3DCAD

3D CAD, or three-dimensional computer-aided design, is software used to create and manipulate digital models of physical objects in a virtual 3D space. It supports the design, analysis, and documentation of parts and assemblies across manufacturing, engineering, and architecture. 3D CAD models capture geometry, dimensions, tolerances, and material properties, enabling precise visualization, simulation, and fabrication planning before any physical prototyping.

Models are typically created using parametric or direct modeling. Parametric (history-based) systems define geometry through parameters, constraints, and feature sequences, so changes propagate automatically. Direct (history-free) modeling focuses on manipulating geometry directly without a fixed feature history. Many tools support both approaches or hybrids, along with solid, surface, and mesh representations to suit different design philosophies and downstream processes.

Common capabilities include solid modeling of rigid bodies, surface modeling for complex contours, and mesh modeling for scanned or generated geometries. Assemblies manage multiple interrelated parts with joints and constraints. Additional features cover tolerances, annotations, finite element analysis, rendering, and visualization. CAD data is frequently linked to computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), finite element analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and BIM workflows.

Industries such as automotive, aerospace, machinery, consumer electronics, architectural engineering, and industrial design rely on 3D CAD for visualization, detailed fabrication drawings, and virtual testing. File interchange formats (STEP, IGES, STL, OBJ) enable collaboration across software platforms. Modern CAD offers on-premises and cloud-based editions, with collaboration via centralized part libraries and version control. 3D printing and CNC fabrication commonly use CAD models as the source of production-ready geometry.