3D CAD & DESIGN

The product development cycle has been changing dramatically due to additive manufacturing. From gathering measurements, designing optimal parts, and rapidly creating parts for testing; additive and traditional design tools are complimenting each other to make going from idea to physical quicker than ever before.

To discuss how these changes are improving design cycles, we developed a case study that uses a combination of additive technology and CAD software to create and modify an aftermarket clip to attach to a truck bed. Two of Hawk Ridge Systems engineers discuss which tools were used and thought process that went into the development of the case study, knowing different technologies will be used. 

Locking pins are commonly used when assembly and disassembly are frequent and needs to be done quickly. Some common uses are vehicle hitches, adjustable scaffolding, telescoping arms, or basically anything with holes that needs a pin to align it. Traditionally, quick release pins are made up of multiple components and are spring-loaded, have a cotter pin, or a swinging wire to keep them in place. 

A quick release pin is used in many designs to keep the holes of multiple components aligned. They are commonly used when assembly and disassembly are frequent and needs to be done quickly. Some common uses are vehicle hitches, adjustable scaffolding, telescoping arms, or basically anything with holes that need a pin to align it. Traditionally, quick release pins are made up of multiple components and are spring-loaded, have a cotter pin, or a swinging wire to keep them in place.  

There are more options for 3D CAD than ever before – with SOLIDWORKS alone there are three distinct choices. In this article, I'll break down these options to make your decision for a CAD solution easier.

First, let’s start with SOLIDWORKS desktop, the easy one.

SOLIDWORKS desktop has been the industry standard 3D CAD package for manufacturing since the early 1990s. SOLIDWORKS desktop offers complete 3D CAD design software that is installed locally on your computer. It is a proven solution and includes a complete design package for parts, assemblies, and drawings. This is our CAD tool of choice for most situations and design teams of all sizes.

The world of CAD is evolving and that’s a good thing. Like with all technology, advancement is good, if it’s controlled.   

To start off, let's take a little peek back to the beginning of CAD.

With the invention of Sketchpad in 1964, computer-aided design, or CAD as it’s widely known, was introduced to the world. 

Like any new technology, there was a bit of skepticism, and its adoption was not immediate. In the early 80s Autodesk’s 2D AutoCAD and Dassault Systèmes’ 3D CATIA entered the market.