Look and Feel, CAD Systems Innovations

Abstract

The state of the art of some technologies that are focused to accelerate the product conception and development step is analysed. CAD and Reverse Engineering technologies that are employed in the first phases of the development process have a significant influence on the time consumed to produce prototypes for customers' approval. The integration of haptic interfaces in CAD systems, which at present state are already crossing the limit of commercial viability, is an extra advantage to shrink the development phase of a new product. The advantages of integrating these technologies in the production cycle are demonstrated using, as an example, a shoe branch company, that after adhering to the new rapid product conception and development tools, improved it productivity and capacity to produce functional prototypes in reduced times, resulting in an increased company credibility and acceptance at international level.