Monday, October 30, 2000		Article

CAD IS MORE THAN FAD
by Sumesh Raizada

Nowadays there has been a remarkable improvement in the quality and design of the engineering products. Almost every month, several new models of cars and other vehicles are launched, many electronics and telecommunication equipment developed and bridges constructed that are far more superior and technically advanced than their predecessors.

These products are efficient and almost maintenance free in their operation. The reason for this remarkable improvement is due to CAD or computer-aided design of the products, a process, which is highly accurate and precise. The shortcomings of conventional drawing board-based diagrams or maps in which measurements were drawn with various geometrical instruments are totally removed in CAD system.

In CAD, computer does all mathematical calculations and measurements. For manufacturing companies around the world, CAD plays an important role in conceiving, designing and selling of new products. A CAD professional can prepare the entire product, whether it is a large transformer or a small telephone receiver, on their computer. This is done with extreme accuracy and involves creative as well as technical skills. Depending upon the application, specific CAD programs are used to suit the utility in the industry.

CAD is basically a computer-drafting program. Architects, engineers, graphic artists, designers and many others use these programs. They use it to create drawings, technical illustrations, and virtual models of a machine, building or a dam. CAD software are therefore used to create two or three-dimensional drawings and models. Computer drafting programs are of mainly two types. The first are raster-based and the second are vector-based programs. In the raster-based programs drawings or illustrations are stored as bitmaps. Bitmaps are generally used in pictures where precision is not required, say in a photograph or cartoon. Some raster-based programs are Microsoft Paint, Corel Draw, and Adobe Photoshop. The second category of computer drafting programs is vector based, which store drawings in vector-format. A vector basically denotes a geometrical and mathematical terminology of magnitude, direction and shapes.

These are used in drawings where precision and accuracy is required, and even a slight deviation is sometimes not allowed. The vector-based designs are used to construct a building or a bridge or machinery in manufacturing industry. CAD or computer aided designs are vector-based programs. Commercial application of CAD started nearly five decades ago in scientific and defence research when scientists in space research used computer-aided design for creating models of space and its elements. They generated two-dimensional model of a machine with the help of CAD and studied its various parameters, even without physically manufacturing the same. The main use of CAD in earlier days were in automobile and aerospace, but the need to enhance quality of end product and to avoid failures and accidents at a later stage led to its application in manufacturing and architecture.

Though earlier CAD was done with the help of large mainframe computers, later with the advancement, small microcomputers were used. The last decade has seen an unprecedented growth in the technology, and CAD today is a necessity in almost every industry where design is involved. Due to increasing competition and customer awareness, there has been a need to improve quality and minimising the downtime of a product. CAD helps in achieving this purpose.

Almost every company where manufacturing, construction or scientific research takes place, CAD professionals are employed. One can work with consultancy firms or may even start own consultancy. So the demand is abundant and is therefore considered to be a good career option among youngsters. What an aspiring individual needs is the required qualification, creativity as well as ability to handle sophisticated and complex CAD software to design an entire product. Since technology is rapidly changing, many companies keep on looking for persons who are competent and are aware of the latest developments. To get a fast growing and a high salaried job, a person should possess a degree in computers, electrical, mechanical, electronics, or civil engineering. Qualification in architecture or IT-related courses may help.

Exposure to C, C++, Pearl, Unix and a working knowledge of design automation is essential. Employers also look for candidates who are proficient in CAD software package, like AutoCAD, Micro Station, Data CAD, and Mini CAD. Some CAD-related hardware that are required for the task are printers, large format scanner, graphics boards for CAD and graphic design, graphic adapters. CAD/CAM training programs are also there for pursuing a successful career in the field.

A person going in for career in CAD can start working as a trainee on a specific project or application. Later, with experience they are absorbed as CAD operator, technician, designer or administrator depending upon the nature of work. CAD software engineers are employed by companies to design and code CAD-graphics programs. Knowledge of Unix, DOS, X11, Motif, and OpenGL is also required for the task.

A professional should also be able to express and exchange ideas with end-users. The job requires a lot of teamwork and self-management. In architecture, construction companies or consultancies absorb CAD draftsman. A suitable candidate is required to have knowledge of AutoCAD program and experience of civil applications, such as Eagle Point and Cybernet. There are CAD designers, who work as a member of the team, and are responsible for the development of mechanical designs. They have to consider various economic, technical and operational viability of the end product. They have to regularly interact with manufacturing department in bringing out a product within a specified time and cost schedule. For the position of CAD engineer or designer, companies mostly employ engineering graduates from electrical, electronics, mechanical or computer disciplines. In some cases, engineering diploma holders having relevant experience in research and design are also absorbed. There is an excellent opportunity for growth, fat pay package and numerous perks for CAD professionals.

Though most of the time learning in CAD is through on-the-job training, some institutes, also provide two-year degree/certificate courses in CAD/CAM programs. CAM or computer-aided manufacturing is an extension of CAD. In these courses, students are taught about fundamentals of CAD, AutoCAD software, mechanical drafting, 2D and 3D computer-aided drafting, and machine design.

A person going in for a career in CAD can associate himself with the fast-growing field of Web-based engineering. In virtual reality modelling language (VRML), CAD engineers are creating virtual worlds that persons can explore through the Net using a 3D browser, like space missions, movies and games. Thus, a new career opportunity has now been created for CAD professionals on the Internet, and many Web-based companies are hiring their services.

There are many Web sites that provides chat session and facility of free newsletters related to CAD. One can also get updated about the latest software in the market. Many books are also available through which a potential learner can get himself updated. There are organisations of CAD professionals who encourage interaction and scope of further learning.