(Computer-Aided Design) Using computers to design products. CAD systems are high-speed workstations or desktop computers with CAD software. A graphics tablet is used for drawing, and a scanner may be attached for additional input. The output of a CAD system is either printed or electronically transmitted to a CAM system, which builds the objects (see CAD/CAM).
Generic or Specialized
CAD software is available for generic design or specialized uses, such as architectural, electrical and mechanical. CAD software may also be highly specialized for creating products such as printed circuits and integrated circuits.
Solid and Parametric Modeling
More complex forms of CAD are solid modeling and parametric modeling, which allows objects to be created with real-world characteristics. For example, in solid modeling, objects can be sectioned (sliced down the middle) to reveal their internal structure. In parametric modeling, objects have meaningful relationships with each other (a door must be on a wall, not the floor; holes cannot be drilled too close to the edge, etc.). See wireframe modeling, surface modeling, solid modeling, parametric modeling, graphics and CAE.
From Rivets to Trees
The computer is used not only to create engineering blueprints for every last detail of a project, but it takes the finished object and renders it as a real-world entity. This building was designed in MicroStation Modeler and rendered in MicroStation MasterPiece from Bentley Systems. (Image courtesy of Bentley Systems, Inc. and Cooper Carry.)
Generic or Specialized
CAD software is available for generic design or specialized uses, such as architectural, electrical and mechanical. CAD software may also be highly specialized for creating products such as printed circuits and integrated circuits.
Solid and Parametric Modeling
More complex forms of CAD are solid modeling and parametric modeling, which allows objects to be created with real-world characteristics. For example, in solid modeling, objects can be sectioned (sliced down the middle) to reveal their internal structure. In parametric modeling, objects have meaningful relationships with each other (a door must be on a wall, not the floor; holes cannot be drilled too close to the edge, etc.). See wireframe modeling, surface modeling, solid modeling, parametric modeling, graphics and CAE.
From Rivets to Trees
The computer is used not only to create engineering blueprints for every last detail of a project, but it takes the finished object and renders it as a real-world entity. This building was designed in MicroStation Modeler and rendered in MicroStation MasterPiece from Bentley Systems. (Image courtesy of Bentley Systems, Inc. and Cooper Carry.)
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2009 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
Additional Resources
- Domus.Cad 15.0.2 (Mac)
- Domus.Cad is an architectural 3D CAD program. It is a tool for the design and modeling of architecture, interor, landscape, and urban spaces. With Domus.Cad you can immediately begin to create three-dimensional elements without needing to start from a two-dimensional plan. Elements such as walls, floors, roofs, and stairs are...
- Software downloads 2009-11-05
- Walmart unveils 15.6" HP Pavilion G60 laptop for $298
- hmmfor once, i agree with you. why are they still making the celeron...? shouldn't the atom replace that?Intel Celeron?is Inhel still making this 10 year old crap?surplus maybe? ntnti feel 298 is bad for celron processor..but still good option for ppl who r new to these creepy labtops..RE: Walmart unveils...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-04
- Water, water everywhere. So why not use it to create steam?
- Here is a lesson on how little we can put in the blog...and still call it our own. Could you write less and still get paid ???sheshEver heard of Nuclear powered ships? They heat water that flashes into steam and thus turns the turbines.This short article.I think the...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-02
- Maingear unleashes Shift desktop, child-sized 'personal supercomputer' for $2,199 (or $13,394)
- Without demonstrated Linux or OSX support......what's the point? Who does video stuff on Windows?Plenty do.....You just don't get out much. My XP system with cakewalk software did me just fine and that was on a P4 system that couldn't keep itself cool, ever. But my audio quality...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-02
- VariCAD 2010 1.02 (Windows)
- VariCAD is a 3D/2D CAD system primarily intended for mechanical engineering design. In addition to tools for 3D modeling and 2D drafting and dimensioning, VariCAD provides support for parameters, geometric constraints, tools for shells, pipelines, sheet metal unbending and crash tests, assembly support, libraries of standard mechanical parts (ANSI, DIN),...
- Software downloads 2009-10-28
- Lightwright 5.0.6 (Mac)
- Lightwright manages lighting design paperwork, storing the information for each instrument in a show as well as general things such as dimmer capacities, color frame dimensions, and stock equipment. It organizes all the standard paperwork, counts instruments, templates, stock equipment, and both frames and sheets of color, and it offers...
- Software downloads 2009-10-23
- EWDraw 3D ActiveX 7.1.6 (Windows)
- EWDraw 3D ActiveX is a vector graphics ActiveX for 3D and 2D visualization and animation. You can use it for CAD, CAM, and GIS. The EWDraw 3D ActiveX is based on open cascade geometric kernel and openGL. The library is realized as a run-time Windows 32 bit ActiveX control. Either...
- Software downloads 2009-10-23
- CAD-KAS Word Processor 1.0 (Windows)
- If you need a small but full featured word processor with PDF export you should try this one. This one fits to every USB stick. You can use all high-end features like text boxes, pictures, drawing objects, tables, spell checker, form letter functions with data base connection etc. The program...
- Software downloads 2009-10-22
- Apple refreshes specs on Mac mini; starts $599; Snow Leopard server model, $999
- The two Mac Mini's we have owned over the past 4 years . . . .Have been the most reliable, most useful and most FUN computers I have ever owned.I have two Win XP PC's, have done CAD design on them for over 20 years, and know both platforms well....
- Discussion threads 2009-10-21
- GGCad 1.4.0.1 (Windows)
- GGCad is a software that generates g-code. It is designed as an intuitive CAD application. Its philosophy which differs from classical tools that you can find, makes it as the indispensable software for both new users and experts. You will be able to use it rapidly, in the CAD mode...
- Software downloads 2009-10-21
- VectorWorks 2010 SP1 (Mac)
- VectorWorks is the ideal CAD program for firms that don't have unlimited IT budgets. Precision 2D drafting. Powerful 3D modeling. Spectacular presentation capabilities. Cost and materials tracking. Automatically generated schedules. Short learning curve. Free technical support. Painless upgrades. All in one easy-to-use, cross-platform application that costs less than half the...
- Software downloads 2009-10-20
- Will Windows 7 have the right touch?
- Re: Will Windows 7 have the right touch?Clever move by MS. Irrespective of where you stand regarding the viability of touch on a PC, the novelty factor alone will serve as an additional driver to the positive publicity Win7 has already garnered. I think if you read a lot of...
- Discussion threads 2009-10-19
- Nine out of 10 corporate PCs can run Windows 7 ... but that's not the whole story
- RE: Nine out of 10 corporate PCs can run Windows 7 ... but that's not the whole storyMost corporate PCs were not updated to Vista, because Vista didn't add any additional values; required more powerful hardware and had a very bad name from the start.Most companies will also not upgrade...
- Discussion threads 2009-10-19
- Block Catalog 1.0 (Windows)
- Block Catalog BCatalog is a multi-purposes block management tool for general autocad users. BCatalog provides up to eight flexible data fields for application administrator to create the best fit block-associated meta data management fields for any industries that using AutoCAD as the main drafting tool. BCatalog not only provides data...
- Software downloads 2009-10-19
- Vextractor 4.70 (Windows)
- Vextractor is a vectorizer software for transforming raster images into vector formats by building centerlines and outlines. This tool could be used for vectorizing of charts, drawings, maps, and schemes for input to CAD or GIS systems. Main features of Vextractor: create centerlines and outlines; recognize arcs and circles; recognize...
- Software downloads 2009-10-19
- Algolab Photo Vector 1.98.84 (Windows)
- Algolab Photo Vector is a proven handy tool for designers and CAD/CAM professionals to cleanup, reduce number of colors and vectorize images. The only vectorizer compatible with Jasc PSP. Useful add on to Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, Adobe Photo Shop, CAD/CAM systems etc. Especially useful for designs on textile, fabric,...
- Software downloads 2009-10-18
- Best 'bang for the buck' graphics cards
- No Love for NVIDIA?I'm a little disappointed you only mention one GeForce card as if they can't compete with ATI. I'm sensing either sponsorship or bias, Adrian... but if it's genuinely based on performance, I'd love to see some benchmarking and justification for the claim.They just killed off......half the cards...
- Discussion threads 2009-10-16
- TurboCAD Mac Designer 4.1 (Mac)
- Powerful and simple to use, TurboCAD Mac Designer 2D delivers comprehensive drafting and design tools typically found in professional level CAD programs. Explore your ideas using intuitive design tools, automated user tips and customizable keyboard shortcuts. Produce anything from simple sketches to standards compliant, production ready drawings. This version is...
- Software downloads 2009-10-15
- Is this Barnes & Noble's secret e-book reader?
- The other big question:How big? If it's paperback size, as most of the ones now out are, then it's too small to do serious readers (science, business reports, financial tables, CAD/CAM drawings, etc.) any good. Way too much scrolling around.Not ANOTHER DEVICE?!?!? ARGGGGGG!!!This is getting stupid.Why so serious?Are you...
- Discussion threads 2009-10-14
- Netbook or a cheap Compaq for students?
- Re: Netbook or cheap CompaqThe problem I see at least in my organization it is never 1:1. Sometimes I wish we could get away with a netbook or using some of our older desktop hardware for lighter 1:1 usage. We bought a small cart of Netbooks...
- Discussion threads 2009-10-13
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