CAD Centre
A Hub for Design, Innovation, and Engineering Precision
The CAD Centre at RCPIT is a specialized facility dedicated to nurturing advanced design thinking, technical drawing proficiency, and digital modeling skills across all engineering disciplines. With two fully equipped CAD Centres spanning a total area of 314 sq. m, this space serves as a cornerstone for practical learning, interdisciplinary project development, and industry-aligned skill-building.
Designed to support both academic instruction and hands-on project work, the CAD Centre empowers students to conceptualize, simulate, and refine engineering solutions with precision and creativity.
Infrastructure & Facilities
- Total Area: 314 sq. m. across two CAD Centres
- Workstations: High-performance computing nodes with professional-grade graphics cards and dual monitors
- Ergonomic Design: Spacious, air-conditioned labs with anti-glare lighting and comfortable seating for extended design sessions
- Capacity: Accommodates over 70 students across both labs for concurrent practicals and group project work
- Projection & Demo Area: Each lab includes an LCD projector and smart screen for real-time demonstrations and collaborative reviews
- Power Backup: High-capacity UPS and generator backup for uninterrupted lab sessions
- Surveillance: CCTV-enabled monitoring for security and compliance during lab hours
Proper lighting, cooling, and ergonomic arrangements significantly improve student performance in CAD-heavy environments, where concentration and visual accuracy are critical.
Software Ecosystem
The CAD Centre is equipped with industry-standard, licensed software used in core mechanical, civil, and interdisciplinary engineering practices:
Design & Drafting
- AutoCAD (Latest Educational Version) – 2D/3D drafting and architectural layouts
- SolidWorks – Parametric modeling, assemblies, motion simulation
- CATIA – Surface and hybrid modeling, widely used in aerospace and automotive sectors
- CREO (Pro/ENGINEER) – Mechanical part and assembly design
- DraftSight – Lightweight drafting tool for quick layout creation
Simulation & Analysis
- ANSYS – Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for thermal, structural, and fluid dynamics simulations
- MATLAB + Simulink – Control systems, numerical modeling, and signal processing
- Autodesk Fusion 360 – Cloud-enabled CAD/CAM/CAE tool for collaborative design and rapid prototyping
- Revit & STAAD.Pro – For structural design and BIM workflows (used by Civil Engineering students)
Other Tools
- KeyShot / Blender – Rendering and visualization for design presentations
- MasterCAM / CNC Simulator – CAM training and virtual manufacturing
- 3D Printing Software Suites – STL editing and slicing for additive manufacturing projects
Familiarity with multi-platform CAD/CAE tools significantly enhances employability and prepares students for cross-functional engineering roles.
Academic Integration & Skill Development
The CAD Centre plays a vital role in curriculum delivery and beyond:
- Lab Practicals: Integral to courses in Engineering Drawing, Machine Design, Structural Design, and Product Development
- Capstone Projects: Supports prototyping, 3D modeling, and visualization of final-year projects
- Add-on Training Programs: Workshops and certificate courses in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and ANSYS offered in collaboration with industry trainers
- MOOCs Integration: CAD modules aligned with NPTEL, Coursera, and Autodesk Certified Programs for self-paced learning
- Design Competitions: Encourages student participation in events like Smart India Hackathon, SAE BAJA, ISIE, and project expos
Embedding design tools in both curricular and extracurricular activities fosters real-world problem-solving and entrepreneurial innovation.
Key Highlights
- Dual CAD Centres enable department-wide scheduling flexibility and project parallelization
- Seamless integration of CAD, CAE, and CAM workflows for end-to-end digital manufacturing experiences
- Air-conditioned environment supports long design sessions with minimal fatigue
- 24x7 monitored labs with scheduled access for project groups, especially during submission and competition seasons
- Faculty mentoring, certified instructors, and support staff available for technical guidance
- Access to cloud-based design environments for remote project continuity
The CAD Centre at RCPIT stands at the confluence of design innovation, academic excellence, and industry readiness. By offering a robust blend of infrastructure, software, and guided instruction, the centre equips future engineers with the technical fluency and creative mindset needed to thrive in modern design-centric industries. From blueprint to prototype, RCPIT students gain hands-on experience that mirrors real-world engineering challenges—turning classroom concepts into tangible innovations.