3D Drafting Software
In the past, when someone wanted to design something, they had to sketch it out with pen and paper. Then came the age of the computer, and computer aided design (CAD). Now people commonly use 3D drafting software whenever they are designing a new product or building.
Architecture schools even teach 3D drafting software, although there was some resistance to this at first. Now architects are usually expected to be proficient in 3D drafting software by the time they are hired for their first job.
When everyone started using 3D drafting software it meant that fewer people could do the same amount of work, so many companies made the switch to using 3D drafting software as soon as they could afford it. At first this software was expensive, but now it has gotten much cheaper and easier to use as new software has come out.
There are various types of 3D drafting software available. One of the most commonly used 3D drafting software programs is AutoCAD. It is one of the 3D drafting software programs that has been around the longest. However, there is no MAC version of this software. AutoCAD uses basic 3D forms that can be manipulated to create designs. Other 3D drafting software programs include CADKey 19, Alibre Design, TopSolid, T-FLEX CAD, SolidWorks, Solid Edge, SketchUp VectorWorks, Catia and GenerativeComponents. These 3D drafting software programs are used to design all kinds of different products, and are used by a wide variety of professionals, from electrical engineers to mechanical engineers, civil engineers and architects. They are used in many different industries, including architecture, aerospace, automotive, shipbuilding, landscape design, machine design, tool making, and manufacturing. Some 3D drafting software programs are even being used in elementary and high schools. SketchUp has a free version, Google SketchUp that it recommends for K-12 students, and for those who want the SketchUp Pro version there are discounts for educators, schools and students. AutoCAD also has a student version, and helps teachers with curriculum planning. The widespread use of 3D drafting software has also spawned an educational industry to train people in how to use the various types of software. There are all sorts of different options for training, including online training programs, DVDs to use for learning CAD, and traditional classroom based education. Most companies still seem to feel that the classroom based education in how to use 3D drafting software is much better than the online and DVD alternatives that are available, though these options are getting better.
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