I spend much of my time playing with CAD without trying to be one.
A cad is typically described as a rude, selfish, or dishonest man, often behaving badly, especially towards women. The term can imply someone who is charming on the surface but lacks good morals or respect.
My CAD is all CAPS and is an acronym for Computer Assisted Design. Primarily I use it as a drafting and drawing system for things I design and make. I do very little mathematical analysis or testing of my designs within CAD.
So functionally for me it is more like computer mechanical drafting without the physical tools like the drafting table, T square bar, triangles, compass, etc.
The best part is I save a lot of paper and the CAD system outputs the drawings in electronic data format in the form of computer readable data files.
Usually many output data formats are available. The one I use the most for 3D printing is STL.
STL is a file format native to the stereolithography CAD software created by 3D Systems. Chuck Hull, the inventor of stereolithography and 3D Systems’ founder, reports that the file extension is an abbreviation for stereolithography, although it is also referred to as standard triangle language or standard tessellation language.
The STL a 3 dimensional picture format which is converted to a GCODE format which is the computer instruction code that controls movement and other operations of CNC mechanical (machine) tool systems. Such as 3D printers, milling machines, lathes, etc.
CNC is the acronym for Computer Numerical Control. This system replaced Numerical Control (NC) (punched card or punched tape) of first generation (before individual computer) machine control system.
Manufacturing has come a long way with the invention of the computer and its’ many applications.
I have milling machines, lathes, overhead router, LASER engraving and cutting machines, and a dozen 3D printers controlled by CNC. Also many manual (human operator – hands on) machine tools like power saws, milling tools, drills and lathes.
But today I can brag, I am mostly a CAD person. But NOT the type described in the 2nd paragraph! HA!
Many new ideas start as a pencil sketch, where I note most major dimensions and shape of my new design. Then I quickly move to the computer and open one of my favorite CAD software programs.
I have two favorites. Autodesk Fusion and Onshape by PTC Inc.
I enjoy using both CAD systems. Onshape is a bit more friendly to the non-professional user, but both are designed as SERIOUS tools for the professional design engineer and draftsperson. (And their teams, which seems to be a big selling point)
I stop short of the full analytic power use of both applications. Nothing I have designed (so far) needs critical stress analysis or that sort of detail.
I am a hobbyist team of one making things for personal use. Thankfully, both Autodesk Fusion and Onshape/PTC Inc. let me use their CAD at no cost.
If you need (or want to be) a good CAD, I recommend both.
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