THE POTENTIAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO REVOLUTIONISE CAD/CAM

Manufacturing the products we use every day has always been difficult. But can artificial intelligence lighten, even revolutionize the CAD (Computer Aided Design)/CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) industry?

Since day one, generative abilities have been one of the leading benefits of artificial intelligence. From music to art, it manages to do its job as well, if not better, than its human counterparts. But beneath the creative skills of generative software also lies a profound benefit and an important tool for workflow automation. It is now being implemented in the field of CAD.

Generative design uses algorithms and rules to generate different design solutions that meet certain criteria and constraints. This helps engineers discover optimal and innovative solutions by considering functionality, performance, cost, sustainability and aesthetics. Generative design reduces the time and complexity of the design process and increases product variety and quality.

On the other hand, additive manufacturing builds products layer by layer based on digital models. This enables the creation of complex and customized products that are difficult or even impossible with traditional methods. 3D printing accelerates testing and validation of design and simulation results by rapidly creating prototypes in small batches. All of this dramatically aids the workflow of designers. But we can do better.

Say hello to artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence and machine learning can help automate and optimize design and simulation tasks, such as generating and evaluating design alternatives, detecting and correcting errors, predicting and preventing failures, and improving productivity and quality, tasks that would take long and badly needed time from designers.

But, that’s not all. Many CAD software already implements artificial intelligence for much more than assistance. For example, Dessault Systems’ Solidworks modeling software uses its generative AI to directly assist the design process, for example predicting what next element the designer would use. This only highlights the capabilities of AI in the CAD realm.

Artificial intelligence can do many impressive things, but it’s time to start using it in our work environments, especially in CAD design.