Whether it’s an engineering, automotive design, or architectural project, accuracy is everything. Although changes are likely to occur, the more precision that can be achieved early in the planning process, the smoother the remainder of the project will be. While there are many aspects to accomplishing this, computer-aided design software plays a significant role. Commonly referred to as CAD, this technology has revolutionized so many industries. If you’re curious about its history, here’s what you need to know.

CAD Technology From Its Inception to Today

Origins

CAD technology can be traced to the middle of the 20th century. Although the term is attributed to Douglas T. Ross at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1959, many view the engineering work done by Patrick Hanratty at the General Motors Research Laboratories in the 1960s as the first real instance of CAD software.

Hanratty’s “Design Automated by Computer” system was the first to use interactive graphics. According to those in the industry, about 70% of modern CAD/CAM systems originate from Hanratty’s original code. However, the first 3-D CAD program was designed in the late 1960s by Pierre Bézier, an engineer at the French automotive manufacturing company, Renault.

Expansion

Through the 1970s and 1980s, several 3-D CAD programs cropped up, each with more innovative features. The first few were dedicated to replicating and refining hand-drawn drafting images, but over time, they became more robust in their functionality.

Then, in 1982, the revolutionary AutoCAD program premiered. Its release coincided with the advent of microcomputers and made CAD software more accessible and affordable for more companies and individuals.

Modern Use

Today, CAD software has grown far beyond automotive engineering and has branched out onto architecture, city planning, graphic design, manufacturing, and more. AutoCAD itself continues to be popular, albeit in a new, updated version.

It’s not the only option either. There are so many free and open-sourced programs available for anyone’s use. Thanks to its accuracy, versatility, and efficiency, the relevancy of CAD technology shows no signs of slowing down.

 

If you have a project requiring CAD-related support, contact CDA Engineering. Since 1970, they’ve served a wide variety of industries and businesses throughout the Troy, MI, area. Their team has training in various CAD systems, so you can trust they can help no matter the project. Learn more about all their design engineering services online or call (248) 589-3300.