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Computer-aided design

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The acronym CAD stands for "computer aided design" or alternatively "Computer-Assisted Drafting". A related acronym, CADD, stands for "Computer-Assisted Drafting and Design". It refers to the designing and technical drawing of various engineering or architectural projects on a computer rather than a traditional drawing board.

CAD implementations have evolved dramatically over the last few decades. When the field was initially established it was typically limited to producing drawings similar to hand drafted drawings. Advances in computer technology have allowed more skillful application of computers in design activities (see, for example 3D computer graphics). The following CAD data products have resulted:

  • wireframes
  • graphically represented system or plant diagrams and databases
  • parametric design models
  • realtime process simulation
  • digitial numerically controlled (DNC) load files (toolpath instructions)


CAD programs:

  • AutoCAD
  • Cadkey
  • ProEngineer
  • Ideas
  • Catia
  • Unigraphics
  • Solid Edge
  • Euclid
  • Solid Works
  • Think 3D
  • ME
  • 3D Studio Max
  • Cinema 4D
  • SoftImage
  • Truespace
  • Bryce
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