In the competitive world of product design, engineering, and software development, efficiency is a must. Top mechanical CAD (MCAD) and electrical CAD (ECAD) designers are constantly looking for tools that remove bottlenecks, cut costs, and accelerate collaboration without compromising security. That’s where SPK vCAD comes in. In this blog, we’ll explore how leading engineering teams use vCAD daily, compare it to other virtual desktop solutions, and show how vCAD works alongside other industry-standard tools to maximize productivity.
Common Use Cases for vCAD
vCAD is SPK’s cloud-based engineering platform optimized for MCAD, ECAD, and FEA applications.
Mechanical Engineering (MCAD)
Mechanical engineers were the first to benefit from SPK vCAD. For example, one medical device client needed to validate a new version of Creo through Computer System Validation (CSV). Installing a new version over an old one locally was risky and disruptive. With SPK vCAD, they spun up a new virtual CAD machine, installed the software, ran destructive tests without harming their physical computer, and reset the virtual machine in minutes — all without IT delays.
Electrical Engineering (ECAD)
Electrical designers face similar constraints. SPK vCAD removes hardware limitations by shifting heavy ECAD processing to secure, powerful cloud instances. ECAD engineers can collaborate on the same workstation in real time, whether they’re in the same office or spread across the globe. No more waiting for local installs, upgrades, or hardware refreshes.
Software Development Environments
Beyond traditional CAD, software engineers leverage SPK vCAD for cloud development environments (CDEs). Whether it’s compiling large builds or onboarding new developers with pre-configured templates, vCAD makes it simple. Additionally, vCAD enhances security by isolating critical IP from local devices.
Mechanical and CFD Simulation
For mechanical engineers and FEA specialists, SPK vCAD is a game-changer. Unlike some cloud-only solvers, where you simply submit batch jobs, vCAD feels like a local desktop. Residuals, flow fields, and live visualizations are accessible in real time. Users can close it when they’re done and pay only for what they use.
Common Objections to Cloud-CAD
Some engineers hesitate to adopt virtual CAD workstations because they fear:
- Performance limitations: SPK vCAD uses high-performance servers, so you’re no longer chained to local hardware constraints.
- Complex setup: vCAD looks and behaves like your own desktop. There is no steep learning curve, and no confusing workflows.
- Resetting and troubleshooting: One click resets your virtual environment. AKA, no IT ticket required.
- Security concerns: Centralized access means better control over your valuable IP and compliance with industry regulations.
SPK vCAD vs. VMware Horizon
Users who are familiar with VMware Horizon may initially think vCAD is similar. While VMware Horizon is a comprehensive solution for managing and delivering virtualized desktops, vCAD is designed specifically for the needs of CAD, simulation, and engineering workloads. Horizon is a general-purpose virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). On the contrary, vCAD is purpose-built to run resource-heavy MCAD, ECAD, and simulation tools that demand real-time rendering and computing power. It also offers simple user-managed resets and flexible pay-as-you-go usage.
vCAD vs. Mobile CAD Apps
While many mobile CAD apps now offer impressive features that match those of their desktop counterparts, most designers still use them primarily for viewing, markup, or quick edits, not for full-scale modeling. Even on tablets with keyboards and styluses, mobile CAD tools are usually companions to a powerful desktop setup. This is because intensive design work still demands workstation-level performance and a full-featured environment.
SPK’s vCAD takes a different approach by removing hardware limits altogether. Instead of running CAD natively on a phone or tablet, vCAD gives designers secure, remote access to a full virtual workstation in the cloud. This allows them to get the same powerful desktop CAD experience anywhere, on any device. This means no compromises on performance, security, or collaboration. Models stay secure in one place, performance stays high, and teams stay connected, whether they’re on-site, at home, or on the go. You can see how Solidworks can be run on an iPad through the use of SPK vCAD in this video.
Ready to Unlock Efficiency with vCAD?
The world’s best CAD designers and engineers choose SPK vCAD because it removes barriers. They get all the flexibility of a high-powered workstation, without the local hardware headaches. They collaborate faster, test more freely, secure critical IP, and adapt to any tool in their workflow. Whether you’re designing life-saving medical devices, testing new aerospace components, or building the next hit video game, SPK vCAD keeps you focused on creating, not configuring. If you are interested in discovering what vCAD can do for your team, contact our experts today.
