Blackburn College

CAD is a core element of design and project work within a broad range of industries.  CAD is used for prototyping and design concepts to verify proof of concept and component design which can then be used to create engineering drawings, production of components through Computer Aided Manufacture as well as Additive Manufacturing Processes like 3D printing.

Additive manufacturing processes have opened up opportunities to many smaller companies and entrepreneurs where CAD modelling is used to produce low cost components without the need for heavy machinery or manufacturing expertise.  To make effective use of this technology, it relies upon a sound knowledge of 2D and 3D modelling software.  Many employers use Autodesk products with CAD, Solidworks and Inventor traditionally used.  However, more employers are moving over to the newer software package of Fusion 360 which combines many of the features of the Autodesk software into one package.

The technology is used in both small and large scale projects with sectors such as:

• Aerospace
• Architecture
• Automotive
• Medical
• Dental
• Food & Beverage
• Manufacturing