In mechanical design it is known as mechanical design automation ( MDA), which includes the process of creating a technical drawing with the use of computer software. Its use in designing electronic systems is known as electronic design automation ( EDA). The terms computer-aided drafting ( CAD) and computer-aided design and drafting ( CADD) are also used. CAD output is often in the form of electronic files for print, machining, or other manufacturing operations. : 4 Designs made through CAD software are helpful in protecting products and inventions when used in patent applications. : 3 This software is used to increase the productivity of the designer, improve the quality of design, improve communications through documentation, and to create a database for manufacturing. A 2D CAD drawing A 3D CAD modelĬomputer-Aided Design ( CAD) is the use of computers (or workstations) to aid in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design. For other uses, see Cad (disambiguation) and CADD (disambiguation).
