Computer-aided design and manufacturing

Draft

Definition

“Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of computer technology for the design of objects, real or virtual. The design of geometric models for object shapes, in particular, is often called computer-aided geometric design (CAGD).” (Wikipedia, retrieved 16:43, 24 June 2009 (UTC)).

“Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) is the use of computer-based software tools that assist engineers and machinists in manufacturing or prototyping product components. Its primary purpose is to create a faster production process and components with more precise dimensions and material consistency, which in some cases, uses only the required amount of raw material (thus minimizing waste), while simultaneously reducing energy consumption. CAM is a programming tool that makes it possible to manufacture physical models using computer-aided design (CAD) programs” Wikipedia, retrieved 16:43, 24 June 2009 (UTC).

CAD and CAM are kind of Electronic Design automation together with computer-aided engineering, etc.

See also: Fab labs (machines that build designs)

File formats

3D Computer Modeling

RIB, DXF, 3DM, 3DMF, OBJ, X3D

Scanners

Polygon File Format or the Stanford Triangle Format. (.PLY)

CAD standards

See CAD standards (Wikipedia).

Links

General

• Computer-aided design (Wikipedia)
• Computer-aided manufacturing (Wikipedia)
• CAD standards (Wikipedia)
• 3D computer graphics software (Wikipedia)
• Comparison of 3D computer graphics software (Wikipedia)
• Electronic design automation (Wikipedia)
• Comparison of CAD editors for CAM

Free multi-purpose modelling software

• Ayam,a free 3D modelling environment for the RenderMan interface.
• Blender, a free open source 3D content creation suite.
• Caligary, is a free 3D computer graphics and animation software.
• Art of Illusion is a free, open source 3D modelling and rendering studio.