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What is computer aided drafting?
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What is computer aided drafting?
The advent of innovative technologies in the 20th century led to the development of new drafting techniques. Dating back to 1957, Computer Aided Drafting was first introduced by Dr Patrik J. Hanratty.To get more news about computer drafting and design, you can visit shine news official website.
Computer Aided Drafting is used to represent designs in two dimensions. The introduction of computer-aided drafting, commonly referred to as "CAD", replaced years of pen and paper in the creation of handmade designs. CAD improved productivity immensely by converting design ideas into 2D images that could be technically sound.
Confusingly, CAD is also an abbreviation for computer-aided design. We'll talk more about the differences between computer-aided drafting and design, but essentially drafting has to do with 2D objects.
Drafting simply explained
Computer-aided drafting is the use of computer systems to create accurate representations of 2D objects. Using this method, designers of all kinds can quickly and easily visualise accurate and precise representations. Another major benefit is the flexibility to adjust and iterate designs.CAD offers a wide range of benefits to a variety of industries, including engineering, architecture and manufacturing. Digitised designs take up virtually no space and can be easily shared and reused. In fact, many programs take advantage of the modularity offered by digital storage, allowing users to effectively plug designs into designs. For example, an architect might want to use a previously designed staircase in the plans for a new apartment building.
Drafting vs. design
Computer-aided drafting refers to the 2D representation of a product. It helps to visualise the shape, size and structure of the product. Computer-aided design, on the other hand, requires a concept. It includes both 3D models and 2D designs.Indeed, Computer Aided Drafting can be seen as a component of Computer Aided Design. While the former is primarily used for drawings, the latter can generally be used in a wider range of applications.
For example, when wiring a circuit board, the three-dimensional nature of the final product is irrelevant; a flat top-down approach helps to simplify the problem. Meanwhile, visualising the threads of a custom bolt would be unnecessarily complex with anything but a 3D modeller.
In many cases, 3D models can show more detail than 2D models. In addition to shape and structure, 3D models developed using computer-aided design software can show how a product works. Drafting, on the other hand, is more useful for more technical applications where things like dimensions and tolerances are important.
Common applications & tools
As mentioned above, several different industries use computer-aided drafting. Some of these industries include architecture, aerospace, landscaping and fashion. Jobs in these areas all require drafters to create two-dimensional drawings (such as floor plans) for final products.There are several types of software used by drafters. AutoCAD, a well-known software program, is used for several drafting applications. First released in 1982, AutoCAD has enabled the development of accurate designs for decades and offers a wide range of specialisations and services.
LibreCAD is another computer-aided design tool. This free software has similar features to AutoCAD and is easy for beginners to use.