2007-03-01 09:55:03 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Computer Aided Design
Software to help engineers to design faster or better
2007-03-01 10:05:28 · answer #1 · answered by John S 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of a wide range of computer-based tools that assist engineers, architects and other design professionals in their design activities. It is the main geometry authoring tool within the Product Lifecycle Management process and involves both software and sometimes special-purpose hardware. Current packages range from 2D vector based drafting systems to 3D solid and surface modellers.
CAD is sometimes translated as "computer-assisted", "computer-aided drafting", or a similar phrase. Related acronyms are CADD, which stands for "computer-aided design and drafting", CAID for Computer-aided Industrial Design and CAAD, for "computer-aided architectural design". All these terms are essentially synonymous, but there are some subtle differences in meaning and application.
CAD was originally the three letter acronym for "Computer Aided Draughting" as in the early days CAD was really a replacement for the tradition draughting board. But now is the term is often interchanged with "Computer Aided Design" to reflect the fact that modern CAD tools do much more than just draughting.
2007-03-01 18:22:45 · answer #2 · answered by N T 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋