Posted by Jon on February 25, 2002 at 11:34:21:In Reply to: What is the difference between a 2D and a 3D CAD system? posted by ada on February 24, 2002 at 06:17:13:
In a nutshell...
A 2D CAD system lets the user work only in the x and y axis...basically up and down, left and right. You can make objects look 3D, similar to how you would draw on paper using various drafting tools (triangles, french curve,etc). This type of CAD system can be relatively less expensive than it's 3D counterpart, and is useful for drawings showing floor plans, elevations, and certain views of objects such as top, front, right side.
A 3D CAD system lets the user work in the x,y, and z axis. Think of it as creating and working with actual material (sort of like creating a sculpture). If you create a cube in 3D and rotate it, it will still look like a cube. Objects can be created as solid models, line by line wireframes, etc. High end 3D CAD systems can get expensive $3,000 - $20,000...or more, depending on what you do. I've left out a lot but I hope this gives you an idea about the two types.
Jon
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