As in the manual drafting of technical and engineering drawings, the output of CAD must convey information, such as materials, processes, dimensions, and tolerances, according to application-specific conventions.ĬAD may be used to design curves and figures in two-dimensional (2D) space or curves, surfaces, and solids in three-dimensional (3D) space. However, it involves more than just shapes. ĬAD software for mechanical design uses either vector-based graphics to depict the objects of traditional drafting, or may also produce raster graphics showing the overall appearance of designed objects.

In mechanical design it is known as mechanical design automation ( MDA), which includes the process of creating a technical drawing with the use of computer software. Its use in designing electronic systems is known as electronic design automation ( EDA). The terms computer-aided drafting ( CAD) and computer aided design and drafting ( CADD) is also used. CAD output is often in the form of electronic files for print, machining, or other manufacturing operations. Designs made through CAD software are helpful in protecting products and inventions when used in patent applications. 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. Computer-aided design ( CAD) is the use of computers (or workstations) to aid in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design.

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