Two dimensional CAD is still used today for products that have simple orthographically defined geometry. It is useful especially for PCB layout and design wherein the modules being created are essentially a composite layering of 2D geometry. Parts that can be machined out of stock material are easily programmed for two dimensional cutter paths using 2D CAD drawings.

Parametric dimensioning has been implemented in 2D CAD such as AnvilCad Lite which boasts the world's most powerful parametric kernel. Parametric dimensioning is akin to spreadsheets for financial tools. In a spreadsheet, if a number is one cell is changed, all cells that reference that cell automatically update to reflect the revised calculations. In CAD modeling, parametrics work in a similar way. Consider a rectangle with dimensions for length, width. If the dimension for the width is modified, the rectangle will automatically change its size to reflect the new dimension. Parametrics add a level of complexity to CAD modeling that allows the modeler to create "intelligent models" that respond to changes in a predictable and automated way. Parametrics take CAD modeling to a new level wherein a true professional modeler can skillfully capture design intent with a flexible model for efficient modification and part iterations. AnvilCad Lite 2D features all generic operations involving curves intersects, offsets, trims, extends, dimensions, labels, and boundaries and can use points, lines, circles, conics and splines. It also features section and curve analysis tools to evaluate curve continuity. read more

Conversion to 3D CAD data carries another great benefit to product development. It facilitates communication. Rendering capabilities make solid modeling a virtual reality theatre of design. The ability to apply colors and finish to parts for realistic shaded images allows the CAD modeler to visualize parts and assemblies as they would appear as manufactured. This is useful for design and especially useful as a communications tool for others who are involved in the project. Shaded views combined with software conferencing tools such as gotomeeting.com and Skype conferencing enable effective remote meetings. The ability to hide parts of an assembly and displace section views enables the CAD modeler to easily evaluate parts and assemblies. Multiple display conditions can be defined and called up quickly to facilitate discussion. Screen captures are easily converted to JPEG file formats and imported into presentation programs such as Powerpoint for slide presentation with annotation. read more

The truth is that making 2d drawings is fast and easy, but the output is still a 2D drawing, which does not readily work with downstream systems like purchasing and manufacturing. In some cases 2d drawings are sufficient but 90% of the time they are not. In prototyping, for example, a 3d model has to be made because most of the prototyping machines require 3d data. In fact, the majority of the machines used to manufacture parts need 3d cad files and do not read 2d cad drawings because 2d drawings do not contain all information needed to develop a three-dimensional product.

When using 2d cad drawings during the manufacturing stage, numerous problems arise. Viewing 3d cad models helps identify errors early. These errors can be found while simulating the matching and mating of parts. Through the use of 3d cad, the assembly process of any given product can be simulated, visualized and analyzed before the design goes into production. 3d cad models are essential beforehand in determining the volume of material needed to mold specific parts as well. The use of 3d cad files also ensures that a design has sufficient room for other parts within the design.

The fact still remains that 2d cad files can be produced in a relatively short amount of time at low cost and the software available ranges from proprietary to freeware to open source. Is 2d cad sufficient in your case? Send us your 2d cad data for review at no cost and explain your plans for your design.

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Read "2d versus 3d cad"!!! It's a great article on 2d and 3d cad which also describes the advantages of 3d cad.

See Cadmodels.org for more info.