THE CAD TOOL IN MANAGING THE DESIGN PROCESS OF MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT AS A ROAD TO INDUSTRY 4.0

Purpose:The work aims to emphasize the importance of using the CAD tool in managing the design process of a selected mechanical device.The research includes comparing selected parameters from the use of innovative materials with traditional construction materials, such as steel, aluminium, or plastics.Design/methodology/approach: As part of the research, a 3D model of the body of the selected device was designed and an analysis was carried out tightened by this element from commonly used materials and innovative construction material, which is carbon fibre.The use of the CAD tool allowed us to identify the benefits and restrictions resulting from the implementation of innovative material at the stage before production.In addition, the impact of carbon fibre structure on the distribution of stress and its strength properties in various operating conditions was analyzed.Findings: The purpose of the work was to examine key parameters for the operation of the selected device without incurring real production costs.The obtained results gave a basis for analysis in the field of introducing and effective use of carbon fibre as a material used to build a given device. Research limitations/implications:The main obstacle to the wider use of carbon fibre is its high price.This is related to both production costs and limited accessibility on the market.The price of carbon fibre elements significantly exceeds the cost of components, steel or aluminium.It has been shown how a tool such as CAD can lead to a reduction in production costs already at the design stage.Practical implications: Research results are the first scientific approach indicating the possibility of using innovative materials in construction applications other than the automotive industry.By defining its efficiency and profitability.In addition, they confirm the need for further research on the processes of optimizing the cost of designing data of machinery and devices using a tool such as CAD in response to Industry 4.0 challenges.Originality/value: The originality of the study lies in the innovative approach to the use of CAD software in managing the design process of individual parts of agricultural machines in order to reduce production costs.