¿Qué es MCAD? Explicación del software de ingeniería mecánica

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• ¿Qué es el software MCAD?
• ¿Quién usa el software MCAD?
• Related Software
• El panorama de MCAD
• MCAD en la nube
• Learn How to Use MCAD

Es fácil perderse en la mezcla de acrónimos que se encuentran en la ingeniería mecánica y el desarrollo de productos.

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?

El software CAD mecánico (diseño asistido por computadora) permite la creación, modificación y optimización de diseños 2D y 3D detallados. MCAD es un subconjunto del software CAD. Otros subconjuntos incluyen CAD eléctrico (ECAD) y arquitectura, ingeniería y construcción (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.

¿Quién usa el software CAD mecánico?

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.

Veamos el papel que desempeña cada software en el ecosistema de desarrollo de productos:

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

Los principales actores detrás del software MCAD son:

• PTC con Creo y Onshape
• Dassault Systèms con CATIA y SOLIDWORKS
• Autodesk con Fusion e Inventor
• Siemens con Solid Edge y 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.

Al elegir un sistema MCAD, tenga en cuenta que cada plataforma es un producto de su época. Por ejemplo, SOLIDWORKS se desarrolló en la década de 1990. Si bien es muy capaz en sus funciones de modelado, permanece vinculado al sistema operativo Microsoft Windows debido a sus raíces y arquitectura establecidas durante su creación.

Esta dependencia puede influir en factores como la compatibilidad con otras plataformas, la interoperabilidad con los ecosistemas de software modernos y la accesibilidad para los usuarios que pueden preferir dispositivos alternativos.

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 ofrece el sistema CAD y PDM nativo de la nube más popular del mundo. A diferencia de las soluciones instaladas basadas en archivos, Onshape establece un nuevo estándar por varios motivos:

Onshape elimina los bloqueos & Nunca pierde datos

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.

Esto significa que no habrá más pérdida de datos debido a bloqueos inesperados o fallos del sistema. Sus diseños y modificaciones se almacenan de forma automática y segura en la nube, lo que le ofrece tranquilidad y una experiencia de diseño perfecta que los sistemas CAD tradicionales no pueden igualar.

Onshape permite una colaboración segura y en tiempo real

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 rastrea toda la actividad & y proporciona una restauración infinita

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.

Esta capacidad garantiza que la creatividad y la experimentación nunca se vean obstaculizadas por el miedo a realizar cambios irreversibles, lo que permite a los usuarios superar con confianza los límites del diseño.

Onshape tiene un PDM incorporado con 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.

Este enfoque acelera el proceso de diseño y mejora significativamente la colaboración y la productividad del equipo al facilitar un entorno de desarrollo más ágil.

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.

La nueva era de conveniencia de MCAD & Flexibilidad

MCAD ha sido durante mucho tiempo una herramienta indispensable para los diseñadores de productos, y ha evolucionado drásticamente para satisfacer las cambiantes demandas de innovación y complejidad en el desarrollo de productos.

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.

Tanto si es la primera vez que se dedica al diseño mecánico como si es un profesional experimentado harto de las limitaciones y frustraciones de los sistemas basados en archivos, Onshape le ofrece un nuevo comienzo. Al eliminar la necesidad de hardware especializado e instalaciones engorrosas, Onshape garantiza que pueda centrarse en lo que realmente importa: hacer realidad sus diseños innovadores.

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