There are numerous types of 3D CAD design software, made available specifically for a particular set of purposes. This is because different job scale requires different levels of details and types of applications. However, an overall glance explains that these programs are capable of constructing realistic virtual models of the object for a product or item to allow designers to analyze the object. From the virtual design, one can conclude if the product alibre design has problems to be used commercially or if any alterations should be made. With the computerized draft to view and evaluate, ample time and costs can be saved.
Among the many 3D CAD systems, the Pro/Engineer is among the earliest who made its debut appearance in 1988. It was the first to integrate the 3D designing system into the CAD software. It was especially designed to be used in the engineering designing market; with systems like computer aided manufacturing (CAM) and computer aided engineering (CAE) functions integrated. It supports both the design for complete complex systems of engineering components and design for individual components. It comes in models available for independent designer and manufacturing purposes.
After the introduction of Pro/Engineer, there has been greater evolution of the 3D CAD design software, Solid Works made its appearance with hopes to compete with the Pro/Engineer by introducing a low-cost software package. Solid Works was smart to engage a top-down engineering loom by allowing users to construct 2D or 3D sketches before refining the designs, similarly the procedure done by engineer on paper. Although not as advanced as the Pro/Engineer, Solid Works is capable of supporting multiple types of modules and toolboxes for diverse functions such as product data management (PDM), simulation and product simulation.
In the year 1999, Autodesk Inventor made its entrance into the 3D CAD systems by releasing their inventor package. It is a modeling program featuring the parametric history base where its function is namely labeled as virtual prototyping, encompassing some specialized settings like frame generation, cable and harness, tube and pipe and sheet metal. There are other common software but these are the typical dominators.