Was ist MCAD? Maschinenbau-Software erklärt

Springe zum Abschnitt:

• Was ist MCAD-Software?
• Wer verwendet MCAD-Software?
• Related Software
• Die MCAD-Landschaft
• MCAD in der Cloud
• Learn How to Use MCAD

Es ist leicht, sich in der Buchstabensuppe der Akronyme zu verlieren, die man im Maschinenbau und in der Produktentwicklung findet.

Mechanical CAD (MCAD) software is one of the most essential tools in modern product development and MCAD engineering workflows. Whether you’re exploring MCAD software for engineering projects or just getting started, here’s everything you need to know, from what mechanical CAD software does to popular platforms to how cloud-native architecture and developments in AI are changing the game.

For those seeking clarity, here’s a comprehensive explainer on the basics of mechanical CAD (MCAD) software.

What is Mechanical CAD Software?

Mechanische CAD-Software (computergestütztes Design) ermöglicht die Erstellung, Änderung und Optimierung detaillierter 2D- und 3D-Konstruktionen. MCAD ist eine Untergruppe der CAD-Software. Weitere Untergruppen umfassen Elektro-CAD (ECAD) und Architektur, Ingenieurwesen und Konstruktion (AEC).

MCAD software is used for designing mechanical components, systems, and products. It is tailored to the needs of mechanical engineers and product designers. MCAD software is designed to address the unique challenges and requirements of 3D modeling, simulation, and analysis of mechanical structures, systems, and products.

Mechanical CAD software is the primary tool in MCAD engineering for digitally developing physical products before they are manufactured. When evaluating which MCAD software is considered the best for engineering projects, it’s important to understand that MCAD focuses on mechanical structures and moving parts, while ECAD (electrical CAD) handles circuit boards, wiring, and electronic systems. Many modern engineering projects require both.

Wer verwendet mechanische CAD-Software?

Mechanical CAD software is used by a variety of professionals, including mechanical engineers and product designers. Products can vary greatly. MCAD is used to design heavy equipment, manufacturing machinery, automotive and aerospace vehicles, and consumer and medical products.

Mechanical Engineering Software Related to MCAD

MCAD is a cornerstone of product design, but other essential tools, such as CAE (computer-aided engineering), CAM (computer-aided manufacturing), PDM (product data management), and rendering software, are also needed to successfully develop products.

Werfen wir einen Blick auf die Rolle, die jede Software im Ökosystem der Produktentwicklung spielt:

CAE Software

CAE Software empowers designers to digitally evaluate a product’s performance when subjected to various conditions. For example, CAE can simulate how a product design will react when placed under a load, determining displacements and safety factors. Common types of studies include thermal, vibration, fatigue, fluid dynamics, and structural analysis. Key methodologies of engineering analysis include Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and Multi-Body Dynamics (MBD).

CAM Software

CAM Software generates toolpaths for CNC machining based on 3D MCAD models. Machinists and manufacturers employ CAM software to translate MCAD designs into machine-readable instructions for milling, turning, and other manufacturing processes.

PDM Software

PDM Software manages product-related data, ensuring version control, collaborative workflows, and efficient tracking of product information. Design teams and manufacturers use PDM to centralize, organize, and control product data access, streamlining processes throughout the product lifecycle.

Rendering Software

Rendering Software creates realistic visualizations and renders of MCAD models. Design teams use rendering tools to produce high-quality images and animations for presentations, marketing, and client communication.

MCAD Vendors and the Evolving Landscape

Die Hauptakteure hinter der MCAD-Software sind:

• PTC mit Creo und Onshape
• Dassault Systèms mit CATIA und SOLIDWORKS
• Autodesk mit Fusion und Inventor
• Siemens mit Solid Edge und NX

While each software shares similar functions for producing 3D and 2D design data, capabilities vary greatly due to the underlying architecture and customer base. For example, some MCAD platforms might be more suited for automotive design, while others offer new cloud-based workflows that can be applied across industries.

Denken Sie bei der Auswahl eines MCAD-Systems daran, dass jede Plattform ein Produkt ihrer Zeit ist. Zum Beispiel wurde SOLIDWORKS in den 1990er Jahren entwickelt. Obwohl es in seinen Modellierungsfunktionen sehr leistungsfähig ist, bleibt es aufgrund seiner Wurzeln und seiner Architektur, die bei seiner Einführung festgelegt wurden, an das Microsoft Windows-Betriebssystem gebunden.

Diese Abhängigkeit kann Faktoren wie die Kompatibilität mit anderen Plattformen, die Interoperabilität mit modernen Softwareökosystemen und die Barrierefreiheit für Benutzer beeinflussen, die möglicherweise alternative Geräte bevorzugen.

All MCAD vendors are now embracing cloud technologies. Leading the cloud revolution is Onshape, which was designed from the ground up as a cloud-native MCAD platform.

The next frontier is AI. Vendors are increasingly embedding AI-powered features into MCAD platforms to automate repetitive tasks, accelerate design iteration, and enable intelligent search across design libraries.

Onshape Cloud-Native CAD with Built-in PDM

Onshape liefert das weltweit beliebteste Cloud-native CAD- und PDM-System. Im Gegensatz zu dateibasierten, installierten Lösungen setzt Onshape aus mehreren Gründen einen neuen Standard:

Onshape beseitigt Abstürze & Verliert niemals Daten

Onshape stands out by providing a robust platform that eliminates the frustration of software crashes – a common setback with traditional, file-based CAD systems. Thanks to its cloud-native architecture, Onshape ensures that your work is continuously saved as you go.

Das bedeutet, dass keine Daten mehr aufgrund unerwarteter Abstürze oder Systemausfälle verloren gehen. Ihre Designs und Änderungen werden automatisch und sicher in der Cloud gespeichert, sodass Sie sich keine Sorgen machen müssen und ein nahtloses Konstruktionserlebnis haben, das herkömmliche CAD-Systeme nicht bieten können.

Onshape ermöglicht sichere Zusammenarbeit in Echtzeit

One of Onshape’s game-changing features is its ability to enable secure, real-time collaboration among team members, regardless of location. This facilitates a collaborative environment where engineers, designers, and stakeholders can work together on the same model simultaneously without the hassle of file copies or version discrepancies.

Onshape’s platform is designed with built-in controls to manage user permissions, ensuring that sensitive design data remains secure while fostering a collaborative workspace that accelerates innovation and efficiency.

Onshape verfolgt alle Aktivitäten & bietet unendliche Wiederherstellung

With Onshape, every change and every iteration of your design is tracked and recorded. This comprehensive activity log enhances accountability within teams and provides an invaluable feature: infinite restore. You can easily roll back to any previous state of your design, making it effortless to explore different design paths without the risk of losing work.

Diese Fähigkeit stellt sicher, dass Kreativität und Experimentieren niemals durch die Angst vor irreversiblen Änderungen behindert werden, und ermöglicht es den Benutzern, selbstbewusst die Grenzen des Designs zu überschreiten.

Onshape hat integriertes PDM mit Branching & Merging

Onshape revolutionizes PDM by integrating it directly into the CAD system, eliminating the need for separate PDM software. This integration streamlines workflow and simplifies the management of design data and documentation. The platform’s advanced Branching and Merging capabilities allow teams to work on multiple design variations in parallel and seamlessly merge changes into the main project.

Dieser Ansatz beschleunigt den Designprozess und verbessert die Zusammenarbeit und Produktivität im Team erheblich, da er eine agilere Entwicklungsumgebung ermöglicht.

Learn How to Use MCAD

The best way to learn MCAD is to start with a platform and build hands-on experience. Most major MCAD tools offer documentation, tutorials, and community forums, but the depth and accessibility of these learning resources vary widely across platforms.

Onshape’s Learning Center is one of the most comprehensive free resources available for learning mechanical CAD software. It offers structured self-paced courses, hands-on exercises, and certification paths for beginners and experienced engineers alike – all accessible from a browser with no software to install.

Because Onshape is cloud-native, there’s no setup barrier. You can go from creating an account to building your first model in minutes. Combined with the AI Advisor, which provides real-time guidance directly within the design environment, the learning curve is significantly lower than that of traditional file-based MCAD platforms.

Die neue Ära der Bequemlichkeit von MCAD & Flexibilität

MCAD ist seit langem ein unverzichtbares Tool für Produktdesigner und hat sich dramatisch weiterentwickelt, um den sich ständig ändernden Anforderungen an Innovation und Komplexität in der Produktentwicklung gerecht zu werden.

Today, cloud-native tools like Onshape have revolutionized the landscape, removing traditional barriers to entry that once hindered accessibility and collaboration. This modern CAD platform ushers in a new era of convenience and flexibility, allowing all innovators with a web browser to leverage professional-grade CAD tools.

Egal, ob Sie zum ersten Mal in die mechanische Konstruktion einsteigen oder ein erfahrener Profi sind, der die Einschränkungen und Frustrationen dateibasierter Systeme satt hat, Onshape bietet einen Neuanfang. Da keine spezielle Hardware und umständliche Installationen erforderlich sind, stellt Onshape sicher, dass Sie sich auf das konzentrieren können, was wirklich wichtig ist — Ihre innovativen Designs zum Leben zu erwecken.

(This blog was originally published February 21, 2024.)