In the AEC (architecture, engineering, construction) industry, one frequently hears about a process known as Paper to CAD Conversion. It involves the conversion of a paper drawing into a CAD format. The acronym CAD refers to Computer Aided Design. CAD can also denote Computer Aided Drafting. Usually for a layman, CAD indicates a software program that is used for creating digital drawings. However, in reality, CAD indicates the process by which realistic digital drawings are made from their paper versions.
There are a number of terms that are interchangeably used for denoting paper to CAD conversion. These include PDF to DWG, CAD conversion, vectorization, raster to vector and paper-to-CAD. In terms of paper to CAD conversion, CAD refers to the file formats used in professional drafting software programs. The term “paper” may indicate a single paper drawing draft or a cluster of architectural, electrical, civil, structural, HVAC or other drawings.
The process is used to design and create new products and items that can be then used for commercial purposes. Paper to CAD Conversion is widely preferred as it offers users with an easy platform to work on and craft and draft items without the actual physical use of components. The AutoCAD software is one of the most well known and widely used software programs used for CAD designing. It is now universally used as a benchmark for all such types of software platforms. Working with AutoCAD and creating intricate architectural detailing requires the working personnel to be properly trained for it. The task is a complex one and only well trained individuals can come up with flawless services.
There are three different methods of paper-to-CAD conversion that can be used, namely, the automatic, the semi-automatic and the manual techniques. The automatic paper to CAD is carried out by scanning a single paper drawingand then converting it into CAD format by usinga raster-to-CAD conversion program. The process does have some technical drawbacks as not every raster-to-CAD conversion software program can recognize text, dimension lines and patterns. This can eventually leave a mess of dots and lines in the CAD file instead of lines,circles,text and arcs as the text gets separatedinto numerous layers. The second method allows users to manually correct errors that have come forth due to an automatic conversion. The manual method involves completely redrawing the original drawing into the CAD application from where it is taken on to further modifications if necessary.
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Steel Structural Consultant 