Computer Aided Design (CAD) uses computer technology to design, modify and optimize an engineering idea. Before computers, engineers and architects had to draw their ideas on paper, called blueprints. For ideas that included a lot of parts, those blueprints could become very complex and confusing. Then someone had to build prototypes of the design, often by hand, to test the model in a wind tunnel or for other laboratory experiments. The whole process could take months or even years!
Today, CAD software makes the design and testing process simpler and faster. Using CAD software, parts can be created individually and then combined into the overall design. In addition, CAD designs can be tested virtually using other computer software. Or they can be sent directly to a 3D printer or other computer-controlled machine for manufacturing.
You will be using a CAD program to create, test, and print model cars. Here are some introductory videos to help you with the CAD software: