CAD (Computer-Aided Design) tools are software applications used by designers, engineers, architects, and other professionals to create, modify, analyze, and optimize designs. These tools allow for the creation of both 2D drawings and 3D models, which can be used in various industries, such as manufacturing, construction, automotive, aerospace, and product design.
- 2D Drafting: The ability to create detailed technical drawings, blueprints, and plans.
- 3D Modeling: Tools for creating detailed three-dimensional models, visualizing designs, and simulating physical environments.
- Parametric Design: Allows users to change the parameters of a design, and the model automatically adjusts accordingly.
- Rendering: Produces high-quality visual representations of models with realistic lighting, textures, and colors.
- Simulation & Analysis: Tools to test designs under various conditions, like stress, heat, and fluid flow, often through integrated FEA (Finite Element Analysis) or CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics).
- Collaboration: Many CAD tools now include cloud-based collaboration features for multiple users to work on designs in real-time.
- CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) Integration: Some CAD tools integrate with CAM software to help manufacture the designs created, particularly in CNC machining or 3D printing.
- AutoCAD (by Autodesk)
- SolidWorks (by Dassault Systèmes)
- Fusion 360 (by Autodesk)
- CATIA (by Dassault Systèmes)
- Rhino (Rhinoceros)
- SketchUp (by Trimble)
- Creo (formerly Pro/ENGINEER) (by PTC)
- Tinkercad (by Autodesk)
- Blender
- Revit (by Autodesk)