The model below has been generated using CAD (Computer Aided Design) software. The furniture has been drawn individually and placed inside the computer generated room. The room can be rotated to almost every possible angle. This design can be shown to potential customers or a client and changes made according to his/her likes and dislikes. This saves time and money as the model can be altered using the software which is far more efficient than making a real model using materials.

The phone shown below has been designed using the same CAD software. The client (an international communications company) have been asked how they would like it changed so that it is exactly what they want for there retail outlets.

The client representatives have tested the computer model on a selection of potential customers. They have recommended changes and these will be applied to the computer generated image. It will then be tested for a second time before a prototype is manufactured at great expense.

The technologically advanced torch shown below has been modelled so that the internal electronic parts can be seen. Making an actual model to display this type of information would be virtually impossible. However, a computer generated model can be animated to show how the parts fit together. the outer casing can be made to look either transparent or translucent. This would be difficult to achieve and be time consuming if a real model was to be manufactured.

In this case a computer model has major advantages to a real model manufactured from actual materials.

What are the advantages of using Computer Aided Design software for modelling?

What are the disadvantages of modelling using computer software in comparison with a real model that can be picked up and handled?

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