Product design has witnessed a dramatic transformation in recent years, owing largely to technological progression. Traditional design practices were clumsy and brought limiting constraints, impeding efficiency and creativity. What a contrast we have witnessed since the inception and continuous improvement of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software.
In the former half of the last century product designers were confined to crafting prototypes by hand, limited by physical materials. To put this in context, imagine the design and construction of the Eiffel Tower. In the late 19th century, without the assistance of CAD software, designing this complex landmark demanded thousands of hours of calculations and drafting, completely open to human error. CAD software for product design allows designers to create such icons with accuracy and efficiency, transforming the way products are realised.
Not so long ago, car manufacturers were forced to develop prototypes with physical materials, a long and expensive process, prone to error. Crafting prototypes by hand also demanded a multitude of iterations, before satisfaction. Since the company’s founding, Tesla has embraced CAD software to design, simulate, and test their innovations, in the virtual realm. Showcasing how CAD software has reshaped a multitude of industries.
The story of CAD software was born out of the limitations mentioned. Throughout CAD’s progression, from rudimentary 2D to lifelike 3D representation, over the decades, Elmtec has emerged as a leader. Through our experience and product portfolio, Elmtec facilitates visually stunning 3D product renders through market-leading platforms such as SketchUp.
This blog intends to highlight the significant influence CAD software has had on product design. Exemplified through Elmtec’s product portfolio, we are committed to consulting on powerful CAD tools such as SketchUp, helping designers shine in their creative pursuits.
The Impact of CAD Software on Product Design
CAD software is crucial in creating accurate prototypes and products. Parametric modelling facilitates the ability to precisely define factors within mathematical parameters, ensuring ultimate control. Live simulations permit consistent testing and refining. SketchUp promotes global collaboration. Multiple stakeholders can work on the same model, in real-time and unison, truly optimising efficiency.
Elmtec’s dedication to distributing CAD software for product design, and supporting the integration of such, ensures that your digital renders are produced to precise standards.
SketchUp expedites design through prototyping and iterative processes. The integration of this market-leading software suite streamlines workflows through collaboration, enabling endless tweaking and experimentation. As a result, prototypes are produced to demanding deadlines, ultimately meaning new products reach the market faster.
Some further examples of how CAD software aids product design, by acceleration include:
- Simulation and analysis: Simulation allows for stringent testing of prototypes before physical versions are produced.
- Comprehensive design libraries: SketchUp has an extensive library of components in the ‘3D Warehouse’. Choosing from one or some of the standard components/parts means the design process can be further optimised.
- Integration with other methodologies and systems.
- Customisation: Custom templates can be created and utilised to save time.
Innovative Product Designs Enabled by CAD
In this section, we explore a couple of examples of where CAD software can be and has been used to the best effect.
In the redesign of a smartphone from a market-leading manufacturer, CAD software proved itself crucial. The true design challenge involved the redesign of a phone shell. The challenge lay in making incremental ergonomic improvements, whilst making sure that, brand specific, similarities to the previous model remained. Any changes made, could also not compromise technical ability.
Utilising SketchUp, the design team delivered a fully functional new design, satisfying all the criteria. The design team found it particularly useful to integrate key stakeholders, through collaborative functions. Designs were presented, incorporating SketchUp’s new animation and labelling functions, to avoid confusion and miscommunication. Put simply, costs were minimised and the product was pushed to market in the desired timeframe.
In the industrial manufacturing industry, SketchUp played a critical role in combating the safety concerns associated with a conveyor system. Collaborative design, between engineers and designers working in unison, resulted in a safe and efficient solution, satisfying safety concerns without interrupting production.
Future Trends in CAD for Product Design
The future of CAD is at a tipping point, with virtual prototyping standing as a cornerstone. Elmtec, as always, is at the forefront of this transformation, offering designers the ability to simulate real-world conditions, through award-winning platforms such as SketchUp.
Augmented Reality (AR), is set to allow designers to relate with virtual prototypes in real time, throughout the design process. AR is poised to transform product design, through ease of validation, permitting real-time fine-tuning and encouraging collaboration. Elmtec’s commitment to virtual prototyping will reduce eventual costs, and accelerate time-to-market.
As mentioned throughout this blog, efficiency and the future of CAD lies within its collaborative capabilities. Real-time collaboration through the cloud, facilitates live skill share, on a global scale. International teams can collaborate in an instant, enabling constant feedback loops. In a global market where departments are becoming evermore remote and distant, real-time collaboration is a huge factor driving accuracy, speed and efficiency.
Conclusion: Empowering Designers with Elmtec’s CAD Solutions
Elmtec hopes that you have enjoyed this article and found it informative. Elmtec’s experienced team of advisors are always available to discuss CAD software’s benefits in promoting precision, efficiency and versatility in product design.
Elmtec promotes SketchUp, in particular, as a CAD design software suite of choice. Due to its collaborative functions, vast 3D warehouse, animation functions, and ease of use, we at Elmtec vouch for SketchUp as a market-leading product. But don’t take our word for it, Elmtec is offering free SketchUp trials, so you can see for yourself.
