The cutting head is the core working mechanism of the roadheader for coal-rock materials cutting. The efficient and high performance design of cutting head is the key to improve the road head digging and mining technology. In this paper, based on cutting head design theory and virtual prototype technology, we propose a computer-aided structure design and performance optimization method for cutting head. We compile the calculation code and realize the reading and storing of relevant data through Excel. In particular, to obtain more realistic cutting performance data of the cutting head, we construct a coupling model of cutting head cutting rock wall based on virtual prototype technology, and then establish a database matching structural parameters, working parameters, coal-rock properties and cutting performance through extensive simulations. Based on the method, we complete the design of EBZ220 roadheader cutting head. We show that our method can realize the fast and efficient design of cutting head, and the designed cutting head has good working performance.