Full definition
Computer-Aided Design — digital tools for creating 2D drawings and 3D solid/surface models of components, assemblies, and systems used throughout engineering design, manufacturing, and maintenance. Major CAD platforms: SolidWorks (the most widely used in SME mechanical engineering), AutoCAD (2D drafting standard, Autodesk), Inventor (3D parametric, Autodesk), CATIA (aerospace/automotive, Dassault Systemes), NX/Siemens NX (advanced surface/complex assembly), and Fusion 360 (cloud-based, SME). CAD models serve as the single source of truth for: engineering drawings (per ASME Y14.5 or ISO 128/1101 standards), CNC machining programs (CAM), finite element analysis inputs (FEA/CAE), 3D printing/rapid prototyping, and Bill of Materials (BOM) for purchasing and production. For industrial rubber applications: CAD models define mold cavity geometry for molded parts, die profiles for extruded profiles, gasket outlines for waterjet/laser cutting, and pulley/sprocket dimensions for drive design. Modern belt drive design software (Gates DesignFlex, Optibelt CAP) integrates with CAD to export 3D models of designed drive assemblies. File formats: DWG (2D), STEP (3D interchange), IGES (legacy), and native formats per platform.