Qu'est-ce que MCAD ? Explication du logiciel de génie mécanique

Accéder à la section :

• Qu'est-ce que le logiciel MCAD ?
• Qui utilise le logiciel MCAD ?
• Related Software
• Le paysage MCAD
• MCAD sur le cloud
• Learn How to Use MCAD

Il est facile de se perdre dans l'alphabet des acronymes que l'on trouve dans le domaine de l'ingénierie mécanique et du développement de produits.

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?

Les logiciels de CAO mécanique (conception assistée par ordinateur) permettent de créer, de modifier et d'optimiser des conceptions 2D et 3D détaillées. MCAD est un sous-ensemble de logiciels de CAO. Les autres sous-ensembles incluent la CAO électrique (ECAD) et l'architecture, l'ingénierie et la construction (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.

Qui utilise le logiciel de CAO mécanique ?

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.

Examinons le rôle que joue chaque logiciel dans l'écosystème de développement de produits :

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

Les principaux acteurs à l'origine du logiciel MCAD sont les suivants :

• PTC avec Creo et Onshape
• Dassault Systèmes avec CATIA et SOLIDWORKS
• Autodesk avec Fusion et Inventor
• Siemens avec Solid Edge et 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.

Lorsque vous choisissez un système MCAD, n'oubliez pas que chaque plateforme est un produit de son époque. Par exemple, SOLIDWORKS a été développé dans les années 1990. Bien que très performant dans ses fonctionnalités de modélisation, il reste lié au système d'exploitation Microsoft Windows en raison de ses racines et de son architecture établies lors de sa création.

Cette dépendance peut influencer des facteurs tels que la compatibilité avec d'autres plateformes, l'interopérabilité avec les écosystèmes logiciels modernes et l'accessibilité pour les utilisateurs qui préfèrent d'autres appareils.

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 propose le système de CAO et PDM natif cloud le plus populaire au monde. Contrairement aux solutions installées basées sur des fichiers, Onshape établit une nouvelle norme pour plusieurs raisons :

Onshape élimine les pannes & Ne perd jamais de données

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.

Cela signifie qu'il n'y a plus de perte de données due à des pannes inattendues ou à des défaillances du système. Vos conceptions et modifications sont stockées automatiquement et en toute sécurité dans le cloud, ce qui vous permet d'avoir l'esprit tranquille et de bénéficier d'une expérience de conception fluide que les systèmes de CAO traditionnels ne peuvent égaler.

Onshape permet une collaboration sécurisée en temps réel

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 Tracks All Activity & permet une restauration infinie

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.

Cette fonctionnalité garantit que la créativité et l'expérimentation ne sont jamais entravées par la peur d'apporter des changements irréversibles, permettant ainsi aux utilisateurs de repousser les limites du design en toute confiance.

Onshape dispose d'un PDM intégré avec fusion de branches &

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.

Cette approche accélère le processus de conception et améliore considérablement la collaboration et la productivité des équipes en facilitant un environnement de développement plus agile.

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 nouvelle ère de commodité & et de flexibilité de MCAD

Le MCAD est depuis longtemps un outil indispensable pour les concepteurs de produits. Il a évolué de façon spectaculaire pour répondre aux exigences en constante évolution en matière d'innovation et de complexité du développement de produits.

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.

Que vous vous lanciez dans la conception mécanique pour la première fois ou que vous soyez un professionnel chevronné qui en a assez des limites et des frustrations des systèmes basés sur des fichiers, Onshape vous offre un nouveau départ. En éliminant le besoin de matériel spécialisé et d'installations encombrantes, Onshape vous permet de vous concentrer sur ce qui compte vraiment : donner vie à vos conceptions innovantes.

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