Development of technical models using the software CAD CAD referred to the development of technical models by using a computer. The acronym CAD stands for computer-aided design, to German “computer aided design”. CAD is used in a variety of different industries, in mechanical engineering, architecture and landscaping or electrical engineering. The main scope is to create technical drawings. Tools CAD program the first CAD programs created in the 1960s and quickly became the indispensable tools in building aircraft. With the proliferation of computers in the 1980s, CAD became popular also in other fields of technology. Today, CAD almost everywhere replaced the technical drawing on the drawing board.

Also in the computer game design and graphics – enjoy popular CAD programs. Previous CAD applications were mostly simple vector graphics programs. At first only two dimensional pictures were possible, but soon the extension followed by pseudo 3D edges or wire models. For real three-dimensional representations required high-performance computers, however, have long been. Only in the 1990s, such software to commercially available PCs became available. A complex CAD application but still high demands on computing power and screen resolution. CAD programs dominate more than just creating vector-based surfaces and edges models! In particular, the modeling of the physical properties of an object belongs to the functionality of a modern CAD software.

This process is known as the body model and enables a virtual examination of the planned construction as regards stability, resistance and other interactions with the environment. With a professional CAD application, you can test as electrical circuits or develop even a complete space shuttle. Also known as parametric standard part libraries use parametric standard part libraries today’s CAD systems. By using these libraries, constructions in the modular system can be assembled from prefabricated elements. This Approach to increasingly replace the development of models from simple geometric forms. File Austasuch formats: The standard – DFX-format etc. CAD applications use often proprietary file formats, making it difficult to Exchange data with other programs. The DFX format is a standard supported by all CAD applications. You used the STEP standard independently developed to transfer geometry data. In 3D the VRML format is popular, which is also suitable for data transfer on visualising. A seamless integration of CAD software in digital product development systems is now possible thanks to this file exchange formats.