Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) are increasingly well-known concepts thanks to the growth of 3D printing and the explosion of influence that technology now has all over the world. From the fashion industry to orthodontics, the food industry to automobiles – it really is everywhere. But how does it help you sell your product?
Right now, chances are you’ve got a concept in your head, but until it has gone through the 2D drafting stage or 3D modelling stage, it remains just an idea locked inside your mind. When communicating your concept to others, either because they’re looking to buy or invest, they’ll currently have nothing to go on other than your description. For high-value items in particular, it’ll be hard to build trust without something more solid. Even more so if you’re looking to get support with an architectural project, which is complex and multi-faceted.
The starting point
Initially, creating fabrication drawings, MEP drawings (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) or architectural drawings can be of great use for establishing a conclusive idea of how a building or structure will look. Or, if it isn’t either of these, you can also create concept, patent, shop and coordination drawings. These are all exceptionally detailed and skilled, created using Computer Aided Design.
On top of this, you can create 3D models to help illustrate your idea; for products, software generally used by designers will be ‘Solidworks’, while for steel structures, they commonly use ‘Products & Advance’.
Why it matters
Using these drawings and structures or prototypes, you’ll be able to talk others through your concept with detailed drawings and 3D models and fill them with confidence that what you’re hoping to achieve will work technically and structurally.
Alongside being useful for conversations with investors, engineers, manufacturers and so forth, having a 3D model – particularly of a product that you’re looking to patent – is really helpful when conducting market research, especially if it is very new to the market. No idea should be created in isolation, and going out and speaking to your demographic will be important in ensuring its selling success.
Without a prototype, it’ll be impossible to do this accurately and with any great result, and waiting until you have the finished product could mean putting a lot of money into something that won’t eventually work or that will require costly changes. Making the decision to road-test your idea first will be valuable in the long run.
Finding fault early on
In addition to this, by seeing your concept through Computer Aided Design or as a 3D model, it is possible to spot errors that would potentially be costly later down the line. By sitting with a designer and viewing it on a computer screen, not only will you see your virtual product or idea take shape but you’ll also be able to edit and tweak it before you’ve tried to build it.
This will save you a great deal of time in the long run and will also be ideal if your market research has thrown back any key comments that you want to incorporate into your designs. Computer Aided Designs are very impressive in their accuracy, detail and quality so when you’re looking at it on the screen, chances are you’ll have a very accurate view of how the finished product will turn out.
The testing phase
In getting your concept turned into a 3D model, particularly if it is a product, you’ll also get the chance to test if it actually works – crucial for being able to eventually sell it. This is really important if you’re introducing a completely new idea to market as chances are, you won’t have encountered anything similar before and won’t know how well it works.
Questions to consider include:
– Is the sizing right?
– If it is equipment, has it been ergonomically designed?
– Is the shape right?
– Does it feel comfortable to use?
– Is everything scaled correctly?
– Can it be applied to everyday life practically and effectively?
– Does it work?
– Will others be able to understand how to use it?
Getting ahead of the game
Computer Aided Design is also particularly useful if you want to start selling your product before the finished item has been created. We are able to use rendering and animation to create photo-realistic images, interactive rendering and CAD animation. If you were looking to include the item on your website or in your brochure, it would essentially appear as though you had photographed the finished product; the reality, however, would be that it had been digitally created to save you time and money during the final manufacturing process.
Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing has many advantages and helping you sell your product is one of them. Contact us today to find out how we can help your business, or subscribe to our newsletter for more helpful advice and tips.