a standard throughout the industry.
3. Artificial Intelligence Will Be Used in CAD
As artificial intelligence (AI) improves, we’re likely to see the computer-aided design process incorporating more elements of this technology. Artificial intelligence will reduce the time it takes to design a product, improving efficiency and allowing for more accurate and high-quality designs. Artificial intelligence can be incorporated into computer-aided design in a process called Model-Based Reasoning, in which AI predicts how certain components will interact.
Greater incorporation of AI into CAD processes will help to reduce the time for producing usable designs
In the future, CAD course graduates will be able to see Model-Based Reasoning put to use in a number of phases throughout the CAD process. For one, AI can be used in the early stages of development to automate certain functions, making necessary design changes without requiring human intervention. AI can also be used for quantitative and qualitative simulation, analyzing the effectiveness of a product during testing. Through the use of artificial intelligence, the time it takes to produce a usable design will be reduced, leading to improved efficiency and greater innovation in all aspects of computer-aided design.
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