MIT engineers have developed InstantCAD, a real-time physical properties simulation plug-in that could drastically speed up CAD design.

No matter whether you’re an amateur or pro at computer-aided design, creating that perfect 3D model requires a lot of trial and error. Optimizing a design can be difficult and very time-consuming. This is especially true when it comes to testing physical properties like stress or heat distribution or wind drag.

InstantCAD might change that. The plug-in, made by researchers from MIT and Columbia University, allows creators to develop and test a design in real-time. InstantCAD lets you edit and optimize models with an interactive interface. Algorithms provide immediate feedback while designing an object – this can save users both time and effort.

The plug-in works with all major CAD programs and lets you instantly edit and optimize models with its interactive interface. Algorithms provide immediate feedback – this can save users both time and effort.

InstantCAD Plug-in Could Speed up the CAD Designing Process by Weeks

The development team believes that as 3D printing becomes more accessible to everyone, CAD systems should also be improved. Whether you’re designing a drone, car, robot or mug, the plug-in will help you create a better model.

Adriana Schulz is the lead researcher on this project. She explains:

“From more ergonomic desks to higher-performance cars, this is really about creating better products in less time. We think this could be a real game changer for automakers and other companies that want to be able to test and improve complex designs in a matter of seconds.”

Hopefully, by providing a simpler design process, InstantCAD will be able to reduce painfully long processes. Of course, by improving the designing process, the belief is that engineers will also be able to improve products we buy and use regularly too.

Currently, the researchers are working on a paper which will be presented at SIGGRAPH in Los Angeles this month. We’ll keep you up to speed on this one.

Source: Engadget