3D CAD Software

3D CAD software allows engineers to develop complex models of real-world objects. Modify and optimize an object’s design, automatically detect interferences, and virtually analyze models—so you can iterate faster and focus on innovating.

What is 3D CAD software?


Three-dimensional computer-aided design (3D CAD) software helps engineers create intricate real-world object models and facilitate virtual analysis, as well as automate and expedite the generation of downstream production deliverables. 3D CAD also aids in identifying and resolving design errors, reducing scrap and rework, and eliminating the need for costly prototypes for evaluation and analysis.

Benefits of 3D CAD software

Design accuracy, product development, and collaboration are all enhanced by 3D CAD software, enabling digital prototyping and streamlined manufacturing processes for cost savings and better products overall.

<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #323b42;">Design accuracy, product development, and collaboration are all enhanced by 3D CAD software, enabling digital prototyping and streamlined manufacturing processes for cost savings and better products overall.</span>

Reduce time to market

Increase engineering productivity and efficiency by rapidly creating and updating 3D geometry and associated downstream deliverables.

Increase engineering productivity and efficiency by rapidly creating and updating 3D geometry and associated downstream deliverables.

Accelerate the introduction of new products

Rapidly create and evaluate design options and alternatives, while using virtual analysis to quickly arrive at an optimal design.

Rapidly create and evaluate design options and alternatives, while using virtual analysis to quickly arrive at an optimal design.

Reduce product development costs

Identify and eliminate design flaws early in the process and eliminate the costs of creating and testing physical prototypes.

Identify and eliminate design flaws early in the process and eliminate the costs of creating and testing physical prototypes.

Improve product quality and innovation

Optimize product performance, quality, and durability. Boost budgets and capacity for innovation and creativity with cost savings from reduced rework.

Optimize product performance, quality, and durability. Boost budgets and capacity for innovation and creativity with cost savings from reduced rework.

Grow market share and customer satisfaction

Deliver high-quality product and service documentation to improve adoption and customer support, as well as increasing competitive differentiation.

Deliver high-quality product and service documentation to improve adoption and customer support, as well as increasing competitive differentiation.

Streamlined manufacturing

Improve manufacturing processes and simplify production planning to ensure a smooth transition from design to production.

Improve manufacturing processes and simplify production planning to ensure a smooth transition from design to production.

Choosing the best 3D CAD software

As 3D CAD software has become indispensable for designing physical products, it is evolving with advanced features like complex geometry creation and AI integration. This Buyer’s Guide aids in assessing factors, like design modeling, documentation, collaboration, simulation, integration, and support, to select the ideal CAD solution tailored to individual and organizational needs, ensuring informed decision-making for optimized design processes and outcomes.

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How is 3D CAD software used?

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American Standard

American Standard streamlines the product development process with Creo to drive faster time to market.

Read Case Study

Cummins

Cummins is reducing material waste, saving time, and making engineers more productive with Creo to optimize designs and prioritize sustainability.

Read Case Study

ZEISS

PTC and ZEISS develop automatic manufacturing data transfer into measuring machine programming to link design and metrology.

Read Case Study

Industry applications of 3D CAD

Automotive

Create vehicle designs and parts, simulate their performance, and optimize cost efficiency.

Learn More

Aerospace and Defense

Develop intricate aircraft components and subject them to rigorous testing to ensure optimal aerodynamics and structural integrity. Learn More

Electronics

Craft precise product enclosures and internal components to simulate their assembly process for seamless integration. Learn More

Life Sciences

Design prosthetics, implants, and surgical instruments with patient optimization in mind, ensuring functionality and comfort. Learn More

Digital Solutions

Model machine components, verify their performance through testing, and optimize production processes for efficiency. Learn More

PTC’s 3D CAD solutions

Creo includes breakthrough capabilities in additive manufacturing, generative design, IoT, model-based definition, and AR.

Creo+ combines Creo’s power and proven functionality with new cloud-based tools delivered via SaaS.

3D CAD software FAQ

What are the advantages of 3D CAD software?

Reduce time-to-market: Increase engineering productivity and efficiency by rapidly creating and updating 3D geometry and associated downstream deliverables

Accelerate the introduction of new products: Rapidly create and evaluate design options and alternatives while using virtual analysis to quickly arrive at the optimal design

Reduce product development costs: Identify and eliminate design flaws early in the process and eliminate the costs of creating and testing physical prototypes

Improve product quality and innovation: Optimize product performance, quality, durability and use cost savings from reducing rework to boost budgets.

Grow market share and customer satisfaction: Deliver high-quality product and service documentation to improve adoption and customer support, thus increasing competitive differentiation

 

How to use 3D CAD software?

PTC University has many free and paid offerings for Creo training.

Why is 3D CAD better than 2D?

Fewer physical prototypes: 3D models can be visually inspected, interrogated, and virtually analyzed removing the need for costly physical prototyping

Fewer engineering change orders: Errors and design flaws are identified and resolved early eliminating late-stage change orders

More accessible design reviews: 3D models require little interpretation allowing more people to participate in the design review process

Fewer design reviews overall: High-fidelity models along with dynamic cross-sectioning and interference-checking ensure flaws are identified and resolved early

Does PTC offer 3D CAD certifications?

Yes. PTC University allows you to get certified in Creo’s 3D CAD software. There are two Creo Certifications: Fundamentals and Professional. Visit the PTC University page to learn more.

Does PTC offer a free 3D CAD software trial?

Yes. With the Creo free trial you gain access to the following benefits:

  • Instantly take advantage of a fully functional, trial of Creo Parametric
  • Use augmented reality to share your designs at scale in the physical world with stakeholders anywhere in the world
  • Effectively combine the power and control of parametric modeling with the ease of use and flexibility of direct modeling
  • Quickly and easily create freeform shapes and surfaces using sub-divisional modeling capabilities
  • Run simulations on parts to see how they will perform under real-world conditions
  • Increase knowledge and enhance new skills with comprehensive learning materials and embedded tutorials
  • Effortlessly manage neutral and non-CAD data, avoiding the need to convert files or recreate 3D CAD models from scratch

Who uses 3D CAD software?

Professionals across the engineering, architecture, product design, and manufacturing sectors rely on 3D CAD software for intricate design tasks. Engineers use it to model and analyze mechanical, civil, and aerospace structures. Architects utilize the software to craft detailed building designs and generate construction plans. Product designers leverage its capabilities for pre-production prototyping and refining concepts.

Manufacturers optimize designs and processes with 3D CAD to ensure efficiency and quality. Other industries, such as gaming, animation, medical device design, interior design, and automotive engineering, extensively use 3D CAD to create visual assets and innovative solutions, highlighting its broad applicability across various domains.