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The motor industry, like other sectors, has experienced some setbacks in recent years. The fallout of the pandemic created something of a domino effect, with production of parts slowing down due to manufacturing plants closing and demand for new cars waning as many people didn’t need to drive anywhere.

Add to that, the semiconductor chips shortage, and it was clear that the automotive industry was struggling. However, things are now bouncing back. UK car sales are on the up and as we enter a time when petrol and diesel cars are set to be replaced by electric vehicles, it seems as though we’re looking at a new period for car design.

That’s where CAD (computer-aided design) comes in. Using CAD to model new motors could be a real game changer.

What is CAD?

CAD has been around since the 1980s. Here, early computers were used to create, model, analyse and modify designs. It was introduced to help perfect designs and easily share feedback across teams. It’s been used across a range of sectors since then.

Today, CAD uses innovative tech across a range of industries – including the automotive sector. When they’re approved, the 2D designs become 3D, thanks to 3D modelling software.

CAD and the world of motors

There are dedicated online CAD 3D modelling software packages that are used in car designing. Manufacturers deliver innovative designs using 3D printing technology, taking what’s onscreen and making it a tangible piece of automotive kit.

Some of the benefits of CAD in motoring include:

  • Faster, more efficient design

CAD has always been used to streamline the design and modelling process. As tech has advanced, this process has become faster and more efficient, meaning that designers can create models quickly and easily.

Being able to work faster means that timings are improved across the board, ensuring new models can be on the market sooner than they might have been previously.

  • Improves accuracy

By ironing out any issues in the onscreen design stage, designers can create highly accurate models of parts before anything is made in 3D. This means that any safety concerns or quality control issues can be picked up and adjusted early in the process, meaning that the final product is made to the highest standards and safer than ever.

  • Improved designer collaboration

A collaborative approach to design can be hugely beneficial in the world of motoring. New ideas can be implemented easily when CAD is used as multiple designers can access and work on one project, regardless of where they are located. So, design teams can log in and make updates remotely, creating opportunities for a dialogue between team members.

In addition, this remote access to the designs opens the door to talented designers from around the world. This makes the world of car design more competitive.

  • Cost-effective

As designs are drawn up using computer software, CAD reduces the need for physical prototypes and testing. This, in turn, reduces time and money that goes into creating physical 3D models. It also has a positive impact on the environment because materials are only used when the models are greenlit, reducing waste.

  • Customisation

There’s more scope to take car designs to the next level with CAD software. There’s greater flexibility with vehicle design, allowing car manufacturers to set their models apart from others. This helps to stand out against other car makes and meet client requirements.

If you’re looking to upgrade the way you design cars, consider using CAD software to take things to the next level.

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