What role does CAD play in the additive manufacturing process?

The role of CAD (Computer-Aided Design) in the additive manufacturing process is fundamentally to provide the design file for printing. In this capacity, CAD software enables designers and engineers to create detailed 3D models that specify the dimensions, shapes, and features of the object to be produced. These digital blueprints are crucial, as they contain the necessary information that the 3D printer interprets to build the part layer by layer.

By generating the accurate and precise models required for additive manufacturing, CAD serves as the starting point for the entire process. The design files created in CAD are typically converted into formats compatible with 3D printing technology, such as STL or OBJ files, allowing the printer to understand how to construct the item as designed.

While CAD systems can indirectly contribute to other aspects of the manufacturing process, such as streamlining material selection or informing machine operations, these functions do not define the primary role of CAD in relation to additive manufacturing. Its main purpose lies strictly in providing the design file necessary for the execution of 3D printing.