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A typical large-format CAD printer serves multiple purposes. On the one hand, most users consider it a tool for printing blueprints. But the truth is that large-format CAD printers have myriad uses, not just blueprint printing. This guide highlights the many ways that people use these printers to advance in the engineering, architecture, and construction (AEC) fields.

What is a CAD printer, and how is it used in the real world? Read further to discover how unique a CAD printer can be.

How Is CAD Used in the Real World?

From concept to creation, CAD tools and software have become a buzz in the industry. They enable professionals from different industries to create, analyse, and improve designs efficiently. Although people see a CAD printer as a specific-use device, it is currently gaining popularity in a broad range of industries in various unique ways to enhance performance, productivity, and collaboration.

What Is a CAD Printer?

What Does a CAD Printer Do?

What Uses Do CAD and CAM Have in the World Today?

What Is CAD, and What Are Its Applications and Benefits?

Applications of CAD Printers in the Real World

CAD tools and software enable professionals like engineers, designers, and architects to create efficient designs and improve or analyse them. In addition, they can use large-format, multifunction printing solutions to discuss projects, deliver the proper output, and improve workflow.

CAD helps in numerical data modelling, simulation, and design. As such, its applications cut across industries. Typical applications of CAD printers include:

• General 3D printing
• Dental industry
• Mapping
• Fashion
• Architecture
• Building furniture
• Automotive sector
• Interior design

How Is CAD Used in Manufacturing?

How Is CAD Used by Businesses?

What Advantages Does CAD Have Over Technical Sketching?

Unique Ways CAD Is Being Used

Below are some of the unique applications of CAD in different industries:

1. Functional Rapid Prototyping: Using CAD, rapid prototyping allows you to create models or parts. This will enable you to test or simulate your medical device design's functionality before moving on to the next step: manufacturing.
2. 3D Printing Industry: 3D printing involves creating a three-dimensional real-world object from a digital model. Currently, almost every industry employs CAD for tasks such as creating and preparing drawings for additive manufacturing applications (3D printing), as well as creating representations for goods in development.
   3.** 3D Scanners: **CAD and 3D scans are mutually functional. ‘Scan to CAD’ is a process that involves using scan data from a 3D scanner as a design reference to create incredibly accurate CAD models.
3. **Architectural Projects: **Technical drawings deliver detailed instructions on how to make something. Architectural structure and mechanical engineering designs can be included in technical drawings using CAD. When an architect creates a technical drawing, it is to ensure the exact specification of a building for use with the construction and ongoing development of the project.
4. Metal Additive Manufacturing: Be it subtractive or additive manufacturing, the design process of almost every product typically starts in CAD. With additive manufacturing (such as 3D printing), you can create more complex geometry and metal products with fewer parts.

Advantages of CAD over manual drafting include:

• Increased accuracy in designs
• With CAD, you can flexibly organise drawing information.
• CAD allows you to ensure conformity to industry drafting standards.
• Easy drawing modifications

Liaise With a Top-Notch Printing Partner

Having an industry-leading partner is an excellent way to leverage different printing software and tools for high-quality, accurate printing. Contact us for support addressing your printing needs, regardless of the project size.

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