Interactive graphical CAD in mechanical engineering design

While considerable success has attended the application of CAD in the electronics, aerospace, ship, offshore structure and other industries, less progress has been reported in general mechanical engineering; yet the opportunities are great and the CAD idea started in mechanical engineering.This paper considers some of the problems in applying computer aid to the sequential processes of initial design, detailing, planning, piece-part manufacture and assembly. Recent achievements in separate parts of this process are identified, especially in modelling and in user-oriented interactive input of design parameters and insight-giving output of analysis results. Case histories are mentioned and possibilities for a cost-effective solution to the CAD/CAM problem in medium-sized engineering companies are discussed.