Computer-aided design software (CAD) is a tool to create 2d drawings or 3d models even before it’s manufactured. This gives the designers a chance to see their design from a real-world perspective, share it with people to get feedback, edit it, review and simulate it. In this way, a design that is near to perfect can be crafted and then go to manufacturing. These new technologies and tools are opening doors for innovation and unique products that can come to market very quickly.
Pros of Computer-aided design software:
Manual drawings and designs have become outdated after the arrival of computer-aided drawing programs. Here are 3 advantages of this over the manual ones;
- Time saving:
It creates simple designs in seconds. But the real game begins with a complex pattern of designs. It can create difficult parts like a flat pattern of intricate bent sheet metal in one click of the mouse. This has exponentially reduced the time taken from designing a product to making it come into reality.
In this competitive era, having an advantage over time is really necessary. So, owning a CAD computer program can quicken the manufacturing process of your product. Besides, making a change in your design or creating something new based on the previous one has also become easier. You can see what you are creating and fix the problems while it’s still in the design phase. By using the previous 3d model and adding some new features or removing something, you can easily create a new 3d model.
- Enhanced accuracy:
Manual drawings can never match the accuracy of 3d design models. Complex surfaces and shapes can easily be created using 3d modeling and editing tools with almost zero error.
- Higher quality:
Besides these functionalities, such as saving time, improved accuracy, and productivity, CAD computer programs can create more aesthetically pleasing designs than manual sketches. The designer has a wide range of options to create his design exactly as imagined. He can choose from hundreds of shapes and colors, and he has already presented 3D designs and many other tools. This provides the freedom to create innovative and unique designs, which is not possible with manual sketches.
So, using 3d modeling and editing tools helps product designers create innovative yet realistic designs in some clicks with almost no error. So, this new technology is on its way to revolutionize the product design and manufacturing industry.
Cons of computer-aided drawing programs:
Nothing comes with the positive sides only. This graphic designing software for 3d also has some cons. And they are;
- If suddenly your computer stops working in between creating the design, all your work can be lost.
- As it is in the computer, your designs will always remain prone to viruses.
- In the era of cybercrimes, while creating some important product designs, the fear of getting hacked will always be there.
- Updated graphic design software for 3d with the latest features costs a lot of money.
- Training the staff can also be a headache.
So, if you are investing in any 3d modeling and editing tools, think about the solutions to all these cons.
Top 5 free CAD design software:
- FreeCAD:
This was initially released in 2002. It is an open-source parametric modeler designed to create real-life objects of any parameter. You can easily modify your designs by going back to your model history and changing its parameters. So this makes it easy to use and reliable. You can also create 3d models from 2d drawings and vice versa. It helps you create high-quality drawings that are ready for production by letting you adjust dimensions and extracting design details.
- Fusion360:
This software is free for personal use and is used by most design buffs. The interface is user-friendly, and the toolbars are contextual. Once you have selected your workflow, the software will not bother you with any unknown or unwanted tools and features; rather, it will let you juggle between designing, editing, and animation peacefully.
It uses cloud functionality to simplify storage and other things. Even as a free user, Autodesk will store 10 active designs, which you can share using public links, so it’s easier for you to get feedback. This free CAD design software is best for non-commercial projects, whether you use simple tools or complex patterns.
- SketchUp:
Its free version is one of the most simple 3d design tools available on the internet. With a clean user interface and a large object viewer to see your design, this is one of the best tools for beginners. It has an in-built storehouse of thousands of 3d model designs, which you can import and use with a single click.
It has a walk tool that allows the designer to see its design from the eye level. It may not sound like a fun feature for beginners, but it is an important part for architects and interior designers. This tool will be helpful for you, even if you are a beginner or an advanced-level 3D designer.
- Vectary:
This is browser-based software, and you can use its free version for your business’ commercial projects. This tool does not have advanced features for engineers and architects, but it is enough to help you achieve good design tasks and can be a learning tool for more advanced CAD software. Its real-time and photorealistic renderings and a library of innovative 3d designs set it apart from other free CAD design software.
- Blender:
If you want to create innovative animations, visual effects, and 3d art, you cannot ask for a better design software than Blender. This offers you a comprehensive suite that includes various tools for 3D modeling, sculpting, textures, rendering, compositing, etc. This has been used by professional 3d designers to create big-budget animated films and videos. So, this proven tool can help you create your dream design as well.
Bottom line:
CAD is a new technology, and learning about it can set you apart. So, using this free CAD design software, you can give wings to your imagination and create the 3d designs or animations you have always thought of. This blog is your reminder to stop thinking and start putting your imagination into reality with ALCADS.
