Cad as a Tool
Introduction
CAD (acronym for “Computer-Aided Design”) is one of the most popular software tools used all around the globe. CAD is a computerized platform for users to draw, modify and analyze designs, for example, CAD software such as AutoCAD, Solid Edge etc. Although what it basically capable of doing can be done by human hands, CAD is able to perform far more efficiently and accurately. Not to mention that for years, studies, researches and development are being carried out consistently to improve CAD software. These developments are dedicated to increase the software’s efficiency and effectiveness by reducing excessive parts while widening its range of features and capabilities. Therefore, in this world of ever-evolving technology, CAD has a very good reason for its popularity.
Known as “the Father of CAD”, Patrick Hanratty was the one who invented the first commercial CNC programming system. Five years later, his work was joined by Ivan Sutherland’s, whom himself presented his Ph.D. thesis at MIT entitled “Sketchpad, A Man-Machine Graphical Communication System”. In the 1960s, the first digitizer and the first production interactive graphics manufacturing system were developed and introduced. It was in the same decade that more and more companies were formed to commercialize their respective products of CAD programs. A decade later, CAD researchers started to shift their focus from 2D to 3D. Although commercial CAD systems for UNIX began to show up in industries like automotives, aerospace etc., it was when the first IBM PC were introduced in 1981 that triggers a large-scale reception of CAD. Thanks to that, Autodesk was formed shortly after and the company created AutoCAD, the first significant CAD program for the IBM PC, later in 1983.
In this report, the developments and contributions of CAD programs to the society will be discussed regarding the brief history background of developing the programs, the types of uses and users and finally the impact it
CAD (acronym for “Computer-Aided Design”) is one of the most popular software tools used all around the globe. CAD is a computerized platform for users to draw, modify and analyze designs, for example, CAD software such as AutoCAD, Solid Edge etc. Although what it basically capable of doing can be done by human hands, CAD is able to perform far more efficiently and accurately. Not to mention that for years, studies, researches and development are being carried out consistently to improve CAD software. These developments are dedicated to increase the software’s efficiency and effectiveness by reducing excessive parts while widening its range of features and capabilities. Therefore, in this world of ever-evolving technology, CAD has a very good reason for its popularity.
Known as “the Father of CAD”, Patrick Hanratty was the one who invented the first commercial CNC programming system. Five years later, his work was joined by Ivan Sutherland’s, whom himself presented his Ph.D. thesis at MIT entitled “Sketchpad, A Man-Machine Graphical Communication System”. In the 1960s, the first digitizer and the first production interactive graphics manufacturing system were developed and introduced. It was in the same decade that more and more companies were formed to commercialize their respective products of CAD programs. A decade later, CAD researchers started to shift their focus from 2D to 3D. Although commercial CAD systems for UNIX began to show up in industries like automotives, aerospace etc., it was when the first IBM PC were introduced in 1981 that triggers a large-scale reception of CAD. Thanks to that, Autodesk was formed shortly after and the company created AutoCAD, the first significant CAD program for the IBM PC, later in 1983.
In this report, the developments and contributions of CAD programs to the society will be discussed regarding the brief history background of developing the programs, the types of uses and users and finally the impact it
References: 1) Pirilon. (2001). Computer-Aided Design. Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer-aided_design 2) David Cohn. (2010). Evolution of Computer-Aided Design. Available at: http://www.deskeng.com/articles/aaazer.htm 3) JF Brandon. (2012). Letting Nature Take Its Course – CAD and Evolutionary Processes. Available at: http://blog.grabcad.com/2012/07/letting-nature-take-its-course-cad-and-evolutionary-processes/ 4) DuLithgow. (2008). List of computer-aided design editors. Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_computer-aided_design_editors 5) Gedunker. (2011). Impact of CAD on design creativity in architecture and planning. Available at: http://www.cyburbia.org/forums/showthread.php?t=43970