In the world of mechanical and electrical engineering CAD (computer-aided design) systems have been an essential tool that the design and drafting industry has employed for decades to develop intricate and accurate design drawings.
For example, wire harness manufacturers, a wire harness being a complex assembly of cables and connectors that transmit electrical signals or power to a group of devices, will use CAD to develop their mock up, then when the design has been virtually tested it can go into production.
Let’s examine the reasons why CAD technology is so useful to industry:
Precision and Accuracy – The most important advantages of CAD are its unmatched precision and accuracy. In order to deliver the desired performance in an electrical system, the circuit schematics must be highly accurate. The CAD system’s advanced software enables design engineers to compose precise schematics, circuit layouts with exact dimensions, and wiring diagrams virtually, avoiding costly errors that might necessitate on-site repairs to address system malfunctions. The CAD’s dynamic input, coordinates, and its snap mode and grid make it possible for all of the critical features to be located precisely. This high level of digital accuracy is critical when it comes to designing intricate electrical systems where even a miniscule error can have major negative consequences.
Enhanced Productivity – The use of CAD automation software by industry design experts greatly enhances productivity. Redundant work like parts numbering, auto-wiring numbering, and labelling is reduced, which allows engineers to spend more of their time being creative and increasing their design quality. Being able to let the software do the revision tasks makes it very convenient for engineers who are freed up to focus on a number of other projects. Manufacturing companies benefit from this level of productivity, their projects enjoy a much faster turnaround and it gives them the ability to work on more projects simultaneously which increases output leading to greater profits.
Reduced Error – Working with intricate electric circuits is tricky and even a very small mistake made during the design process can result in serious malfunctions when it’s time to install and operate them. The use of CAD takes advantage of essential features like validation tools, real-time error checking, and most importantly, virtual electric circuit simulations to negate the possibility of costly, and even dangerous mistakes happening.
Troubleshooting – The CAD digital virtual testing process is the key to design engineers providing perfect designs without the expense of revisions and wasted time that analogue testing requires. Industries can benefit from the time and money CAD design saves, completing projects with minimal field changes, thus increasing the speed of project completion. The thorough diagnostics CAD brings to the process are able to detect potential defects long before they have the chance to happen, which is a powerful preventive measure against major flaws. The CAD helps design and troubleshoot so error-free designs are always the result.
Environmentally Friendly Design – The design practices that CAD supports with its virtual simulations reduces and often removes the necessity to fashion physical test models, which saves resources and reduces the project’s environmental impact.
Today’s CAD technology continues to improve and increase its incredible value to industrial designers in this highly competitive business.
