Why The .CAD File Format Is Crucial in 3D Designs

RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY
Why the .CAD File Format is Crucial in 3D Designs
Are you wondering what a CAD File is all about? Or Are you finding it difficult to
open a CAD file. This article gives a detailed explanation on what CAD file does and
how to open it. Keep reading to gain more knowledge.
What is a .CAD File?
Autodesk QuickCAD developed the CAD file. The term CAD means Computer
Aided Design. A CAD file is a file format of an object produced and integrated by
CAD software. Also, the CAD file comprises a blueprint or technical drawing of an
item. The computer aided design and drafting (CADD) is widely integrated for a 3D
graphics file format.
Also, the .CAD file comprises both 2D and 3D designs and data regarding
materials, tolerances, and processes. The CAD file handles everything from design to
production. 2D CAD files are usually known as drawings while 3D files are known as
models or assemblies.
Not all formats are interchangeable. This makes CAD file format very crucial. You
can only view some formats in some particular CAD applications. The format is the
characteristics that define the CAD file. These formats are native and neutral.
Neutral formats such as IGES and STEP were industry standards most CAD platforms
can read. Also, major CAD vendors produced native formats such as DWG, CATIA,
and SOLIDWORKS. You need 3rd party CAD tools conversion to import these
formats.
Request PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Quote Now
Importance of the .CAD File
PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

CAD File
You must save a document as a file when using a computer to create one. This file
usually has all important details associated with the document and as well contains
information on how to visualize and process them.
Also, CAD file formats play a crucial role when CAD design is involved. You are
designing a digital document when you use programs like SolidWorks or AutoCAD.
The CAD file format specifies the program that helps you view the document. Also, it
reveals what the document contains.
Every CAD system describes geometry using its own method. CAD files are capable
of storing information for these processes. The two primary categories of the CAD
file formats are Non-proprietary and proprietary. Proprietary CAD file format
features what you need from the original design without leaving anything behind.
Also, this file format is ideal to share designs.
A non-proprietary CAD file is ideal for use when sharing the documents with external
sources. Also, this file format isn’t exclusive to just one CAD program.
Properties the .CAD File can Store
Geometry representation
B-Rep and Meshes are the two commonest means of representing 3D data in CAD
files. Also, B-Rep bodies are usually defined through a set of topological entities and
geometrical entities. Geometrical entities are means of future visualization. Also,
these entities store the data about geometric and dimensions properties of parts.
Furthermore, CAD file formats can vary based on their geometry representation.
Topology is a factor of B-Rep. Bodies and elements are included in Toplological

shapes. Geometry specifies the form of a body. On the other hand, topology stores
connectivity data and specifies underlying geometry.
Product structure
Product structure refers to hierarchy of objects known as groups of objects that are
interconnected. Most CAD software applications have a tree view at the left side of
the screen. Users can easily expand the groups of this tree. To display or hide model
elements, you need to tick the checkboxes.
Visual attributes representation
CAD files have the capability to specify visual attributes like line styles, colors,
textures, and materials. Mesh and B-rep elements may have these
features. Considering visual attributes is necessary. These attributes won’t just
enhance the appearance of the CAD model, but also clarify the functionality and
structure. Furthermore, .CAD file format may vary based on the availability of a
certain attribute and the way it supports. For example, colors may be chosen from a
list of basic options or defined through RGB tuples.
Metadata
.CAD files comprise metadata. These include Product and Manufacturing information
(PMI), Object names and IDS, layers, and validation properties. Metadata carries out
less features of the model. The ability of CAD files to transfer these data varies.
Request PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Quote Now
What are the Most Common File Formats?

CAD data usually travel between clients, investors, and contractors. It is crucial to
integrated optimal CAD formats that can operate between existing software
applications. Below are most common file extensions.
ACIS-SAT file format
This is a native format. It belongs to the ACIS geometric modeling kernel. Also, this
kernel paves way for ACIS-SAT application. Also, the ACIS-SAT file format offers
support to two extensions which are SAB (standard ACIS Binary) and SAT (Standard
ACIS Text). The SAT enables the manual tweaking of the model contents. SAB, on
the other hand, is more compact.
STL file format
Stereolithography (STL) file format is specially designed for 3D printing. However, it

serves other purposes asides from 3D printing. It is extensively used in CAM
workflows and laser scanning. Most multi-purpose CAD packages offer support to the
STL. Also, the CAD modeling tools support the STL file format. However, the
absence of connectivity information results in low performance and inaccuracy.
STEP file format
STEP means Standard for the Exchange of Product model data). This file format
comprises several Application Protocols (APs) which include AP 203 for assemblies
and mechanical parts’ 3D designs. AP 242 is speculated for model based 3D
engineering. The APs cover all primary aspects of manufacturing and design. Also,
STEP file format is compatible with various 3D modeling, CAD, and CAM software
applications.
VRML file format
VRML means Virtual Reality Modeling Language. This was the first 3D format
specially designed to showcase 3D scenes on websites. Also, the .VRML file format
allows visitors on the website to communicate with virtual objects. A plain text file is
the commonest form of VRML. However, there is a gzip-compressed extension. Also,
the VRML file format comes with sophisticated features like references to audio and
keyframe-based animation.
Conclusion
We have gathered a lot of knowledge on what CAD files can offer users and their
importance. Also, we have discussed most common file formats for CAD.
Related Posts:
1. All you need to know about the SMT File Format and SMT software
2. What is .STL File Format – Its Applications, Pros and Cons?
3. Why a PCB Ground Plane is Crucial for PCB Functioning
4. Why Wireless PCB Assembly is Crucial in Some Electronic Devices
https://www.raypcb.com/cad-file/

Why The .CAD File Format Is Crucial in 3D Designs

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Why The .CAD File Format Is Crucial in 3D Designs

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Why The .CAD File Format Is Crucial in 3D Designs

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

Why the .CAD File Format is Crucial in 3D Designs

What is a .CAD File?

Request PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Quote Now

Importance of the .CAD File

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

Properties the .CAD File can Store

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

Visual attributes representation

Request PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Quote Now

What are the Most Common File Formats?

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

ACIS-SAT file format

STL file format

Stereolithography (STL) file format is specially designed for 3D printing. However, it

STEP file format

VRML file format

2. What is .STL File Format – Its Applications, Pros and Cons?

3. Why a PCB Ground Plane is Crucial for PCB Functioning

4. Why Wireless PCB Assembly is Crucial in Some Electronic Devices

PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Services https://www.raypcb.com/

You might also like