Before using computer technology, engineers and designers relied on paper blueprints and schematics to flesh out new products. However, over the past few decades, CAD has been the go-to approach for designing basic parts for complex machinery.

Metal fabrication has solely relied on the benefits of CAD models for quick and efficient operation. This article breaks down the importance of CAD models for metal fabrication.

What are CAD Models?

CAD is computer-aided design and uses computers to guide and execute technical designs, drawings, and documentation. CAD models are 3D representations of object design in a virtual space. The CAD software maps out a detailed shape of the desired object with precise dimensions. The completed 3D CAD model can be directly sent over for fabrication.

CAM (computer-aided manufacturing)

A group of computer-controlled machinery having automatic manufacturing capabilities. CAMs are often used in conjunction with CMMs (computer measuring machines). CMMs are machines with sensors attached in place of cutting tools. These sensors move along the body of a part to determine its dimensions.

Importance of CAD Models

The importance of CAD models is evident from their prominence in modern-day manufacturing. Several industries, including computers, medicine, automotive, and consumer goods, all use CAD modeling. 

Although there are several contributing factors to the success and importance of CAD, a few stand out from the rest.

The following are a few key elements of CAD design that are responsible for its importance to metal fabrication.

1.Visualization

Before the widespread availability of CAD software and systems, the full scope of a design was limited to one’s imagination. The final design was difficult to share with others and only existed in the head of the designer. And the full extent of a design could only be grasped after fabrication.

CAD modeling has allowed designers and engineers to bring their designs to life in a 3D environment. This has brought unprecedented speed and versatility to the design and drafting phase. 

Engineers can now easily showcase their designs to manufacturers, who will better understand the final part, resulting in a much lower failure and defect rate. The importance of visualization cannot be understated. 

Once manufacturers saw the benefits of 3D models, there was no going back. 3D CAD models have become an industry standard in just a little while after its mainstream appearance.

2.Convenience 

An overlooked element of industrial work is convenience. After all, convenience is often associated with simplicity and laziness. But it is actually one of the most important elements for any manufacturing and design application.

CAD models are easier to edit, modify and improve. Unlike paper designs which rely on users to create a new set of 2D drawings for each small change, 3D models require just a few clicks. 

The convenience of quick editing is particularly useful for prototyping purposes where a part goes through several iterations and changes before being finalized.

Editing is not the only section of design that has seen improvements through CAD models. The modeling and designing phase itself has gone through a complete overhaul. Creating geometric shapes like circles, squares, triangles, etc., now takes less than a minute. Where in the past, you would constantly be at the mercy of compasses and protractors to finish the same task.

3.Productivity

CAD models have brought significant time savings to the design and manufacturing sector. Proper measurements are essential to fabrication, as they ensure minimum errors during cutting and thanks to CAD designs, all measurements are accurate and all cuts are precise. This minimization of error results in better time efficiency and higher productivity.

Mistakes in the design phase can lead to significant defects in the final product. Luckily CAD model dimensions can be checked with the click of a button, negating any chance of an error occurring.

CAD design is also quick and easy to learn and has lowered the barrier to entry for designers. You can now design a part or complete assembly on a single computer without fussing around with paper, pencils, and set squares. 

The convenience of CAD models is directly related to efficiency and time reduction, two very desirable outcomes.

Another benefit of using CAD models is convenient sharing and co-development. Instead of sending physical printed copies of a design, you can send the digital file to colleagues around the world and collaborate with them. An increase in productivity results in less time wasted, which in turn leads to cost savings.

4.Direct Fabrication

Soon after the invention of CAD modeling, manufacturers realized a possible companion to CAD models, CAM machines. Computing power had grown to a point where miniature computers could be attached to manufacturing equipment for automation purposes.

Thus, the CNC machining systems came into being. Machine operators would now input a CAD model into the system instead of long, complicated manual instructions, which resulted in manufacturing equipment that could work directly with CAD models to create accurate and precise parts.

This direct connection between CAD models and CNC machines is the biggest jump in manufacturing since the industrial revolution. All of our electronics, appliances, and vehicles are a direct result of direct metal fabrication using CAD models.

Conclusion

CAD models are the future, and they have occupied that title for several years now. They are convenient, flexible, and versatile tools that have led to a significant improvement in metal fabrication. 

Many of our modern-day products cannot be made without the use of CAD models. We hope this article has opened your mind to the importance and possibilities of CAD design in the manufacturing space.

Why Choose QBH for your Metal Fabrication Projects?

QBH is an expert in CNC machining and metal fabrication. We have been making high-quality OEM and ODM parts for clients all around the world. We specialize in CNC Turning, CNC Milling, Sheet Metal Fabrication, and much more. Our flexible MOQ and quick turnaround times give us an edge over the competition.

QBH also offers design services to clients, where our professional engineers guide you and help you turn your ideas into CAD models. So don’t let this chance slip by, and Contact us Now!

2D drawings first become prominent during the 1800s. And until a few decades ago they were the only method of conveying product designs to manufacturers. With the advent of 3D modeling, you may think that 2D drawings have become obsolete, but that is not the case. Many industries still use 2D drawings alongside 3D models and some exclusively rely on them.

In this article, we explain the reasons for 2D drawings’ popularity and its importance in the manufacturing sector.

What are 2D Drawings?

A 2D Drawing is a two-dimensional flat representation of the six sides of a specimen (3D model). It shows all the details and dimensions of the specimen while following standards for drawing views. In the past 2D drawings were drawn by hand on large pieces of paper, but now it is mostly done on CAD (computer-aided design) software.

Types of 2D Drawings

There are two main types of 2D drawing which are known by their angles of projection. An angle of projection consists of three main elements, the object (specimen), the observer, and the projection paper. The difference between types of drawing depends upon the relative positions of the three elements.

First Angle Projection

In this system of drawing projection, the specimen is firmly placed between the observer and the drawing canvas (paper).

Third Angle Projection:

In a 3rd Angle Projection setup, the canvas (paper) is firmly placed between the observer and the specimen. This is the more commonly used projection system. 

Importance of 2D Drawings for Manufacturers

Multiple factors affect the operational flow of the production line. Design and modeling are the first of these key factors. 2D drawings bring several advantages to the production process, that ensure the importance of this design technique.

Following are a few elements of 2D drawings that cement their importance in the manufacturing space.

Adaptability

Complex geometries require additional machining processes. In order to reduce time and cost, it is important to introduce adoptable production skills to ensure good productivity and cost-effectiveness. 

2D drawings are compatible with both automatic CNC machining and manual machining practices. 

Tolerance stacking

Each manufactured part has some associated tolerance. When assembled into a complete section, individual tolerances add up to a significant level.

In this aspect, 2D drawing ensures the lowest tolerances level, as the tolerance for each section can be drawn separately. 

Flexibility

This is important to achieve better production efficiency and conditions. In terms of Drawing and designing products, it is essential to include these factors/changes in the production cycle.

2D drawings are simple and easy to change, modify, and edit. This also helps with prototyping as minor changes to each iteration become easier and quicker.

Error Identification and Reduction

Error reduction is an incredibly important step in the manufacturing process, even minor errors can snowball into major defects down the line.

Using 2D drawings, changes can be documented more easily and any potential error can be quickly identified.

Ease of Use

A low barrier to entry is critical for manufacturing, many old-school machine operators are still not comfortable with using computers. 2D drawings are an old and basic designing tool that almost all production teams know how to use. No need to mess around with complicated computer models and software. 

You can simply print the 2D drawing on paper and hand it to the CNC machine operator.

This decreases the error probability in the production process and decreases the time and cost of the overall product production.

2D Drawings vs 3D Modeling

Multiple factors differentiate 2D drawings from 3D models. The following are key factors that differentiate the two design techniques.

Dimensions

In a 2D drawing, each projected section/view is properly labeled with its dimensions. While 3D models often require you to select a specific surface to check its dimensions. 2D drawings, specially printed ones will have the proper dimensions in front of you at all times.

Portability

2D drawings can be easily printed on paper, rolled up, and carried around a work site. While 3D models require a table or laptop to be on hand all the time. A bonus to the 2D method is that you don’t need to charge your paper drawings.

Visibility

A minor issue of 3D models is their visibility in direct sunlight. If you are working on a project outdoor, you will be constantly under direct sunlight. Laptop and tablet screens have come a long way but they are still not good enough for outdoor use.

Size Restrictions / Readability

2D drawings are only limited by the size of the paper. Most industrial drawings are printed on A1-sized paper (23-3/8 x 33-1/8 in). 3D models are limited by the screen size of your laptop or other electronic devices, which are typical 13-17 inches in size.

Using 2D Drawings for Machining

Here are a few examples of the applications of 2D drawings in machining workloads.

2D Drawings for CNC Machining

In most CNC machining projects you work on one side of the workpiece at a time. This requires accurate dimensions and views for the required product. 2D drawing provides this information with standardized systems of identification (dimensions, types). 

2D Drawings for Sheet Metal Fabrication

Sheet Metal Fabrication is a process that bends and cuts flat 2D sheets of metal to create a 3D final product. 2D drawings are the only viable method for designing sheet metal parts. 3D models here are only used for references of the final shape.

2D Drawings for other Machining Processes

Like sheet metal forming, many other manufacturing techniques rely on cutting flat sheets of material. Techniques like laser cutting, metal stamping, and CNC routing all benefit from 2D drawings.

Conclusion

Model-based drawings are limited by software availability and electronic displays. 3D models are quite beneficial for certain applications and environments. But 2D drawings are universally compatible with all manufacturing processes. 2D drawings are easier to share with others and are simple enough that even layman can understand them.

Why QBH Technology is the Right Choice for your Manufacturing needs?

QBH is one of the top OEM and ODM service providers in China. We offer several machining services including Sheet Metal Fabrication, CNC Milling, CNC Turing, and more.

Our customer confidentiality policy ensures your designs will be protected. We also offer drawing services to customers, where our professional engineers will guide you in designing your product.

So, don’t let this golden opportunity slip by, and Contact us Now!