| There are multiple CAD programs available for | | | | generally on the low end of CAD software |
| design. Generally people become familiar with | | | | packages. 2D CAD is most often vector based. |
| one and stick with it. As far as selecting | | | | The design consists on the X and Y-axis only. |
| the right one, my advice is this. Most | | | | The designs are made up of lines, circles, |
| software companies have a free trial. | | | | ovals, slots, curves, etc. There is no |
| Thirty-day trials are common. Take advantage | | | | "depth" to the design. Only the outline of |
| of these trial periods and test the software | | | | the part is visible, to put it in a different |
| out. Then at the end, decide if you want to | | | | way. 2.5D CAD All of the same descriptions |
| try another software or stick with your best | | | | above apply, but the design is prismatic. By |
| one. I would advise you try out at least | | | | that I mean it has the depth of the material. |
| three different packages. The one you select | | | | There are Z levels, but they are on singular |
| will probably have to do with you liking the | | | | planes. 3D CAD 3D CAD is on the high end of |
| interface or finding it intuitive. Keep in | | | | CAD software packages. 3D CAD can be solid |
| mind it may work for you now. A simple to use | | | | based, wire frame based or nurbs based. The |
| and understand interface probably has some | | | | design consists on the X, Y and Z-axis. The |
| limitations for your designs. The very best | | | | designs are made up of lines, circles, ovals, |
| programs are complex with many tools that | | | | slots, curves, etc, but can also include |
| give you the most control. I have found that | | | | Spheres, Pyramids, Torrids, Cubes, etc. There |
| I start with a simple program and outgrow it. | | | | is depth to the design. The design can be |
| At some point I move up to the next level of | | | | rotated around 360 degrees. The design is an |
| software. This usually means a higher price | | | | accurate description of what the part would |
| as well. Types of CAD There are different | | | | look like if produced in the real world. |
| types of CAD out there. These are the ones I | | | | |
| deal with from time to time. 2D CAD, 2.5D | | | | Ivan Irons runs Get design 3d cad, computers |
| CAD, and 3D CAD. Here are some quick | | | | aided design, free auto cad block. |
| explanations of each type. 2D CAD 2D CAD is | | | | |