158 results
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Web-based solution that provides engineering CAD through 3D modeling, analysis, data conversion, imagery and more.
Web-based solution that provides engineering CAD through 3D modeling, analysis, data conversion, imagery and more.
Web-based solution that provides engineering CAD through 3D modeling, analysis, data conversion, imagery and more.

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
SwiftComp is a unique general-purpose multiscale code for modeling composites as quickly and easily as metals, without losing accuracy.
SwiftComp can be used independently for virtual testing of composites or as a plugin to power conventional FEA codes with high-fidelity multiscale modeling for composites. It provides unified modeling for 1D (beams), 2D (plates/shells), and 3D structures and quickly calculates all the effective properties for all composites. It can compute the best structural properties for use in structural analysis and predict accurate local stresses/strains in the microstructure.
SwiftComp can be used independently for virtual testing of composites or as a plugin to power conventional FEA codes with high-fidelity multiscale modeling for composites. It provides unified...

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
A cloud based file fixing solution that provides 3D file error-free optimization services, through simplified interfaces.
"MakePrintable", acloud-based mesh repair service that analyses, validates and repairs most common mesh errors that can occur when preparing a 3D design file for printing. MakePrintable allows novice and intermediate Sketchup users to achieve greater print success by identifying and fixing design flaws before printing a file. Some of these design flaws include non-manifolds, solidity, wall thickness, intersections, and flipped faces.
"MakePrintable", acloud-based mesh repair service that analyses, validates and repairs most common mesh errors that can occur when preparing a 3D design file for printing. MakePrintable allows novice...

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
CardGio Inc is the leader in oil and gas and geodesic data processing software developing.
CardGio Inc is the leader in oil and gas and geodesic data processing software developing.
CardGio Inc is the leader in oil and gas and geodesic data processing software developing.

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
BIM software for the design of roads and highways
SierraSoft Roads is a BIM software for the design of roads and highways. The ease of use, outstanding performance and functional design offered by SierraSoft Roads mean that the design of any kind of road, highways. SierraSoft Roads automates entire stages of the design and makes everything extremely easy; the designer always has complete control over the design data and constant access to all its information. BIM sharing and modeling take place through BIM Exchange & BIM Modeling functions.
SierraSoft Roads is a BIM software for the design of roads and highways. The ease of use, outstanding performance and functional design offered by SierraSoft Roads mean that the design of any kind of...

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
CL3VER is a cloud-based interactive presentation software that simplifies 3D visualization for the AEC and design industries,
CL3VER is a cloud-based interactive presentation software. With one click, CL3VER intuitively matches scene information from the 3D modeling application including free navigation and automatic camera transitions. Users can add external content and create a 3D slide presentation, easily share it with stakeholders, and can make updates to the model elements without compromising their storyboard.
CL3VER is a cloud-based interactive presentation software. With one click, CL3VER intuitively matches scene information from the 3D modeling application including free navigation and automatic camera...

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
Power Lines Pro

Power Lines Pro

(0) Local product Local product
3D CAD web based software package for designing and modelling overhead line systems for both utilities and telco companies.
Power Lines Pro is the latest in 3D CAD overhead line modelling software. This package is full featured and has an advanced intuitive interface. PLP has the ability to import and export your own poles and conductors as well as completely customising constructions to your region. With intelligent clearance measurements and reports, it makes design checks incredibly easy. Utilities can manage Vegetation and Assets using PLP's ability to import point clouds with instant and dynamic calculations.
Power Lines Pro is the latest in 3D CAD overhead line modelling software. This package is full featured and has an advanced intuitive interface. PLP has the ability to import and export your own...

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
An integrated CAE platform for product development. Accelerate designs with integrated, automatic, associative & parametric modeler.
An integrated CAE platform for product development. Accelerate designs with integrated, automatic, associative & parametric modeler.
An integrated CAE platform for product development. Accelerate designs with integrated, automatic, associative & parametric modeler.

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
Integrated suite of post processing, simulation, optimization, and verification software for 5-axis machines.
Integrated suite of post processing, simulation, optimization, and verification software for 5-axis machines.
Integrated suite of post processing, simulation, optimization, and verification software for 5-axis machines.

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
3D modeling and design software that helps to assist architects and other professionals in their drawing and drafting needs.
3D modeling and design software that helps to assist architects and other professionals in their drawing and drafting needs.
3D modeling and design software that helps to assist architects and other professionals in their drawing and drafting needs.

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
Scan2CAD is the world's leading conversion software for CAD/CAM & CNC. Uses by the world's best engineering and design companies.
Scan2CAD is the world's leading conversion software for CAD/CAM & CNC. Uses by the world's best engineering and design companies. The software accurately converts designs (raster and vector files) to CAM/CAM & CNC data. Scan2CAD uses Object Recognition technology to convert parts of an image to the correct CAD data. And OCR (optical character recognition) to convert text in images to editable vector text strings.
Scan2CAD is the world's leading conversion software for CAD/CAM & CNC. Uses by the world's best engineering and design companies. The software accurately converts designs (raster and vector files)...

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
Visiativ has been integrating Dassault Systems solutions for CAD, PLM, 3D Experience platform to help digital transformation.
Visiativ has been integrating Dassault Systems solutions for CAD, PLM, 3D Experience platform to help digital transformation.
Visiativ has been integrating Dassault Systems solutions for CAD, PLM, 3D Experience platform to help digital transformation.

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
Thea Render is a state-of-the-art Biased, Unbiased and GPU renderer with material system and its own advanced studio.
Thea Render is a state-of-the-art Biased, Unbiased and GPU renderer with material system and its own advanced studio.
Thea Render is a state-of-the-art Biased, Unbiased and GPU renderer with material system and its own advanced studio.

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
Structural analysis and design solution that provides engineering analysis and design requirements.
Structural analysis and design solution that provides engineering analysis and design requirements.
Structural analysis and design solution that provides engineering analysis and design requirements.

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
CARD/1 is a comprehensive CAD software for civil engineering and integrated 3D data model.
CARD/1 is a comprehensive CAD software for civil engineering and integrated 3D data model.
CARD/1 is a comprehensive CAD software for civil engineering and integrated 3D data model.

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
CR-8000 is a system level electronic design solution that provides the tools to optimize a design at both the IC and PCB level
CR-8000 is a suite of applications that span the entire PCB engineering lifecycle: from architecture planning through system level engineering and optimization, to physical implementation and manufacturing. CR-8000 is the only PCB design environment complemented by data management capabilities, providing comprehensive library, module, configuration and release management.
CR-8000 is a suite of applications that span the entire PCB engineering lifecycle: from architecture planning through system level engineering and optimization, to physical implementation and...

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
Identify and resolve build issues due to out of specification parts before shipping them for assembly.
ATS CM4D fills the gap between the virtual design world of Computer Aided Design and the physical world of manufacturing. It allows you to identify and resolve build issues due to out of specification parts before shipping them for assembly. It also compares products to their original design by highlighting the differences between the geometric design specification and the manufactured item. Tackling these issues allows manufacturers to attain the highest quality possible.
ATS CM4D fills the gap between the virtual design world of Computer Aided Design and the physical world of manufacturing. It allows you to identify and resolve build issues due to out of...

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
AutoCAD for Mac Like replacement with little or no learning curve for AutoCAD users!
iCADMac - 2D/3D "AutoCAD Like" CAD system that will allow you to "Afford your Design". iCADMac uses AutoCAD DWG files, no need for conversion and the interface uses the same menus and commands, no learning curve for AutoCAD users. Best replacement for AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT.
iCADMac - 2D/3D "AutoCAD Like" CAD system that will allow you to "Afford your Design". iCADMac uses AutoCAD DWG files, no need for conversion and the interface uses the same menus and commands, no...

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
Plant design software for SolidWorks that simplifies 3D modeling and gives access to project documents.
Plant design software for SolidWorks that simplifies 3D modeling and gives access to project documents.
Plant design software for SolidWorks that simplifies 3D modeling and gives access to project documents.

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
Easy-to-use CAD software that allows businesses to develop, design, and manufacture components, models, dies and molds.
Easy-to-use CAD software that allows businesses to develop, design, and manufacture components, models, dies and molds.
Easy-to-use CAD software that allows businesses to develop, design, and manufacture components, models, dies and molds.

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
Electrical engineering package that includes ERP, customer relationship management, and electrical CAD modules.
Electrical engineering software package that includes enterprise resource planning, customer relationship management, and electrical CAD modules.
Electrical engineering software package that includes enterprise resource planning, customer relationship management, and electrical CAD modules.

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
Suite of computer aided manufacturing software for the programming of laser cutting machines.
Suite of computer aided manufacturing software for the programming of laser cutting machines.
Suite of computer aided manufacturing software for the programming of laser cutting machines.

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
Manufacturing execution solution that helps businesses measure standard geometrics of machines and evaluate freeform surfaces.
With ZEISS CALYPSO preset software, you'll be able to preset your electrodes quickly and safely.
With ZEISS CALYPSO preset software, you'll be able to preset your electrodes quickly and safely.

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
Cadlog is an Electronic Design and Manufacturing system that provides complete solutions (design, NPI, production, PLM) for industries.
Cadlog is an Electronic Design and Manufacturing system that provides complete solutions (design, NPI, production, PLM) for industries.
Cadlog is an Electronic Design and Manufacturing system that provides complete solutions (design, NPI, production, PLM) for industries.

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
This CAD software offers customized solutions for every industry. Different versions of MegaCAD include 2D, 3D, Metal or engineering.
This CAD software offers customized solutions for every industry. Different versions of MegaCAD include 2D, 3D, Metal or engineering.
This CAD software offers customized solutions for every industry. Different versions of MegaCAD include 2D, 3D, Metal or engineering.

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
RED CAD is a CAD software is aimed at installers for electrical engineering, plumbing & heating technology as well as maintenance work.
RED CAD is a CAD software is aimed at installers for electrical engineering, plumbing & heating technology as well as maintenance work.
RED CAD is a CAD software is aimed at installers for electrical engineering, plumbing & heating technology as well as maintenance work.

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
liNear Desktop is a project and construction tool for AutoCAD, CADinside or Revit. It is a detailed drawing machine for all trades.
liNear Desktop is a project and construction tool for AutoCAD, CADinside or Revit. It is a detailed drawing machine for all trades.
liNear Desktop is a project and construction tool for AutoCAD, CADinside or Revit. It is a detailed drawing machine for all trades.

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
With the new FluidDraw P6, you can create pneumatic and electric circuit diagrams even more reliably and efficiently.
FluidDraw stands for fast and easy standardized documentation of your machines or systems. You can access the Festo catalogue and your own imported databases, and thus benefit from reporting functions and ready-prepared assembly drawings. The software is part of the Festo engineering tools that provide users with a paperless and smooth approach for all phases, from planning to delivery and commissioning.
FluidDraw stands for fast and easy standardized documentation of your machines or systems. You can access the Festo catalogue and your own imported databases, and thus benefit from reporting...

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
Electra Cloud is the world's first, fully cloud-based electrical schematic software. It is available on all platforms with a browser.
Electra Cloud is a fully-cloud based electrical schematics software that allows engineers to work 300% to 500% faster. It also works like Google Docs for better collaboration. Communication can be done in one place through its build-in-chat, team dashboard and collaborative editing. Engineers team can just work together and communicate in the same software.
Electra Cloud is a fully-cloud based electrical schematics software that allows engineers to work 300% to 500% faster. It also works like Google Docs for better collaboration. Communication can be...

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
Digital image correlation measurement software platform for measuring, acquiring, analyzing and reporting mechanical test data.
Digital image correlation measurement software platform for measuring, acquiring, analyzing and reporting mechanical test data.
Digital image correlation measurement software platform for measuring, acquiring, analyzing and reporting mechanical test data.

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
Software for solar installers and government bodies. User can create preliminary sales quotations in a few clicks.
Software for solar installers and government bodies. User can create preliminary sales quotations in a few clicks.
Software for solar installers and government bodies. User can create preliminary sales quotations in a few clicks.

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
With Stabicad, you can create 3D mechanical models that are truly constructible in Autodesk Revit.
From concept to installation, Stabicad provides integrated calculations, up-to-date manufacturer content and comprehensive productivity tools that support you in producing the highest levels of detail in your 3D designs fast. Embedded calculations enable you to be compliant with UK regulations without having to perform them manually. Its integration with Trimble Connect allows for a fully connected collaboration with other stakeholders.
From concept to installation, Stabicad provides integrated calculations, up-to-date manufacturer content and comprehensive productivity tools that support you in producing the highest levels of...

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
Trimble Nova ist die ideale CAD/CAE-Software für die Gebäudetechnik - mit CAD-Kern, integrierten Berechnungen und Herstellerdaten.
Materiallisten mit Rohrleitungen, T-Stücken und Bögen können direkt aus Einstrichnetzen erzeugt werden. Für mehr detaillierte Materialaufstellungen, können Einstrichnetze in 3D generiert und danach mit weiteren Komponenten versehen werden, zum Beispiel, durch den Import von Herstellerkomponenten über die VDI 3805 Schnittstelle.
Materiallisten mit Rohrleitungen, T-Stücken und Bögen können direkt aus Einstrichnetzen erzeugt werden. Für mehr detaillierte Materialaufstellungen, können Einstrichnetze in 3D generiert und danach...

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
3D CAD tool that assists engineers with schematic capture & designing, 3D modeling, component management, pattern editing and more.
3D CAD tool that assists engineers with schematic capture & designing, 3D modeling, component management, pattern editing and more.
3D CAD tool that assists engineers with schematic capture & designing, 3D modeling, component management, pattern editing and more.

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
The all-in-one solution for water distribution system design with CAD design tools and more.
The all-in-one solution for water distribution system design with CAD design tools and more.
The all-in-one solution for water distribution system design with CAD design tools and more.

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
Engineering CAD solution that includes digitization of production, connected objects, robotics, a workshop and planner module.
Engineering CAD solution that includes digitization of production, connected objects, robotics, a workshop and planner module.
Engineering CAD solution that includes digitization of production, connected objects, robotics, a workshop and planner module.

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
echo is software for facility engineering drawings that keep up-to-date with your building today & the history of your buildings.
Facility Managers across the globe struggle with keeping their engineering drawings organized, up-to-date and accessible to their teams. Urgent requests become an issue without a modernized approach to facility engineering drawing management. The Drawing Specialists solve this problem by implementing a Drawing Management Strategy for their unique situation. echo is software for Facility Managers to maintain their facility engineering drawings.
Facility Managers across the globe struggle with keeping their engineering drawings organized, up-to-date and accessible to their teams. Urgent requests become an issue without a modernized...

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
midas Civil is a state of art structural engineering software that sets a new standard for bridge and civil structures.
midas Civil is a state of art structural engineering software that sets a new standard for bridge and civil structures. It features a distinctively user friendly interface and optimal design solution functions that can account for construction stages and time dependent properties. Its highly developed modeling and analysis functions enable engineers to overcome common challenges and inefficiencies of finite element analysis.
midas Civil is a state of art structural engineering software that sets a new standard for bridge and civil structures. It features a distinctively user friendly interface and optimal design solution...

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
ShipConstructor is a complete line of products for the design, engineering, and construction of ships and offshore projects.
ShipConstructor is a complete line of products for the design, engineering, and construction of ships and offshore projects.
ShipConstructor is a complete line of products for the design, engineering, and construction of ships and offshore projects.

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
It helps in generating optimized NC milling and turning programs for machine tools from digital models.
It helps in generating optimized NC milling and turning programs for machine tools from digital models.
It helps in generating optimized NC milling and turning programs for machine tools from digital models.

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
Quality assurance tool that helps engineers manage and control process related measurements using parameterization and CAD tools.
Quality assurance tool that helps engineers manage and control process related measurements using parameterization and CAD tools.
Quality assurance tool that helps engineers manage and control process related measurements using parameterization and CAD tools.

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
MAGMASOFT is the comprehensive optimization tool for improving metalcasting quality, optimizing process conditions and reducing costs.
MAGMASOFT is the comprehensive optimization tool for improving metalcasting quality, optimizing process conditions and reducing costs.
MAGMASOFT is the comprehensive optimization tool for improving metalcasting quality, optimizing process conditions and reducing costs.

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
Engineering CAD platform that enables businesses to perform structural analysis, import/export BIM data and streamline load transfers.
Engineering CAD platform that enables businesses to perform structural analysis, import/export BIM data and streamline load transfers.
Engineering CAD platform that enables businesses to perform structural analysis, import/export BIM data and streamline load transfers.

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
SCIA Engineer is an engineering CAD software for all construction phases: modeling, analysis, design and verification.
SCIA Engineer is an engineering CAD software for all construction phases: modeling, analysis, design and verification.
SCIA Engineer is an engineering CAD software for all construction phases: modeling, analysis, design and verification.

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
DXFReader.NET allows viewing, manipulating, and plotting direct from the AutoCAD drawing file format DXF.
DXFReader.NET allows viewing, manipulating, and plotting direct from the AutoCAD drawing file format DXF.
DXFReader.NET allows viewing, manipulating, and plotting direct from the AutoCAD drawing file format DXF.

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
Engineering CAD solution that allows businesses to create schematic diagrams, calculate optical power budget and generate reports.
Engineering CAD solution that allows businesses to create schematic diagrams, calculate optical power budget and generate reports.
Engineering CAD solution that allows businesses to create schematic diagrams, calculate optical power budget and generate reports.

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
ELISE is a construction program for generative design. It combines algorithmic design with the functions of classic 3D CAD.
ELISE is a program for generative design. Users can employ it to develop components that grow in the computer like natural structures. This aims to produce structures with especially high strength but relatively low weight. Developers are not required to write algorithms for themselves but can try out different variants. The software uses 2D/3D meshing for FEA as well as voxel meshing for 3D printing. In addition, ELISE is a fully-fledged 3D CAD system.
ELISE is a program for generative design. Users can employ it to develop components that grow in the computer like natural structures. This aims to produce structures with especially high strength...

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
LeanDESIGNER is a software tool for analyzing 3D projects and checking their feasibility, costs, and fields of application.
LeanDESIGNER works like a virtual assistant in every respect. It is compatible with leading 3D CAD design software and it analyzes every project it creates. It can assess costs and feasibility within seconds and make suggestions for improvements. LeanDESIGNER is also able to modify the project in real-time based on these suggestions.
LeanDESIGNER works like a virtual assistant in every respect. It is compatible with leading 3D CAD design software and it analyzes every project it creates. It can assess costs and feasibility within...

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
Praut CN-2D is an interactive and intuitive platform for designing different machine types and programming tools.
Praut CN-2D is a software platform that offers an interactive and intuitive graphical interface. The program aims to simplify the programming and designing of various types of machinery. The interactive interface helps check content, edit content, and print content at any stage of development. Programmers do not need to know every detail of the machine, as they only need to define its outward appearance before production.
Praut CN-2D is a software platform that offers an interactive and intuitive graphical interface. The program aims to simplify the programming and designing of various types of machinery. The...

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools
WCAM2K is a CAD program for creating designs with various materials, such as wood, marble, glass, and granite.
WCAM2K is a software package created to support machine work with various materials, such as continuous lathes, bridge-milling machines, contouring machines, pantographs, and robots for general industries. The program enables users to manage both 2D and 3D projects. The software includes features that make it possible to use various machines for working, and therefore, it can help solve even the most complicated problems.
WCAM2K is a software package created to support machine work with various materials, such as continuous lathes, bridge-milling machines, contouring machines, pantographs, and robots for general...

Features

  • Presentation Tools
  • 3D Imaging
  • 2D Drawing
  • Collaboration Tools

Engineering CAD Software Buyers Guide

What is engineering CAD software?

Engineering CAD (computer-aided design) software is used by architectural and engineering drafters to create precise 2D and 3D drawings, models, and technical illustrations of structures, products, and physical components.

The benefits of engineering CAD software

  • Consolidated design and analytics tools: The traditional paper-based design process is cumbersome and separates the design and analysis process. CAD systems consolidate design and analytical capabilities, making for a smoother workflow and increased productivity.
  • Better visualization/simulation of end products: Engineering CAD solutions with 3D modeling capabilities allow for better analysis of models under different conditions. 3D tools also offer interactive virtual tours of models for more accurate visualization of end products.

Typical features of engineering CAD software

  • Manufacturing design data storage: Collect and store all relevant manufacturing-related data for the final product such as production material, size, shape, and weight.
  • 2D drawing: Create and edit technical drawings and annotate designs.
  • 3D modeling: Represent and visualize objects using a collection of points in three dimensions.
  • Design analysis: Simulate the physical behavior of a component, product, or structure in order to minimize, or even eliminate, the need for physical prototyping and testing.
  • Design export: Convert the design into another file format that is easily readable by other users.
  • Reporting/analytics: Monitor key project metrics and report them to relevant stakeholders.

Considerations when purchasing engineering CAD software

  • Determine your requirements before choosing a CAD package: CAD software solutions come with different capabilities such as 2D CAD, 3D CAD, and multi-CAD; multi-CAD can be beneficial if you (or your partners, vendors, or clients) use different CAD systems. Then there’s the software’s deployment, which will be either cloud-based or on-premise. Ensure that the features of the options you’re considering align with your operational requirements and budget.
  • Total cost of ownership (TCO): TOC is an estimate of all the direct (procurement) and indirect costs (maintenance, upgrades, supporting/compatible hardware, etc.) associated with an asset over its entire life cycle. Before purchasing CAD software, calculate whether the TCO fits into your budget. For example, 2D software is less expensive than advanced 3D modeling tools, and the annual maintenance fees of 3D software are expensive.
  • Integration with other solutions: CAD software must be able to integrate with other systems, such as simulation tools and database software. This will allow for a seamless transfer between systems and ensure smooth workflows.
  • Augmented reality (AR) enables better visualization of 2D drawings and 3D models: With AR, a target in the real world is used to keep the augmented 3D data in the correct positioning. It allows users to walk around the object and get a 360-degree view. This provides an improved understanding of CAD drawings, geometric features, and projection views.
  • 3D printing helps design physical prototypes in less time: 3D printing is often used to create physical prototypes— thin layers of material are solidified using 3D printers. In order to print something, a design is created using 3D CAD software or by using a 3D scanner to scan the object you want to print. This CAD-3D printing partnership will help designers test multiple outputs with different specifications and finalize the most optimal configuration.