List Of Top 15 Most Commonly Used CAD Software

Top 15 Most Commonly Used CAD Software

Here are the 15 most commonly used CAD software by professionals. Let’s delve into it.

1. SolidWorks

Dassault Systemes has published SolidWorks. Besides, it is a powerful CAE and CAD software program that operates on Microsoft Windows. Over 2 million engineers from 165,000 organizations have used it since 2013. Aside from that, the current 2017 version of this software was released in February 2016.

Features

• Flexible parts
• 3-D printing
• Design Automation
• Also, Mould Design
• Weldmets
• BOM (Bill of Materials)

Uses

• Product Visualization – With SolidWorks, designers can generate photorealistic renderings of project designs. Further, it lets them visualize the final product before manufacturing.
• Simulation and analysis – Additionally, it comprises in-built simulation and analysis tools. So, these tools enable engineers to analyze the design’s durability, strength, and performance.
• Customization – Above all, SolidWorks offers different customization options. With the help of these options, users can tailor their project workflow and needs. Therefore, it leads to increased productivity and efficiency.
• Manufacturing – SolidWorks offers tools to produce manufacturing-ready models and drawings. Additionally, it allows manufacturers to generate parts with accuracy.

2. Inventor

Autodesk developed this CAD software for visualization, documentation, and 3D mechanical modeling. Furthermore, it allows 2D and 3D data integration in a shared environment. Also, Inventor consists of direct editing, free-form, and parametric tools. In addition, this CAD software competes with Solid Edge, SolidWorks, and Creo.

Features

• BIM interoperability
• Design configurations
• Content center
• Shared view collaboration
• Shape Generator
• Also, sheet metal

Uses

• Tooling creation – Above all, Inventor allows users to build 3D models. Moreover, it also assists in visualization before the product is made.
• Mechanical design – This software can simulate your project design and the materials. Thus, it creates complex assemblies built from individual parametric parts.
• Product design – It discriminates from other CAD software with the integrated system. Despite this, Inventor’s integrated system combines direct and parametric modeling design capabilities.
• Product simulation – Inventor software offers improved product performance. Because it has simulation and 3D model features. Also, it allows users to automate their everyday tasks quickly.

3. Revit

Revit is a BIM (Building information modeling) software. In addition, it is used by designers and engineers to build 3D models. Despite this, they can review them as well. If you have worked in construction, engineering, or the architecture industry. Then, you might have an in-depth know-how of Revit CAD software.

Features

• Global parameters
• Annotation
• BIM content libraries
• Interoperability
• Work sharing
• Also, coordination

Uses

• Analysis – Revit users can easily optimize architectural design functionality. Yet, this model comes with the latest analysis engines. Further, this software can provide the most precise estimates.
• Multidiscipline Coordination – Revit is a cross or multidisciplinary platform. Besides, this software lets Designers easily share their 3D models with other team members.
• Visualization – There are many Revit rendering tools. They allow you to build construction documentation. On the contrary, it also enables you to access the model in virtual reality.
• Design and Documentation – Using this software, you can place real-life construction components. Also, it allows users to build elevations, floor plans, etc.

4. AutoCAD

AutoCAD is a CAD software allowing users to quickly draw and edit 2D and 3D project designs. Furthermore, the building work files can be stored and saved in the cloud. This means you can access your files at any time, anywhere. However, it is used in civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering.

Features

• Floating windows
• Activity insights
• Cloud storage connectivity
• Xref Compare
• Apis and automation
• Block Palette

Uses

• Data Extraction – AutoCAD allows users to extract essential data from project drawings, for example, materials, measurements, and quantities. It can later be used to generate accurate cost estimations.
• Collaboration – Besides, this software supports collaboration among different stakeholders. Because it comes with features like real-time editing and cloud storage.
• 3D Modeling – With the help of AutoCAD, users can build complex 3D models. They can be products, buildings, and mechanical parts. Hence, they can then employ these models for prototyping and visualization.
• Drafting and Design – You can produce detailed 2 and 3D drawings using AutoCAD. Further, it allows designers to generate precise drawings using various features.

5. Civil 3D

Civil 3D CAD software supports BIM. So, it offers improved civil engineering construction and design documentation. Besides, this software assists civil infrastructure experts in maintaining consistent data. Also, Civil 3D enables users to streamline their time-consuming tasks. For example, corridor design and intersections.

Features

• Collaboration
• Perform quick design iterations.
• Intelligent civil objects
• Standard data schema
• Use simulation, visualization, and water analysis tools.
• Connect 3D designs to documentation.

Uses

Architects use civil 3D software to plan, design, edit, and deliver transportation projects. Additionally, this CAD software can also be used to furnish land development work.

6. MicroStation

MicroStation is a well-known 3D computer-aided CAD software for construction and other operations. Aside from that, it is used by GIS experts and architects to optimize the project workflow. Besides, this software produces 2D and 3D vector elements and graphic objects. Also, it saves money and time by eliminating tedious drawing workflows.

Features

• Data Import/Export
• Content Library
• Design analysis
• Design templates
• Compliance management
• Automatic formatting

Uses

• Infrastructure design – Furthermore, engineers can use MicroStation to design infrastructure projects. For instance, bridges, roads, and several utility systems.
• Image management – Also, MicroStation provides tools. You can use them to manage and view images, like digital photos.
• Construction documents – Designers can produce well-informed construction documents using this software. For example, sections, floor plans, and other details.
• AR and VR – This software can export your 3D models to augmented and virtual reality platforms. In short, users can explore their models in riveting environments.

7. CATIA

CATIA is a suite of engineering and manufacturing tools. For this reason, professionals across different industries use it daily. For example, petroleum, industrial equipment, plant design, and automotive. Further, CATIA has become the most popular suite in the technical industries.

Features

• Cross-discipline development
• Unbreakable relational design
• Instinctive 3D experience
• Systems engineering
• Global collaboration
• Also, the social design environment

Uses

• Data Management – CATIA offers detailed product data management. Hence, users don’t need to worry about data loss or crashes.
• Active Collaboration – Additionally, this software allows active collaboration among an organization’s experts.
• Design – The most common use of this CAD software is product design. In short, designers can import 3-dimensional sketches easily using CATIA.
• Simulation and Modeling – It supports 3-dimensional digital mockups. Also, simulation and modeling designs allow for real-life analysis before manufacturing.

8. Creo

It is an intelligent CAD program. So, it was developed to mitigate the challenges organizations experience in sharing information. Also, it allows engineers to generate product designs downstream using direct modeling capabilities. With Creo, you can access different technologies. For example, real-time simulation, augmented reality, generative design, and others.

Features

• Viewing and visualization
• 2D orthographic views
• 3D modeling
• Finite element analysis
• Parametric solid modeling
• Schematic design

Uses

On top of that, Creo is used for many purposes. For instance, simulation, drafting, analysis, solver, optimization, drafting, 3D modeling, etc.

9. SIEMENS NX

This program empowers designers to get fast results utilizing virtual product models. Besides, it lowers the product design time by over 30 percent. With the help of this, you can get improved team productivity via re-use. Not only this, but it also enables designers to make wise decisions using visual analytics.

Features

• Robotic machining
• Turning
• Hybrid additive
• Wire EDM
• CMM inspection
• Shop floor connect

Uses

Design – (Direct solid/surface and parametric modeling)

Engineering analysis – (Electrothermal, Static, magnetic, and dynamic with the finite element method)

10. Windchill

Windchill is used to manage documentation and all data, including organization processes. Moreover, it offers all the necessary tools for distributing and visualizing product data. Using this program will be a practical approach. Besides, it can assist you in establishing and improving your company’s systems. Also, it uses a database to store business data.

Features

• Data management
• Platforms, variants, and options
• Quality management
• Process planning, manufacturing, and work instructions
• Configuration and change management
• Also, BOM management

Uses

• Windchill Nonconformance- Assists in managing the evaluation of nonconforming products.
• Customer Experience Management – Deal with customer complaints

11. FreeCAD

It is an open-source program used in designing real-life objects. However, it permits end users to generate all-sized models. For example, 3D printable pieces and small electronic components. Moreover, it operates similarly on Mac OS, Windows, and Linux platforms. Apart from this, you can use this program to change your designs.

Features

• Annotations
• 3D Imaging
• Data Export/Import
• Document Management
• 3D design and modeling
• Collaboration tools

Uses

FreeCAD is used to export and edit your full-precision design models. But you can build 3D drawings as well.

12. Tinkercad

This software program is easily accessible through a web browser. Therefore, it has become most popular because of its user-friendly simplicity. However, Mikko Mononen and Kai Backman launched this software. It contains three sections, each possessing different functions. In short, Tinkercard is a web application for coding, electronics, and 3D design.

Features

• Content Library
• Animation
• Component Library
• Design management
• Annotations
• Collaboration tools

Uses

On top of that, Tinkercard helps build 3D models. They can later be showcased in the virtual gallery.

13. SketchUp

SketchUp has a detailed database of user-generated models that are available to download. Besides, you can use this program to sketch your 3-dimensional models. In short, it assists you with all kinds of building projects. For example, interior design, furniture building, and many others. Whatever else you want to build, it can help.

Features

• API
• Permissions/Access controls
• 2D drawing
• Architectural symbol library
• 3D imaging
• Animations

Uses

This software is used for many design and drawing applications. For instance, product and industrial design, architecture, and mechanical and civil engineering.

14. Fusion 360

In contrast, this Autodesk program combines PCB, CAE, and CAD in a single platform. Despite this, it allows you to create customized CNC machined parts. Also, you will be capable of exploring manufacturing-ready results. So, if you want to collaborate your data flawlessly in the cloud. Then, Fusion 360 is the wise choice you should go for.

Features

• Electronics
• Generative design
• Data management and collaboration
• Simulation
• Manufacturing
• 3D design and modeling

Uses

• Designed to innovate – Allows for a lot of design flexibility and creativity.
• Integrated electronics – ECAD and MCAD integration allows for operational seamlessness.

15. Rhinoceros 3D

Rhinoceros 3D, called ‘Rhino,’ helps build, document, analyze, animate, and render NURBS curves. Moreover, it can also translate point clouds, subdivision geometry, and polygon meshes. There are no size, degree, or complexity restrictions. Also, Rhino allows you to generate 3D shapes with additional algorithms and add-ons.

Features

• Rhino for Mac
• Development platform
• Design compatibility
• Drafting and printing
• 3D capture
• Also, Interface

Uses

Above all, this program is used for prototyping, graphics, and automotive and naval design.

Read More:https://designingdrafting.com/what-is-bim-coordination-in-construction/