| Designing products with 3D CAD data has many | | | | prototypes or 3D prints. These rapid prototypes can |
| benefits compared to previous designs in 2D format. | | | | then be used to evaluate the design, by checking |
| Advances in technology, and interfacing the data with | | | | clearances in assemblies, the functionality and full |
| other processes allow the following benefits:- | | | | movements, and the aesthetics of the design. Once |
| (1) There are many different programs that can be | | | | the design has been proven, tooling can then be |
| used when designing in 3D. Some of these programs | | | | machined from the data |
| such as solidworks, autocad and pro-engineer are | | | | (4) Significant cost savings can be achieved from |
| formatted such that they can read and use each | | | | evaluating a design in 3D. Once the design has been |
| others data to create there own files. This is beneficial | | | | evaluated and proven, tooling can be machined from |
| as the different programs have strengths and | | | | the data, which will give the correct sizes post |
| weakness with their processing and manipulation of | | | | manufacture. With older technology, tooling would |
| the data. | | | | require modification to achieve correct sizing, and |
| (2) Design data can be imported into machining centres | | | | repeatability of sizing for multiple cavitation could not be |
| that enables direct part manufacture so that the | | | | guaranteed. This all added cost to the final design of |
| designs can be evaluated, or used in full production | | | | the product. |
| process. It also allows for tooling cavities to be | | | | 3D CAD design has become essential for companies |
| machined for tooling dies to be used in die casting or | | | | to remain competitive in industry, especially with |
| plastics moulding. | | | | continual technology advances. |
| (3) Design data can also be used to manufacture rapid | | | | |