CAD data exchange (original) (raw)

CAD data exchange is a method of drawing data exchange used to translate between different Computer-aided design (CAD) authoring systems or between CAD and other downstream CAx systems. Many companies use different CAD systems and exchange CAD data file format with suppliers, customers, and subcontractors. Such formats are often proprietary. Transfer of data is necessary so that, for example, one organization can be developing a CAD model, while another performs analysis work on the same model; at the same time a third organization is responsible for manufacturing the product.