CAD in the cloud: without a workstation

CAD stands for computer-aided design and refers to the computer-supported development, modelling and modification of technical designs – from machine parts and architectural plans to clothing or dentures. Depending on the context, the term covers both the creation of geometric models and simulations and calculations during the entire design process. Modern CAD systems also enable seamless integration with manufacturing, quality and simulation solutions (CAM, CAE, CAQ) and thus form the backbone of digital product development.

Depending on the definition, CAD can cover the creation and editing of geometric models (2D/3D) through to simulation, calculation and documentation of the entire product development process – from draft to hand-over to manufacturing. This includes designing individual parts, assembling them into assemblies, collision checking and creating technical drawings. Integration into workflows such as FEM calculations, bill-of-materials creation or automated manufacturing processes is also a central component of modern CAD applications today.

GPU instances with Windows Server and NVIDIA RTX cards support common CAD applications; licensing follows the terms of your software vendor (your own licences/licence server). We are happy to advise on your specific set-up in advance.

Cloud CAD brings maximum flexibility: teams work regardless of location, access current models at any time and benefit from dynamically scalable computing power – without their own high-end hardware. This not only reduces investment costs for workstations but also speeds up project launch, as no complex infrastructure needs to be set up. The cloud also facilitates cross-site collaboration and enables consistent versioning of all CAD data through central data storage.

GPUs (graphics processing units) specialise in graphics-heavy computing operations and enable extremely fast visualisations and simulations. In the cloud, several GPUs can be used in parallel – ideal for demanding CAD projects. centron uses powerful, scalable GPU servers that can be expanded flexibly as required. Users thus benefit from high performance even with complex assemblies, large construction projects or elaborate renderings.

The starting prices are deliberately low: Cloud GPU from €92.59 per month, volumes from €0.05 per GB per month and cBacks with no base fee. New accounts receive a €200 starting credit valid for 60 days – you can calculate the cost of your specific configuration transparently using the price calculator.

Architecture, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, construction, medical technology and many more. Teams with high mobility or distributed locations in particular benefit from location-independent collaboration in real time. In product development, aerospace or the automotive industry, cloud CAD also enables shorter development cycles and parallel work on complex designs. Easy access to powerful GPU resources also allows smaller companies with limited IT budgets to work on a par with large corporations.

centron’s cloud GPUs offer maximum computing power for demanding CAD applications – scalable, flexible and without your own hardware. Even large 3D models and simulations can be edited smoothly. The infrastructure in Germany, certified to ISO 27001, ensures high data security and availability – ideal for distributed teams and modern design processes.

Yes. With CAD data, the focus is less on personal references than on protecting design knowledge – a leak is often economically more serious than a data protection breach. At centron, models and project states remain in our own German data centres. The data centres are certified to ISO 27001 based on IT-Grundschutz; for ccloud³ / Managed Cloud there is an unqualified BSI C5:2020 Type 1 attestation. Details can be found in the Trust Center.