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Cad File Format

What is it?

  • CAD (computer-aided design) is a  computer technology is used by architects, engineers, drafters, artists, and others to create precision drawings or technical illustrations.

  • CAD software can be used to create :

  • two-dimensional (2-D) drawings.

  • or three-dimensional (3-D) models.

  • There are lots of CAD software enables engineers and architects to design, inspect and manage engineering projects within an integrated graphical user interface (GUI) on a personal computer system.

Here are some popular CAD softwares,

AutoCAD

PTC Cero

CATIA

FreeCAD

ShetchUp

  • This is the AutoCAD software for creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design.

What are the CAD File Formats?

  • It is an image file format generated and used by CAD Software program.

  • CAD (Computer-Aided Design) files may contain 2D or 3D designs.

  • These files enable designers to layout and develop work on screen, print it out and save it for future editing, saving time on their drawings.

  • In AutoCAD software, you can save your file in different formats here.

  • Below are some common CAD file extensions :

.CAD

  • Stores CAD data including the 2D and 3D part geometry and dimensions.

  • Used for designing parts and products for manufacturing.

  • File created by BobCAD-CAM CAD design products.

.DWG : (drawing)

  • It is a database of 2D or 3D drawings created with AutoCAD.

  • It contains vector image data and metadata that describes the contents of the file. 

.DGN : (design)

  • It is 2D/3D drawing format can be converted to the more universal.DWG format.

  • Supported by Bentley Systems, MicroStation and Intergraph's Interactive Graphics Design System (IGDS) CAD programs.

.STL : (Standard Triangle Language)

  • Used for stereolithography.

  • A rapid prototyping technology used for producing three-dimensional parts

  • Contains a 3D design used as a master model for creating numerous prototypes.

.DXF : (Drawing Exchange Format)

  • It is a CAD data file format developed by Autodesk for enabling data interoperability between AutoCAD and other programs.​

  • A DXF file is a data file saved in a format developed by Autodesk and used for CAD (computer-aided design) vector image files, such as AutoCAD documents

Use

  • Used in the design of tools and machinery.

  • Design and layout of products.

  • Used to design objects such as jewelry, furniture, appliances, etc. 

  • So engineers can better visualize their product designs. 

  • Used to design curves and figures in two-dimensional (2D) space; or curves, surfaces, and solids in three-dimensional (3D) space.

Why CAD formats?

  • These are vector file, This means that you can edit individual elements that make up an image, using a CAD program. 

  • Vector files allow you to scale certain shapes and change the colors and much more.

  • You can’t edit raster files like JPEGs and PNGs in this same way.

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