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