What is CAD file ?
CAD file is a digital file format of an object generated and used by a CAD software. CAD software is used to create 2D and 3D graphical representation of physical objects.
In a 3 dimensional (3D) environment the object is more visual as we have added another axis into the system. The objects seem real time and curvatures, texture and all complex surface features are easily visible. The most used 3D file formats are IGES and STEP.
- The Acronym IGES, stands for "Initial Graphics Exchange Specification". IGES evolved from of the U.S. Air Force's Integrated Computer Automated Manufacturing (ICAM) program in 1979.
- The Acronym STEP, stands for "Standard for the Exchange of Product model data". The development of STEP started in 1984 as a successor of IGES. These two formats also called as neutral format for the exchange of CAD models.
The CAD software is widely used by engineers,designers and architects etc. With this, we can
- Increase in the productivity of the designer.
- Get better visualization of the final product.
- Speed up the design process.
- Improve the quality of the design.
- Get greater accuracy so errors are reduced.
- Create documentation of the designing.
- Use it as a future reference.
- Create the database for manufacturing.
- Retrieve the existing part designs without having to design those parts again and again.