Top 10 Computer Aided Design Software
CAD Software (Computer Aided Design Programs) has a very important role in the modern revolution of the world. Different CAD software are used to bring the imagination into reality. CAD software is used to produce 2D and 3D drawings and different types of models, for example, building and road design drawings and models of different objects.
Architectural and construction drawings are the most common use of cad programs. CAD software is also being used in various other industries worldwide for developing technical drawings of objects and generating models of different types.
CAD programs are very important for professionals in their work, and having the right software for a job makes their work easy and quickly done.
If you are looking for top CAD programs, here are the top 10 CAD programs used in different fields around the globe.
AutoCAD
The most commonly used computer-aided design and drafting software, AutoCAD, is developed by Autodesk. In other words, you can say that it is a tool of everyday use for engineers, architects, and construction professionals to bring reality into existence. AutoCAD has a friendly user interface with a lot of tools to take control of your designs and models. It is very flexible and easy-to-learn CAD software.
MicroStation
One of the most flexible engineering software, MicroStation, is advanced CAD software developed by Bentley Systems. It can produce drawings in 2D and 3D. It has perfect tools for drafting, and its supportive file format is DGN but it allows to import and export files in different CAD formats. The starting price of MicroStation is 250 US dollars a month per user. There is a free trial version for the students for learning purposes.
3D Studio Max (3DS Max)
3D Studio Max is 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software developed by Autodesk. It is equipped with a bunch of robust tools for professional 3D modeling and animation in the games and film industry. Many user-friendly tools are available to make the work extra easy. It is one of the best software to bring a film-like rendering to your designs. 3D Studio Max is good for designing models for artistic projects.
Autodesk Inventor
Autodesk also produces Autodesk Inventor, and this software is designed for producing 3D mechanical models and detailing mechanical drawings. Autodesk Inventor has two types: Autodesk Inventor and Autodesk Inventor Professional. Autodesk Inventor allows designers to produce detailed drawings, CAD models, and assemblies. Autodesk inventor professionals add routed systems, tooling capabilities, and simulation. It has a free 3-year license available for students as well.
CATIA
Modern 3D modeling and detailing solution Dassault Systèmes develop CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE. CATIA stands for Computer Aided Three dimensional Interactive Application. Multifunctional software, CATIA, allows users to make 3D models. It has tools to make designs for almost all industries, including mechanical and electrical engineering. Most of our everyday use products are developed in CATIA. CATIA enables users to create 3D parts and 2D sketches. This software provides advanced technologies for mechanical surfing. CATIA makes prototyping easier and also makes workflow easier between design department and engineering department if both used CATIA.
MAYA
Maya is one of the best cad software provided by Autodesk, with tools for 3D modeling, animations, simulations, compositing, and rendering. It is being used in producing films, games, and architectural models. It is very useful for 3D modeling to print with 3D printing. This software comes with a full 36-month license, and when it expires. Users can sign in to the community and renew it for another 36 months license, and for teachers and students can download the student version from the Autodesk website for learning purposes.
Rhinoceros 3D (Rhino)
Rhinoceros (Rhino) or Rhino 3D is a computer-aided design (CAD) software application named after extinction animals. It is developed by Robert McNeel and an associate. Rhino 3D has a range of tools for drafting, modeling, rendering, 3D capture, and editing. There are a few plug-ins also available that help with 3D printing and export files in (.STL) and (.OBJ) which many 3D printers support. It is compatible with many of graphic design-based programs. Rhino is mostly used in mechanical design and engineering projects but it can be used in any 3D project. A full license is available for 995.00 US dollars, and free trial is also available.
SolidWorks
Dassault Systemes also produce solidWorks, and it is a solid modeling program, mostly used in mechanical design. It has robust tools which are perfect for 3D models. This software is a bit complicated but very responsive. SolidWorks is very similar to Autodesk Inventor. As described by the developers, there are more than 2 million software users around the globe in different companies and industries.
PTC Creo
PTC produces PTC Creo, and it is commonly known as pro/Engineering or pro-E. It has flexible tools which can be used in different fields of engineering. Its interface can be familiar to those acquainted with engineering-focused 3-d modeling applications. It generates 2d sketches 3D extrusions and building items in a virtual environment. The student version is available for students and teachers for learning purposes.
CorelCAD
An extravagant computer-aided designing and drafting solution for professional results. CorelCAD is computer-aided design (CAD) software with amazing 2D drafting and 3D modeling tools. It helps engineers to improve their design and change easily with simple tools. The starting price for this software is 699.00 US dollars per user, and it also has a free trial for students.
Conclusion
Everybody has a different opinion about different CAD software. Some of the programs are easy to learn and have good tutorials, while others require a background in engineering, which makes them a little tough to learn but not impossible. These are top 10 computer-aided design (CAD) software. All of them work best in their respective industry and field. In accordance with all the factors discussed above, the CAD software that fulfills all the needs of the industry is best for that.
Thanks for reading this article. I hope you find it interesting and informative. Please leave comments about this article and let me know your story. Best of luck, you guys.
