Computer-aided design (CAD) is a powerful tool that can be used to help manage projects, plan ahead and produce better results for less cost. Most people think of CAD for engineering projects, but there are countless other ways that smart businesses are leveraging this technology to get ahead in their industries. Here are eight surprising uses of CAD technology in business:
CAD/CAM Dentistry
What is CAD/CAM dentistry? CAD Dentistry is a new technique that uses computer-aided design to create dental crowns and bridges. More advanced CAD/CAM tools allow dental restorations that are better fitted to a person’s mouth. This can reduce the risk of problems down the road because these dental implants are better designed for the perfect fit. It can also speed up the process of creating implants so people get relief more quickly. This is not only good for the patient, but also for the business.
Use CAD to Create More Robust Project Plans
CAD can help you stay on top of your project schedules. A project schedule is a plan for how a task will be completed, with start and end dates as well as milestones along the way. Project managers use these plans to monitor progress and make sure that nothing falls behind schedule. With CAD software at their disposal, businesses can create complex diagrams that illustrate these plans in detail. More complex projects have nuances and layers that aren’t as easy to track in less advanced software.
Creating Quick Prototypes
Want to create a new car prototype? Leveraging CAD for your automobile business can ensure that you create usable models more affordably and in less time. Even businesses that need product prototypes can use CAD technology to make them more easily. When changes need to be made, CAD software makes it possible. It’s also more sustainable because CAD programs help you use fewer materials in making the products and each subsequent iteration until the design is finalized.
Ergonomic Designs for Multiple Industries
Ergonomics is all about how people move in work environments. From office buildings to manufacturing facilities, ergonomic design is critical to consider for the health of your employees. CAD technology has the potential to improve ergonomics in many industries, including manufacturing and healthcare. In fact, CAD software is often used by designers and engineers to create workstations that are more comfortable for their employees and with less need for adjustments. The automotive industry uses CAD software to design seats that are more comfortable for drivers and passengers. You can even use the technology to create customized seats based on each person's height, weight, and body type. For people who drive all the time for work, these designs can improve their health significantly.
Designing New Amusement Park Rides and Attractions
Want to add a new ride to your theme park business? Why not use CAD technology? Because of the robust engineering applications of CAD technology, designing a new ride becomes much easier. You’ll want to determine the type of ride you want, what kind of physics is involved, and even create sketches to represent what the ride will look like in the end. CAD 3D modeling software can help you every step of the way.
Creating Simulation for Business
Not only can you create designs that help you make products, but you can also leverage CAD programs to show how those things will work in real life. These simulations can show how things like structural components will respond to stress and the forces applied against it. These are critical for being able to show proof of concept for businesses that want funding or are ready to bring their ideas into the marketplace.
Conclusion
Computer-aided design is a powerful tool that can help you create more efficient workflows and produce better results for less cost. While most people think of CAD software being used to build houses and skyscrapers, it’s also very important for the medical field, especially as it relates to creating prosthetics. CAD can also be used for monitoring warehouse inventory, designing amusement park rides and attractions, creating quick prototypes of products or services before production begins, monitoring project schedules, and more. Businesses that aren’t using CAD technology need to consider how it could improve their business processes.
