MCAD Software

Mechanical computer aided-design (MCAD) software is used by mechanical engineers and designers to design and develop mechanical systems. MCAD software is also used in architectural and construction applications.

Mechanical computer-aided design (MCAD) software may be a simple, two-dimensional wireframe program that creates engineering drawings or schematics, or it may be a complex three-dimensional (3D) package that produces accurate and dynamic models. 3D applications may also offer different surface modelling options and animation techniques. Sophisticated MCAD software can take individual components and assemble them into a proposed design and analyze whether or not the components will function together successfully.

Starting with a basic drawing and building more elaborate designs is called bottom-up design. Top-down design approaches involve breaking down an existing product into single components. This approach allows mechanical designers to assess and evaluate the functionality of each individual component before assembling the new final product. MCAD software can be used by electrical and electronic engineers for printed circuit board (PCB) design and wiring diagrams. MCAD software also lends itself to manufacturing by graphically representing the layout of the plant or facility.

Architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) software can include applications for drafting and drawing, visualization, or project management and scheduling. Complex visualization packages allow designers to input sketches or other technical documents such as component drawings from a vendor, maps, or photos. The AEC software operator combines all the relevant pieces to produce drawings, specifications, materials lists, and even schedules for the project. Other specialized AEC software packages may also include calculations for the size and strength of materials in a particular building configuration, or the effect of wind and other environmental stresses on a particular structure. Construction engineers may select AEC software that produces maps of a proposed site or helps create legal documents based on property surveys.

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