Che cos'è MCAD? Spiegazione del software di ingegneria meccanica

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• Che cos'è il software MCAD?
• Chi utilizza il software MCAD?
• Related Software
• Il panorama MCAD
• MCAD sul cloud
• Learn How to Use MCAD

È facile perdersi nella minestra alfabetica di acronimi che si trovano nell'ingegneria meccanica e nello sviluppo di prodotti.

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?

Il software CAD meccanico (progettazione assistita da computer) consente la creazione, la modifica e l'ottimizzazione di progetti 2D e 3D dettagliati. MCAD è un sottoinsieme del software CAD. Altri sottoinsiemi includono il CAD elettrico (ECAD) e l'architettura, ingegneria e costruzione (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.

Chi utilizza il software CAD meccanico?

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.

Diamo un'occhiata al ruolo svolto da ciascun software nell'ecosistema di sviluppo del prodotto:

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

I principali attori del software MCAD sono:

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

Quando scegli un sistema MCAD, tieni presente che ogni piattaforma è un prodotto del suo tempo. Ad esempio, SOLIDWORKS è stato sviluppato negli anni '90. Sebbene sia altamente capace nelle sue funzionalità di modellazione, rimane legato al sistema operativo Microsoft Windows grazie alle sue radici e all'architettura stabilite durante il suo inizio.

Questa dipendenza può influenzare fattori come la compatibilità con altre piattaforme, l'interoperabilità con i moderni ecosistemi software e l'accessibilità per gli utenti che potrebbero preferire dispositivi alternativi.

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 offre il sistema CAD e PDM cloud-native più popolare al mondo. A differenza delle soluzioni installate basate su file, Onshape stabilisce un nuovo standard per diversi motivi:

Onshape elimina gli arresti anomali & Non perde mai i dati

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.

Ciò significa che non ci saranno più perdite di dati dovute a crash imprevisti o guasti del sistema. I tuoi progetti e le tue modifiche vengono archiviati automaticamente e in modo sicuro nel cloud, offrendoti tranquillità e un'esperienza di progettazione senza interruzioni che i sistemi CAD tradizionali non possono eguagliare.

Onshape consente una collaborazione sicura e in tempo reale

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 tiene traccia di tutte le attività & fornisce un ripristino infinito

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.

Questa capacità garantisce che la creatività e la sperimentazione non siano mai ostacolate dalla paura di apportare modifiche irreversibili, consentendo agli utenti di superare con sicurezza i confini del design.

Onshape ha un PDM integrato con fusione Branching &

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.

Questo approccio accelera il processo di progettazione e migliora significativamente la collaborazione e la produttività del team facilitando un ambiente di sviluppo più 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 nuova era della convenienza & Flessibilità di MCAD

MCAD è stato a lungo uno strumento indispensabile per i progettisti di prodotto, in continua evoluzione per soddisfare le esigenze in continua evoluzione di innovazione e complessità nello sviluppo dei prodotti.

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.

Che tu stia entrando nella progettazione meccanica per la prima volta o che tu sia un professionista esperto stufo dei limiti e delle frustrazioni dei sistemi basati su file, Onshape offre un nuovo inizio. Eliminando la necessità di hardware specializzato e installazioni ingombranti, Onshape ti assicura di poterti concentrare su ciò che conta davvero: dare vita ai tuoi progetti innovativi.

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