3D computer-aided design, or 3D CAD, is a design and technical documentation technique that replaces manual drafting with an automated procedure. The 3D CAD software architects, engineers, and other specialists accurately represent and visualize three-dimensional objects using a system of points. Principally, CAD is utilized to engineer 3D models or 2D drawings of genuine physical components. However, it is also applied across the entirety of the engineering process, from the conceptual design and layout of products to the specification of manufacturing techniques for components.
The introduction of CAD and CAM has changed manufacturing by enabling the creation of 3D models of a component or system. CAD software helps quality design, a necessity in the manufacturing industry. It allows designers to observe a component or part in several representations and simulate real-world settings to test it. Additionally, CAD makes the production process more cost-effective by eliminating the risk associated with developing a part to ensure its functionality. As it discovers flaws earlier in the manufacturing process, it helps lower production costs for customers and manufacturers. The rise of the manufacturing industry is anticipated to directly impact the growth of 3D CAD software.
Companies are now utilizing CAD software and prototyping tools during the phases of product development, indicating that the worldwide market is rising from its infancy. Increasing technological breakthroughs and R&D expenditures have enabled the inclusion of 3D printers in manufacturing. Rising government investments in 3D printing will also impact market growth throughout the forecast period. Businesses are investing more in 3D printing of metal for critical aviation applications. For instance, in February 2021, the Engine Division of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) collaborated with Wipro 3D, the metal additive manufacturing business of Wipro Infrastructure Engineering (WIN), for the production, development, and airworthiness certification of a hazardous aero-engine module operating in the hot zone, using metal 3D printing.
North America is the most significant shareholder in the global 3D CAD software market and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.0% during the forecast period. North America dominated the market for 3D CAD software due to the extensive use of this technology in industries other than manufacturing. In addition, the requirement to enhance the designing and manufacturing processes to minimize the time to market is anticipated to keep the industry robust over the following years. In addition, the regional automotive and aerospace industries have adopted CAD software to manufacture low-volume, complex-designed components, fostering regional market expansion. In terms of revenue share, the United States dominated the regional market. This is due to the U.S. government's support for adopting digitization technologies that will accelerate the growth of the region's industrial sector and encourage the usage of 3D CAD software tools. Autodesk Inc., PTC, Dassault Systèmes, and Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp. are among the market's leading firms, driving its growth.
Europe is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% over the forecast period. Government regulations are anticipated to increase the need for 3D CAD software in the following years. For instance, the U.K. government stated in March 2016 that it aimed to increase construction productivity in order to produce approximately USD 1.91 billion in savings and finance 20,000 apprenticeships by 2020. As a result of this law, building information modeling software is now required for large construction projects, increasing demand for 3D design software. With the usage of designing software, the region is experiencing several advantages, including a quicker delivery rate for completed projects, increased effectiveness and efficiency of construction supply chains, and enhanced visualization of construction projects.
The key players in the global 3D CAD software market are Autodesk, Inc., Bentley Systems, Inc., Bricsys NV, CAXA Technology Company Ltd, Graphisoft SE, Oracle, PTC, Siemens PLM Software, Inc., SCHOTT SYSTEME GmbH, SolidWorks Corporation, and ZWCAD Software Co., Ltd.