Engineering what is the use of drafting and computer programs like CAD in mechanical engineering?

Question

How do Drafting and programs like CAD used for are they the same thing are they related. In general how do drafting and CAD improve engineering

Answer 1

I work in the oil and natural gas fields, where I design all my construction projects using AutoCAD, it is pretty much the tool that I use to communicate with construction folks who need to follow the directions assigned on the drawing and apply it on the ground, for example I'd draw a line that has a spherical fitting on it so I draw a line with a circle to denote that fitting and would also mention the size and length and location of the pipe. Imagine now such simple drawing didn't exist, how could it be possible to communicate with construction folks... same thing applies to machinery design and architecture.

Answer 2

drafting, mechanical drawing, and computer aided design translate ideas into drawings that show how objects can be made. CAD saves time compared to drawing by hand. Drawings are a universal language (mostly universal) that communicates the characteristics particular objects must have.

You could say that much of engineering would not be possible without drawings.

Answer 3

Drafting software like SolidWorks and ProEngineer as well as AutoDesk all provide powerful options on 3D design of parts, 3D assemblies with relations and constraints. These software packages can then turn the 3D components into 2D drawings for production and documentation. They can also interface with eachother in certain aspects. These three also have something called FEA (Finite Elemental Analysis) which helps predict the design constraints and helps one make changes to help reduce cycle times for release of Engineering prototypes to manufacturing.

Most of these programs also save drawings as DWG files or DXFs, of which can be uploaded onto CNC machine via MasterCAM software....which means less programming for CNC operators.

So CAD programs have some distinct advantages...
-Prototype to Manufacturing Release cycle times
-Increased design reliability
-Cost reduction (less engineering time and less likelyhood of over-engineering parts)
-Facilitate doc control
-Facilitate ease of outsourcing manufacturing