CAD design. CAD programs: an overview for different platforms. Types of software depending on the industry

The table presented in this material is an ordered list of manufacturers of ready-made software solutions in the field of design, development and industrial design systems.

Peculiarities

Along with the use of automation systems for engineering calculations and CAE analysis, at present, as a rule, CAD (Computer-Aided Design) systems are used. Information from CAD systems goes to CAM (Computer-aided manufacturing). It should be noted that the English term "CAD" in relation to industrial systems has a narrower interpretation than the Russian term "CAD", since the concept of "CAD" includes both CAD, and CAM, and CAE. Among all information technologies, design automation occupies a special place. First of all, design automation is a synthetic discipline, as it includes various modern information technologies. So, for example, the technical support of CAD is based on the operation of computer networks and telecommunication technologies, and CAD also practices the use of personal computers and workstations. Speaking about the mathematical software of CAD, it should be noted the variety of methods used: computational mathematics, mathematical programming, statistics, discrete mathematics, artificial intelligence. CAD software systems can be compared with one of the most complex modern software systems, which are based on such operating systems as Windows, Unix, and such programming languages ​​as C ++ and Java, as well as modern CASE technologies. Almost every development engineer should have knowledge of the basics of design automation and be able to work with CAD tools. Since all design departments, offices and design bureaus are equipped with computers, the work of a designer with such a tool as an ordinary drawing board or calculations using a slide rule has become irrelevant. Consequently, enterprises operating without CAD or using it to a small extent become uncompetitive, since they spend much more time and money on design.

CAD types

  • Mathematical software CAD (MO) - this type involves the combination of mathematical methods, models and algorithms in order to perform design)
  • Linguistic software CAD (LO) - this software is an expression of communication languages ​​between designers and computers, data exchange languages ​​and programming languages ​​between CAD hardware;
  • CAD hardware (TO) - this includes peripheral devices, computers, communication lines, data processing and output, etc.;
  • CAD information support (IO) - consists of databases (DB), database management systems (DBMS) and other data that are used in the design;
  • CAD software (SW) is primarily CAD computer programs;
  • Methodological support (MetO) - includes various kinds of design methods;
  • Organizational support (OS) - is represented by staffing tables, job descriptions and other documents that determine the work of the project enterprise.

CAD structure

Being one of the complex systems, CAD consists of two subsystems: design and maintenance. Design procedures are performed by design subsystems. Subsystems of geometric three-dimensional modeling of mechanical objects are a striking example of design subsystems. With the help of service subsystems, the functioning of the design subsystems is carried out, their unity, as a rule, is called the system environment or the CAD shell. Typical service subsystems are the design process management subsystems (DesPM - Design Process Management), design data management (PDM - Product Data Management). Dialogue subsystem (DP); DBMS; instrumental subsystem; monitor - providing interaction of all subsystems and managing their implementation - these are serving software subsystems. The dialog subsystem of the software enables interactive interaction between the CAD user and the control and design subsystems of the software, as well as the preparation and correction of initial data, familiarization with the results of design subsystems operating in batch mode.

The structure of CAD software is determined by the following factors:

  • aspects and level of descriptions created with the help of software, designed objects and subject area;
  • the degree of automation of specific project operations and procedures;
  • resources provided for software development;
  • architecture and composition of technical means, mode of operation.

CAD classification

CAD is classified according to the following principles: purpose, application, scale and nature of the basic subsystem. According to the intended purpose, CAD or CAD subsystems are distinguished, which provide various aspects of design. Thus, CAE /CAD /CAM systems appear as part of MCAD:

  • CAD-F or CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) systems. This refers to CAD functional design
  • CAD-K - design CAD systems for general engineering, most often they are simply called CAD systems;
  • CAD-T - technological CAD systems for general mechanical engineering - ASTPP (automated systems for technological preparation of production) or CAM systems (Computer Aided Manufacturing).

By applications, the most important and widely used are such CAD groups as:

  • Mechanical CAD or MCAD (Mechanical CAD) systems are CAD systems for use in general engineering industries.
  • ECAD (Electronic CAD) or EDA (Electronic Design Automation) systems - CAD for radio electronics.
  • CAD in the field of architecture and construction.

In addition, there are a large number of more specialized CAD systems, either allocated in certain groups, or being an independent branch in the classification. These are such systems as: BIS-CAD (large integrated circuits); CAD for aircraft and CAD for electrical machines. By scale, independent software and methodological complexes (PMC) of CAD are determined:

  • Complex for strength analysis of mechanical products in accordance with the finite element method (FEM)
  • Complex for analysis of electronic circuits;
  • PMK systems;
  • Systems with unique software (software) and technical (hardware) architectures.

Classification by the nature of the underlying subsystem

  • CAD, which are aimed at applications where the main design procedure is design, that is, the definition of spatial forms and the relative position of objects. This is a CAD based on computer graphics and mathematical modeling. This group of systems includes most of the graphic CAD cores in the field of mechanical engineering.
  • Application-oriented CAD systems in which a large amount of data is processed with fairly simple mathematical calculations. It is CAD based on DBMS. CAD data is mainly found in technical and economic applications, for example, in the process of designing business plans, objects like control panels in automation systems.
  • Complex (integrated) CAD, which include a set of previous types of subsystems. Typical examples of complex CAD systems can be CAE / CAD / CAM systems in mechanical engineering or CAD BIS. Thus, the DBMS and subsystems for designing components, schematic, logical and functional circuits, topology of crystals, tests for testing the suitability of products is an integral part of CAD LSI. In order to manage such complex systems, specialized system environments are used.
  • CAD based on a specific application package. In fact, these are freely used software and methodological complexes, such as a complex for simulating production processes, a complex for the synthesis and analysis of automatic control systems, a complex for calculating strength using the finite element method, etc. As a rule, CAD data refers to CAE systems. For example, logical design programs based on the VHDL language, mathematical packages such as MathCAD.

Development of CAD

One of the key topics in the development of CAD is "cloud" computing: remote work with data hosted on remote servers from various devices with Internet access. To date, clouds have made very significant progress in the segment of light applications and services - mainly in the consumer sector. There are two options for integration. In the first case, the entire infrastructure of engineering services is transferred to the cloud, and, accordingly, the need for engineering software installed at the workplace disappears altogether. In the second case, the designer still has a graphical workstation with CAD installed, but at the same time he gets access to various cloud services from it, thanks to which it is possible to solve tasks that require very significant resources (for example, to carry out strength analysis). Cloud interaction is possible in two ways: publicly, when access to the server located at the provider is open via the Internet, and privately, when the server is located at the enterprise and it is accessed via a closed local network. In Russia, the development of clouds in the field of CAD is constrained by the need to maintain excessive secrecy in so many projects. Therefore, it is most likely that private clouds will become the main driver of the market in the near future. Clouds are not only new technologies, but also an opportunity to experiment with new business models.

The next important trend is alternative operating systems. Five years ago, when there was talk about an alternative to Microsoft Windows, it was usually about Linux. This topic is still relevant today: the domestic national software platform, most likely, will be made based on the Linux kernel; there is a growing interest in this OS in the field of education and in government agencies (there are examples of a successful transition). However, now we can already talk about the significant potential of the Google Chrome OS operating system. And here the mentioned trend merges with the cloud trend - Google OS, as you know, does not imply installing applications on a local computer.

An important role in the promotion of this OS is played by the trend towards a decrease in the market share of PCs. Obviously, if most of the bulky and complex calculations are transferred to the clouds, the requirements for hardware are reduced and it becomes possible to work on any device. For example, on tablets. As a result, developers of CAD solutions will either have to develop platform-independent solutions (cloud version) or make them multi-platform.

The next topic is `hardware`. Here, again, everything is determined by the market's dissatisfaction with the monopolist's decision - the classic Intel architecture (the pace of its development). In this regard, there is a clear trend towards the development of the ARM architecture. It is now supported by several manufacturers, among which one of the most active is Nvidia (Nvidia). So far, this architecture is actively used only in mobile devices, but in the near future, apparently, it will also be transferred to stationary PCs. Indirectly, this is evidenced by the fact that the future Microsoft Windows 8 OS will be able to work on the ARM architecture too (for the first time not only on Intel).

The second trend is the transfer of a significant part of the calculations from the central processor to the graphics core. This topic is more related to the field of parallel computing.

Another trend is the growth of the mobile device market. It received the greatest acceleration last year with the advent of the iPad. At first, however, it seemed that this device was purely consumer and it would not be applicable in the corporate sector. However, it turned out that it is quite suitable for solving many problems.

In the CAD sector today, many employees are mobile - working on the road, at remote construction sites, moving around the country, working at home. (All this requires a handy mobile device.)

One way or another, abroad that every employee of the engineering service will soon have a tablet, today they speak as a fait accompli. Mobile platforms IOS Apple and Android Google, attractive for developers, have already appeared, as well as a significant number of CAD applications for them.

Now it is very difficult to say whether the keyboard and mouse will leave our arsenal in ten years. But the fact is that interfaces focused on working with multi-touch screens (finger-based) are clearly gaining popularity. In mobile devices, they have almost become the standard. Today it is quite clear that this interface is more than suitable for information consumption. Whether it is just as good for its creation, for working with CAD, is still difficult to say. There is still not enough technological base for a mass transition to such interfaces. Now there are simply no large enough multi-touch panels on the market with the necessary resolution for CAD.

The CAD market is very conservative. Even replacing one such system with another within the framework of work on one project is a rather difficult task. What can we say about a serious paradigm shift, interfaces, CAD generations. Therefore, this market is clearly not one of the leaders in the technological race - there is development, but obviously not as fast as we would like. However, in the next decade, engineers who have grown up in the era of the Internet, new technologies and mobile devices will come to enterprises, and one way or another they will actively bring elements of their culture to the market.

CAD in construction

Digitalization of business has affected all its industries. In the last decade, solutions for the design, engineering and construction of industrial facilities have been booming. From Soviet drawing boards, designers came to 3D modeling. What digitalization means for this segment, how to help the team work in a single space and why it is not yet possible to completely get rid of paper media, Alexey Lebedev, CEO of AVEVA, helped to understand.

The global CAD (design automation software) market is constantly evolving. Modern software packages allow not only to quickly create drawings verified to the smallest detail, but also 3D models, as well as technical documentation for them. Such utilities are most often used in conjunction with automated analysis and calculation systems, called CAE.

CAD market in the world and CIS

Every year, sales of CAD software increase, at the moment at least 6 million people use this software. The market began to develop especially actively after the global economic crisis of 2009. By the end of 2017, CAD sales are forecast to reach $8.7 billion.

The popularity of CAD depends on the region in which these solutions are being implemented. The most dynamic software is sold in countries whose economy is on the rise. The rating of the most popular manufacturers of utilities for design automation is presented in Diagram 1.

Diagram 1. The largest CAD manufacturers according to JPR research in 2014

Unlike other sectors involved in the production of software, the CAD market is very open to new players who can take advantage of the opportunities provided and offer new technologies. Among the companies offering a large number of innovative solutions, we should mention GrabCAD, SpaceClaim and Hexagon.
In terms of geographical distribution, the first place in the market is occupied by European states, which is associated with the presence on the continent of enterprises operating in areas that are considered the main consumers of CAD products:

  • Electronics and electrical engineering,
  • Mechanical and aircraft construction.

It is difficult to analyze the development of the CAD market in the countries of the former USSR, since of all domestic manufacturers only ASCON provides open access to information about its income. However, we can say that in the CIS countries, 2D design systems are gradually being replaced by 3D programs that allow not only to create three-dimensional models and documentation for them, but also to manage the life cycle of a project or product composition.

Most enterprises in the post-Soviet space have abandoned unlicensed software, although the number of illegal users remains quite high. At the same time, in financial terms, the annual growth of the CAD market has been at least 20% over the past 10 years. These indicators are provided by high world oil prices and a great interest in the automation of mining and processing enterprises. The software that allows to automate the work is widely implemented by enterprises working in the field of mechanical engineering. The main CAD market in Russia today is controlled by 5 key companies.

In connection with the appearance in recent years of a large number of paid services in the field of technical support provided by the vendor, as well as the complication of the functionality of utilities, it is planned that in the coming years the growth of the services market by at least 5% will outpace sales of new licenses.

Undoubtedly, due to the crisis, sales of CAD products have decreased, especially when it comes to popular universal systems, but brands offering software in a more expensive price category have not experienced a significant reduction in sales.

Overview of Inventor

This program is one of the oldest 3D design systems. Its first versions appeared back in 1999, since then Autodesk has released at least a hundred updates, which turned Inventor into a kind of benchmark in the domestic CAD market.
The main advantages of this software are:

  • The presence of a parametric modeling function that allows you to set the characteristics of each of the elements of the model;
  • Flexibility, which refers to the possibility of using different design methods with fairly low requirements for computer software;
  • Ability to create models separately and include them in assemblies;
  • A function with which you can create 2D drawings for the created 3D models.

A good overview of the interface and capabilities of this program was given by our subscriber and good friend Mikhail Azanov:

For those who want to quickly master the functionality of Inventor Autodesk, you can also recommend or download a free one. Or visit our.

Overview of SolidWorks

This program uses two design principles at the same time - surface parametric and three-dimensional solid, which allows the designer to work on the creation of three-dimensional parts and assemble three-dimensional electronic models.
With the help of the program, you can see the future product from different angles and evaluate not only its technical characteristics, but also the quality of design.

The principle of operation of the software has much in common with the assembly of the Lego constructor: the user assembles a model from template blocks that can be easily added and removed, as well as changing their characteristics. The resulting three-dimensional models, placed in a three-dimensional virtual space, help to get the most accurate idea of ​​the properties of the object and bring the computer model closer to the appearance of the future product without the need for prototyping.

A small overview of the basic principles of modeling in SolidWorks:

Overview of the KOMPAS 3D program

KOMPAS 3D is a unique software that allows you to implement ideas in 3D and create their documentation. With powerful functionality, the program provides simplicity and convenience of work. The reference system is well known in the countries of Eastern Europe, since it has an extensive database of typical parametric libraries, which contain a large number of template models that allow you to design parts of mechanisms, machines, architectural forms and parts. The developers have offered a flexible, advanced toolkit that perfectly matches the goals of professionals who solve complex problems of building surfaces.

The program was created as a modular product that allows you to optimize budget costs and reduce the time for the implementation of design and architectural ideas. The user has the ability to create technological and design documentation in the form of text documents and spreadsheets. In addition, the program is able to create instructions for production robots, which distinguishes it from competitors.

Overview of the KOMPAS 3D interface from Studio Vertex:

You can get an idea about the rules for working with software on our website in the section.

The best CAD systems in the CIS

What software best suits the interests of domestic designers? KOMPAS 3D receives more and more positive reviews, the main advantages of which are:

  • Relatively low cost;
  • New software blocks;
  • Upgraded user interface;
  • Systematic software update;
  • Powerful module for designing a variety of specifications.

The cost of a KOMPAS 3D license ranges from 1,490 to 200,000 rubles, depending on the type of universal automated system and the area in which it is planned to be used, the buyer can choose an electronic or boxed version. You can purchase a license, for example, here: http://store.ascon.ru/.

You can find out the exact cost of SolidWorks products only by contacting the developers (request form - http://www.solidworks.ru/buy-solidworks/), but according to rumors, it is at least 350,000 rubles, the price of Inventor is just as high.

So, the popularity of KOMPAS 3D is easy to explain: the software is affordable, the rules for working with it are easy to master, and a rich collection of templates will satisfy the needs of even a large design center.

What do you think about KOMPAS 3D? Write in the comments.

by the way, we have finished work on the creation of a new bestseller - !

In the age of modern technology, the design of buildings and structures, like many other things, has been shouldered by automated systems. It became possible to create a full-fledged project in a short time, show it to the customer, quickly change or add something to it. Tools such as CAD programs will be discussed in this article.

What is CAD?

A computer-aided design system is nothing more than the domestic name CAD (computer-aided design). Its essence is to increase the productivity of designers and engineers, as well as improve the quality of their work. This is achieved due to several useful properties of CAD programs:

  • the process of creating all documentation occurs automatically;
  • the ability to use parallel design by several people;
  • previously created projects are easy to use in new ones, connecting them in a short time;
  • there is no need to use mock-ups and tests;
  • reduces the percentage of errors and shortcomings.

Thus, we brought the design to a whole new level, reducing labor costs and increasing productivity.

Overview of CAD programs

There are many different software solutions on the market for a variety of design industries. It is worth considering them in more detail.

AutoCAD

This review would be incomplete without including this "mastodon" of CAD. AutoCAD has been on the market for over 20 years and has long been the best CAD program in the world. Everything that a designer needs is implemented in this software.

However, technology and requirements do not stand still, and very soon the capabilities of AutoCAD began to be missed. It is suitable for medium and small projects. But if you need to create a full-fledged huge project, it will be inconvenient to work with it.

So the developer Autodesk went further and created the Architectural Desktop. Its users are professional architects and specialists in the field For all its capabilities, this CAD program has managed to maintain the ease of use of AutoCAD.

Since design spans a large number of industries that require drawings and plans, Autodesk has also created several highly specialized solutions. All developer products are paid and noticeably expensive.

ArchiCAD

It is one of the CAD programs that is gaining popularity among designers. Has great potential. In particular, it provides a virtual model with which you can work out not only the internal structure, but also the external appearance to the smallest detail.

Also, the program can generate all the necessary set of documents for registration.

Large architectural studios and bureaus will love the project collaboration feature. Parallelization of tasks greatly speeds up the creative process.

ATHENA

CAD program for creating drawings and projects. It specializes mainly in solutions for facade and metal structures. But the latest versions can also design full-fledged buildings and complexes.

The work takes place both in 2D mode and in three-dimensional space.

CAD programs for Linux

As you know, in the Linux environment, the most common programs that have free licenses or even open source. In most cases, they are far behind in capabilities from paid products in the Windows environment. However, let's look at a few worthy CAD solutions that can solve the problems of designers.

Qcad

Distributed under the GNU GPL free license. However, there is a version for professionals, the price of which is about $33.

The scope of the software product is 2D drawings, sketches. In general, the system is suitable for creating small and not complex projects.

Open CASCADE

This product is already focused on creating full-fledged 3D projects. In addition, there are tools for rapid documentation exchange, visualization and collaborative development.

Distributed by CASCADE in free form, there is an open source. However, under the terms of the license, if the user has made changes to the code, he must notify the developers.

ARCAD

And this is already a paid solution for the Linux environment. A complete system designed for professionals. Has great potential. In particular, the creation of a 3D model, visualization, calculations of the required volumes and masses, and much more.

CAD and Android

With such a trend in the development of mobile devices, it is not surprising that smartphones and tablets will soon completely replace their "big brothers". And now such complex and heavy tools as CAD tools are also available on mobile platforms. Next will be a short review of CAD programs for Android.

AutoCAD 360

This product has already been mentioned at the beginning of the article. The developer of the program is the same - Autodesk. The application is free, but there are also commercial versions of Pro and Pro Plus. This representative is able to work with files of a full-fledged PC version, that is, create and edit them. The interface is simple and clear. True, there is one small limitation - you can work with files less than 10 MB.

cad touch

Good CAD editor and viewer. Free, simple and intuitive. It has an extensive list of tools, work with DWG files, and also has a raster mode.

Unfortunately, development in the 3D environment has not yet been finalized, but the application has room to grow. Like most programs, it has a Pro version, for which you need to pay about $20.

Turbo Viewer

This application is not an editor, but a simple DWG/DXF file viewer. Works pretty fast. It will be a good solution for designers when they need to quickly show the working elements of the project to the customer away from the computer.

Conclusion

Programs for design automation are available on all known platforms. Some are paid solutions, others are open source. But all of them are united by one thing - the ability to create a full-fledged project of an object in a short time.

Windows, Linux official site CAD - systems (CAD) 1

gCAD3D is a free CAD program. Supports working with file formats: Step, Iges, VRML, DXF, SVG. With the help of the program you can view the designed objects in 3D. The program supports plugins that extend its functionality.

QCAD Community Edition

official website April 10, 2017 GNU General Public License - license for personal and commercial use CAD - systems (CAD) 10

QCAD Community Edition is a free program whose main purpose is to create complex 2D architectural plans and engineering drawings. This utility has a parts collection that includes over 4,700 CAD parts. The disadvantage of the development is the lack of support for DWG files, it works exclusively with the DXF format. The application allows you to use in the course of drawing such elements as: arcs, ellipses, circles, points, straight lines, broken lines and others. QCAD provides the user with all the necessary functionality for changing and building plans. Also included are 35 CAD fonts. To control the drawing process, a command line is provided, located under the main window. The program is able to print to scale, which favorably distinguishes it from free counterparts. The utility boasts an intuitive interface and low system requirements.

A9Tech

Windows official website 04 February 2016 Freeware - license for personal and commercial use CAD - systems (CAD) 2

A9Tech is a free alternative to AutoCAD. Supports A9Tech file formats. Using standard elements, the program allows you to create drawings. To simplify the work, the application supports several layers.

nanoCAD free

Windows official website 06 February 2016 Free home software - license for personal use only (non-commercial purposes) CAD - systems (CAD) 15

nanoCAD free is a free version of basic level autocad. Fully supports DWG file format. It has vertical applications designed for specialized areas. Registration is required to get the free version.

FreeCAD

Windows, Linux, Mac OS X official website February 04, 2016 GNU Lesser General Public License - license for personal and commercial use more...

CAD systems(computer-aided design - computer-aided design support) are designed to solve design problems and draw up design documentation (more commonly they are called computer-aided design CAD systems). As a rule, modern CAD systems include modules for modeling a three-dimensional three-dimensional structure (parts) and designing drawings and text design documentation (specifications, sheets, etc.). Leading 3D CAD systems make it possible to realize the idea of ​​an end-to-end cycle of preparation and production of complex industrial products.

CAM systems(computer-aided manufacturing - computer support for manufacturing) are designed to design the processing of products on machine tools with numerical control (CNC) and issue programs for these machines (milling, drilling, erosion, punching, turning, grinding, etc.). CAM-systems are also called systems of technological preparation of production. Currently, they are practically the only way to manufacture complex-profile parts and shorten their production cycle. CAM systems use a 3D model of a part created in a CAD system.

SAE systems(computer-aided engineering - support for engineering calculations) are an extensive class of systems, each of which allows you to solve a specific calculation problem (group of tasks), ranging from strength calculations, analysis and modeling of thermal processes to calculations of hydraulic systems and machines, calculations of casting processes . CAE systems also use a three-dimensional product model created in a CAD system. CAE systems are also called engineering analysis systems.

General classification of CAD/CAM/CAE systems

Over the almost 30-year period of existence of CAD / CAM / CAE systems, their generally accepted international classification has developed:

- drawing-oriented systems, which appeared first in the 70s. (and successfully used in some cases so far);

- systems that allow you to create a three-dimensional electronic model of an object, which makes it possible to solve the problems of its modeling up to the moment of manufacture;

– systems that support the concept of a complete electronic description of the object (EPD, Electronic Product Definition). EPD is a technology that enables the development and maintenance of an electronic information model throughout the entire life cycle of a product, including marketing, conceptual and detailed design, process preparation, production, operation, repair, and disposal. As a result of the development of the EPD concept, there were grounds for turning standalone CAD, CAM and CAE systems into integrated CAD/CAM/CAE systems.



Traditionally, there is also a division of CAD / CAM / CAE systems into systems of the upper, middle and lower levels. It should be noted that this division is rather conditional, because now there is a tendency for middle-level systems (in various parameters) to approach top-level systems, and lower-level systems are increasingly ceasing to be just two-dimensional drawing-oriented and becoming three-dimensional.

Two types of solid geometry kernels are currently widely used on the market - Parasolid from Unigraphics Solutions and ACIS from Spatial Technology.

Russian CAD

KOMPAS 3D(ASCON)

T-FLEX CAD 3D(Top Systems) – Parasolid

CAD "Sudarushka"- CAD/CAM/CAE system. It is a development of the GEMOS system (geometric modeling of aircraft contours), developed by specialists of the Russian aviation industry in the OKB. A. S. Yakovlev in 1989-1994.

ADEM(Russia, Israel, Geomania) - CAD for design and technological preparation and CNC machines. The main product is the ADEM VX integrated CAD/CAM/CAPP system. The name stands for "automated design, calculation and manufacturing" (Automated Design, Engineering, Manufacturing); adem.ru. – ACIS

WinELSO 7 - is designed to automate work in the design of power supply of objects for all voltages of 3-phase, 1-phase alternating and direct currents (Russian Industrial Company is an authorized developer of applications for Autodesk products (Autodesk Developer Network)); winelso.ru.

Expert-SKS(Expert-Soft, Moscow) - CAD for automation at all stages of designing structured cabling systems, fiber optic lines, LAN, linear and backbone networks; expertsoft.ru

There are also free and open source CAD systems.

CAD of non-Russian manufacturers

Dassault Systems, France:

– CATIA- CAD for the aerospace industry;

– SolidWorks- universal CAD system for mechanical engineering, Parasolid.

MathCAD(Mathsoft, now - Parametric Technology Corp.) - mathematical modeling.

P-CAD(Altium, Sydney, Australia) - CAD for the design of electronic devices.

Pro/Engineer(Parametric Technology Corp.) - universal CAD for mechanical engineering. Parasolid

Solid Edge(UGS – Siemens PLM Software) - 2D/3D CAD system.

Autodesk Inc.:

– AutoCAD- the most common CAD not of Russian production. – – Autodesk Inventor- three-dimensional solid design system for the development of complex engineering products - ACIS

Approximate cost of systems, rub

The division into levels is conditional, mainly depends on the functionality and, therefore, is determined by the price per workplace.

Low-level systems have nothing to do with CAD. These are graphic editors designed to automate engineering and graphic work, together with a computer and a monitor, they are an "electronic drawing board", that is, a good tool for completing design documentation. These systems are called two-dimensional.

The general name for systems of the first and second levels is three-dimensional systems. Designing takes place at the level of solid models with the involvement of powerful design and technological libraries, using a modern mathematical apparatus to carry out the necessary calculations. These systems allow, using animation tools, to simulate the movement in space of the working parts of the product (for example, robot manipulators). They track the trajectory of the tool during the development and control of the technological process of manufacturing the designed product. Such systems are called CAD / CAM (Computer-aided Design / Computer-Aided Systems for Technological Preparation of Production), in other words - end-to-end CAD (CAD / CAM / CAE).

CAD/CAM/CAE systems make it possible to logically connect all information about a product on an enterprise scale, provide fast processing and access to it for users working in heterogeneous systems.

The model created by the system is based on data integration and is a complete electronic description of the product, where there are design, technological, production, and other databases for the product. This provides a significant improvement in quality, cost reduction and a reduction in the time to market.

For the design of power supply systems (SE), it is possible to use CAD systems from other industries, but the specific features of power supply systems as complex technical systems require a slightly different design approach.

The existing ESS design systems using computer technology are mainly focused on automating individual procedures or stages of the design process. Experience shows that it is easier and more efficient to train power supply specialists in one new discipline - computer hardware and software and CAD, than for CAD and software developers to master many electrical disciplines that are given to electrical engineers. When studying the discipline "CAD power supply" implies knowledge of the courses of electrical disciplines, as well as the ability to work with a computer at the user level.