is used mainly for creating architectural designs or blueprints. Some of the available software in the market, allow users to mark different components of a design with different color variations. Some of the most advanced CAD drafting software available can support a million color variations.
CAD drafting software programs use different types of color numbering systems such as RGB (red, green, blue) and HSL (hue-saturation-luminance).

The availability of different CAD drafting software has helped in eliminating the need for manual design drafting. Complex can now be drawn and designed easily.
more…

Since there is a lot of confusion about CAD files, I thought some of this would be helpful.

Almost every CAD program has their own binary CAD format.

And most CAD formats have many versions! For example:

AutoCAD 12 cannot read AutoCAD 14 DWG any more than Word 97 can read Office XP docs.

I’ve opened the gathering - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CAD_file_formats while looking for formats and found some.

Here is the excerpt:

3

• 3D InterOp

A

• ACIS
• ArchiCAD library part
• AutoCAD DXF

C

• CAD data exchange
• COLLADA
• Caltech Intermediate Form
• Catia Graphical Representation
• CircuitLogix

D

• DGN
• Design Exchange Format
• Design Web Format
• .dwg

E

• EDIF
• Electronic circuit simulation
• Excellon file

G

• G-code
• GDSII
• Geometric Description Language
• Gerber File

I

• IBIS Interconnect Modeling Specification
• IGES
• ISO 10303
• ISO 13399
• Input Output Buffer Information Specification
• Intergraph Standard File Formats

J

• JT (visualization format)

L

• List of STEP (ISO 10303) parts

M

• MD3 (file format)

O

• Obj
• Open Artwork System Interchange Standard
• Open Design Alliance

P

• PLY (file format)
• Parasolid

S

• SPICE
• STL (file format)
• SUGAR (MEMS Simulator)
• Simulation software
• Standard Parasitic Exchange Format

V

• VDA
• VDA-FS

There are some "more or less generic formats" used for exchange. Here are some:
DXF (many versions over the years)
IGES (Current version 5.3 ?)
STEP (*.stp - be careful of this one - several versions called "application

more…

Autodesk was defeated in the first round of this battle in Seattle US District Court, May 21 2008:

Read Vernor versus Autodesk

Judgement Announcement

Interestingly, Autodesk is also resorting to more and more desperate measures to attack the Open Design Alliance:

The issues around this ruling are complex and a final district ruling is not due until June. But it could serve as an important benchmark for similarly licensed software sold by other companies. Such decisions can ultimately challenge the

more…

CAD outsourcing services is used for those who understand designing and drafting whether it is Electrical, Mechanical, Architectural Civil and Structural. CAD is used to design, develop and optimize products, which can be goods used by end consumers (last consumer who actually consumes it) or intermediate goods used in other products.

CAD is also extensively used in the autocad design of tools and machinery used in the manufacture of components. CAD is also used in the drafting and
more…

CAD Software is being offered at a free CD for people who requested one within Australia and New Zealand. The complimentary CD provides the same trial version of our most popular CAD products. The CDs are for those who have problems to download the applications for one reason or another. There are free trail CDs available for:
 

1. progeCAD Professional 2008
2. T-FLEX CAD CAM Software

Users can request the free CAD Software CD trials.

You should specify:

• Name
• Shipping Address
• Which CD
• Why download is not working for you

This is a limited offer to Australia and New Zealand customers only.

more…

Solid Edge gives you world-class capabilities to design and build realistic 3D solid models representing the form of your parts. Solid Edge also allows you to create assemblies of the 3D solid parts in order to allow you to clearly understand whether the parts will properly together as an assembly. What Solid Edge will not do is provide you with the ability to know if your design will actually meet it’s intended (and sometimes unintended) performance criteria? To determine if a design will perform as expected, the physical assembly is produced and a series of costly lab or field tests are done. This testing usually produces several design changes and the process continues until all production performance criteria are met. The problem with this is that design validation is done too late in the process.
 

Don’t Wait to Validate!

more…

Now a cornerstone of the UGS’ Velocity series offering, Solid Edge’s profile within the market has gained a huge boost over the course of the past nine months since the last release. So, what does version 19 bring to the table for the mainstream modeling system?

The Transition from 2D
If you take a look at the typical Solid Edge user, they’re most likely to have come from a 2D background and, aside from those ME10 users out

more…

Production proven 2D.
Edit and maintain multiple CAD formats.
No more forced upgrades.Standardize and save money.

Did we mention its FREE?

Solid Edge 2D drafting demonstrates UGS’ commitment to helping companies control costs. Whether you are using 2D company-wide or for specific 2D design processes, you will benefit from Solid Edge 2D Drafting. Solid Edge 2D Drafting capitalizes on 10 years of production-proven capabilities developed for Solid Edge, and offers excellent drawing layout, diagramming, annotation and dimensioning controls that automatically comply with a wide range of drafting standards – including ISO, ANSI, BSI, DIN, JIS and UNI. And it is absolutely FREE to download and use.

more…

You can get a free 30-day evaluation copy of Solid Edge software.

http://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/en_us/products/velocity/solidedge/free_trial/free_trial.shtml

Free Trial Offer

Qualify to Receive Your FREE 30 Day Trial and Discover the Productivity Advantages of Solid Edge. 

Step One:

Register to Qualify for the Eval DVD
After receiving your DVD, go to Step Two

Step Two:

Obtain your Evaluation License Key
If you already have a DVD skip Step One.

NOTE: This Solid Edge Evaluation web application requires Microsoft Internet Explorer browser version 6. Netscape and other browsers may not function properly. If you need assistance, please call 800-807-2200 to qualify for your Solid Edge FREE 30 Day Trial.

Solid Edge will run on any graphic card that supports Windows 2000® or Windows XP®. Contact your card manufacturer to determine whether their graphics adapter or driver supports these operating systems.The list of graphic cards and associated drivers provided were specifically tested at the request of the card manufacturer. These cards were run through a series of standard display tests. This list should not be interpreted as the only cards on which Solid Edge will successfully run.
 

more…