CAD File Format

  • CAD (Computer Aided design) may contain 2D or 3D designs. They are generated by CAD software.
  • 2D CAD files are often reffered to as drawings.
  • 3D files are called as models, parts, Assemblies.
  • Common CAD file formats are DWG, DXF, DGN and STL.
DWG:
  • A DWG is database of 2D or 3D drawings created in CAD.
  • It contains vector image data and metadata that describes the contents of the file. DWG files are related to .
  • DXF files, which are ASCII versions of DWG files.
DXF:
  • A DXF file is s datafile saved in a format developed by Autodesk and used for CAD vector image file.
  • DXF files are similar to .DWG files, but are more compatible with other programs since they are ASCII (text) based.
DGN:
  • 2D or 3D drawing format used by Microstation construction design software based on Integraph Standard File Format (ISFF) or the newer V8 DGN standard.
  • It can be converted to the more universal .DWG format by AutoCAD LDT.
STL:
  • 3-D design used as mastermodel for numerous prototypes.
Notes:

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