INTEGRATING CAD WITH 3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGIES TO ACCELERATE ENGINEERING PROTOTYPING

Abstract

This article explores the current aspects of integrating Computer-Aided Design (CAD) systems with threedimensional (3D) printing technologies to accelerate engineering prototyping processes in the field of applied mechanics. In the context of the global digital transformation of manufacturing, the combination of CAD capabilities with additive manufacturing technologies is becoming increasingly relevant, offering new approaches to the creation, analysis, and refinement of engineering solutions. The aim of this study is to analyze tools and methodologies that enable the effective combination of CAD modeling and 3D printing for the rapid fabrication of functional prototypes of mechanical components. The paper presents a comparative analysis of three widely used CAD systems – SolidWorks, Autodesk Fusion 360, and PTC Creo – considering their ability to export models in STL and 3MF formats, prepare them for 3D printing, verify geometry, and integrate with additive technologies. The research involved creating identical digital models across the different CAD platforms, converting them, and fabricating them using an FDM printer. The experimental analysis evaluated the accuracy, print quality, ease of preparation, and time requirements at each stage. It was found that using FDM printers with PLA filament provides an optimal balance between cost and quality in prototype manufacturing. The results confirm that the integration of CAD and 3D printing significantly shortens the engineering design cycle, enhances the efficiency of design testing, and supports iterative improvements in early development stages. Special attention is given to the educational potential of this technology: transforming digital projects into tangible models helps students develop spatial reasoning, master digital fabrication skills, and foster critical thinking – meeting the demands of modern engineering education and the labor market.