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This section provides an overview for 3d cad as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 11 3d cad manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked 3d cad companies as of December, 2024: 1.Ashlar-Vellum, 2.Oqton, 3.Tech Soft 3D.
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Categories Related to 3D CAD
3D CAD, standing for "Computer Aided Design," is a type of CAD software that enables users to create three-dimensional designs and models on a computer. There are two main types of CAD: 2D CAD and 3D CAD.
3D CAD is categorized into architectural and mechanical types and further divided into high-end, mid-range, and low-end CAD based on functionality. The choice of CAD type depends on the specific needs and complexity of the design task.
High-end CAD is used for complex designs involving numerous parts, such as in automotive and appliance manufacturing. Examples include CATIA, Creo Parametric (formerly Pro/ENGINEER), and NX. These systems offer advanced 3D modeling and extensive simulation functions.
Mid-range CAD is more affordable and user-friendly compared to high-end CAD, though it may have limited simulation capabilities. However, its core 3D modeling functions are robust, making it suitable for university research and simple product design. Examples include SolidWorks, Inventor, TopSolid, and Solid Edge.
Low-end CAD offers inexpensive or free options suitable for personal or hobbyist use. While adequate for basic design tasks, they may not be sufficient for complex geometries or multi-part assemblies. Examples include Inventor LT, 123d design, DesignSpark, and Creo Elements Direct Modeling Express.
The fundamental steps to create a 3D model are consistent across different CAD software packages. The process typically involves selecting a plane, drawing a 2D sketch, and then extruding this sketch to create a three-dimensional object. Repeating the process of extrusion and cutting on different planes allows for the creation of the required 3D shape. Each CAD software may offer unique functions for model creation, so selecting the most suitable software for the specific application is important.
3D CAD is particularly useful in scenarios where 2D design falls short, offering enhanced visibility, structural analysis, and clearance checks. It also enables the animation of designed parts to check their motion and range.
3D CAD allows for more intuitive modeling than 2D CAD, and design changes can be directly informed by analysis. It facilitates easier clearance checking in complex designs and enables rapid prototyping through CAM data or 3D printing. 3D models are also easily understandable, improving communication in large-scale, multi-departmental design projects.
The 3D CAD User Engineer Examination certifies the knowledge and skills of engineers who use 3D CAD, ensuring proficiency in this advanced design tool.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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ANSYS, Inc., established in 1970, is an American multinational manufacturer headquartered in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, specializing in simulation software. The company develops ANSYS Simulation Software, a suite of tools used for computer-aided engineering analysis. These software tools empower engineers and designers to simulate and assess product and system behavior across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, healthcare, and energy. The software offers a wide array of simulation capabilities, encompassing electromagnetics, fluid dynamics, multiphysics simulations, and structural analysis. By utilizing ANSYS software, engineers can streamline product development, enhance overall product performance, address complex engineering challenges, and foster innovation throughout the design process.
Ashlar-Vellum is a developer of 2D/3D CAD and 3D modeling software products for Mac & Windows established in 1988 and headquartered in Austin, Texas. The 2D/3D drafting product portfolio includes Graphite for 2D/3D Drafting, Cobalt for Parametric 3D Modeling, Xenon for Associative 3D Modeling, and Argon for History-free 3D Modeling. These products are used in the design process by drafting, design, and engineering professionals including those in medical & biotechnology, aerospace & aviation, marine, automotive, and theatrical set design sectors.
Bentley Systems, Incorporated is a global provider of software and digital engineering solutions for the design, construction, and operation of infrastructure. The company was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania, USA. Its products are used by a wide range of AECO industries, including civil engineering, architecture, construction, manufacturing, and utilities. The company's software solutions help engineers, architects, and other professionals to design, build, and operate infrastructure more efficiently and effectively. Bentley Systems offers a number of services including technology and consulting services, as well as training services including MicroStation training, ProjectWise training, and OpenRoads training.
Gräbert GmbH, established in 1977, is based in Berlin, Germany, as a manufacturer and distributor of CAD software. It manufactures a wide range of software, such as ARES Commander, Touch, and Kudo, SiteMaster Building software. Its products are utilized for architecture, engineering, industrial design, and mapping industries across several regions, such as Germany, Japan, and India. The company has partnered with IBM, Samsung, Hyundai Steel, and LG CNS. It has acquired ISO 9001:2015 and received several awards, such as the Leadership Award from the CAD Society in 2013 and the gold medal in the IT category award by Batimat in 2001.
Corel Corporation, founded in 1985, is a software manufacturer based in Canada, specializing in graphic design, productivity, and digital media software solutions. Corel has been a driving force in the software space, known for producing user-friendly applications. The flagship products include CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, Corel Painter, and WordPerfect Office, catering to a diverse range of artistic professionals, businesses, and individual users. Corel's software suite enables users to express ideas visually, collaborate effectively, and achieve outstanding results.
Dassault Systemes, a technology company established in 1981 in France, is a supplier of the 3DEXPERIENCE (3DX) business and innovation platform and virtual software solutions. The company’s SaaS provides individuals, commercial, industrial, and research organizations with a real-time visualization of their business activity and ecosystem. Dassault Systems' core business is the provision of 3D design software, 3D digital mockups, and product lifecycle management. The 3DX cloud-based platform is available with options that include computer-aided design, project management solutions, and three-dimensional rendering. Dassault Systemes' software is used in the architecture, consumer products, lifestyle, and industrial equipment markets, among many others.
Vectorworks, Inc., established in 1985 and headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, is a developer of CAD programs, 3D modeling programs, CAD software, and BIM solutions. The company’s lineup of design tools includes the Design Suite, Landmark, Braceworks, Connectcad, and Spotlight. These products are used for drawing, illustration, and rendering in general design, entertainment, architecture & interiors, engineering, and landscape design industries. It also offers support services including technical support, info-packed knowledgebase, and customizable training options like online Getting Started Guides, webinars, regional classroom events, and on-site training sessions.
Microspot Ltd, founded in 1964 is a UK-based developer of CAD software for Mac OS X and Windows headquartered in Aylesford, Kent. The company’s product portfolio includes MacDraft Pro Home & Garden, MacDraft Pro Complete, MacDraft PE Starter, PC Draft Pro, and DWG Viewer used by architects, engineers, and construction services as well as professional CAD users, designers, educators, and hobbyists. The company offers software for business and personal productivity, 2D CAD drawing, architecture, engineering, vector illustration, and home, garden & landscape planning.
Tech Soft 3D is a developer of software development toolkits for constructing advanced engineering applications. Founded in 1996, the company is headquartered in Bend, Oregon, USA, and maintains additional offices in France, China, Japan, Germany, and the UK. The company’s product portfolio includes HOOPS Web Platform, HOOPS Communicator, CEETRON Solve, CEETRON Envision, and AutoCAD OEM. These products offer various solutions including CAD data translation, 3D CAD visualization, 3D PDF reporting, Autodesk OEM platforms, and 3D modeling. It offers products used in additive manufacturing, digital construction, Electronic Design Automation (EDA), mining & geosciences, and shipbuilding markets.
PTC, established in 1985, is a global software provider of industrial Internet of Things (IoT) and augmented reality (AR) solutions headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Their product portfolio includes ThingWorx, an IoT platform, and Vuforia, an AR platform. These solutions serve industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and healthcare, enabling digital transformation and optimizing operational efficiency. They hold certifications such as ISO 9001 for quality management and ISO 27001 for information security management.
Oqton, established in 2017, is a developer of manufacturing software headquartered in San Francisco, California with additional offices in Israel, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, and France. Its product portfolio comprises Manufacturing OS, Geomagic Wrap, Geomagic for SOLIDWORKS, Geomagic Control X, and 3DXpert. These products offer various solutions including robotic welding, 3D scanning including 3D reverse engineering and 3D inspection, and additive manufacturing. It offers products and solutions used in various industries including aerospace, automotive, dental, and medical.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ashlar-Vellum |
24.1%
|
| 2 | Oqton |
12.1%
|
| 3 | Tech Soft 3D |
8.6%
|
| 4 | Microspot Ltd |
8.6%
|
| 5 | Bentley Systems, Incorporated |
8.6%
|
| 6 | PTC |
8.6%
|
| 7 | 3DEXPERIENCE Company |
8.6%
|
| 8 | ANSYS, Inc |
6.9%
|
| 9 | Vectorworks, Inc. |
5.2%
|
| 10 | Gräbert GmbH |
5.2%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the 3d cad page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
3 | 42.9% |
|
United Kingdom
|
2 | 28.6% |
|
Germany
|
1 | 14.3% |
|
Canada
|
1 | 14.3% |
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