capabilities of modern CAD systems

The capabilities of modern CAD systems include:

* Wireframe geometry creation
* 3D parametric feature based modelling, Solid modelling
* Freeform surface modelling
* Automated design of assemblies, which are collections of parts and/or other assemblies
* create Engineering drawings from the solid models
* Reuse of design components
* Ease of modification of design of model and the production of multiple versions
* Automatic generation of standard components of the design
* Validation/verification of designs against specifications and design rules
* Simulation of designs without building a physical prototype
* Output of engineering documentation, such as manufacturing drawings, and Bills of Materials to reflect the BOM required to build the product
* Import/Export routines to exchange data with other software packages
* Output of design data directly to manufacturing facilities
* Output directly to a Rapid Prototyping or Rapid Manufacture Machine for industrial prototypes
* maintain libraries of parts and assemblies
* calculate mass properties of parts and assemblies
* aid visualization with shading, rotating, hidden line removal, etc...
* Bi-directional parametric association (modification of any feature is reflected in all information relying on that feature; drawings, mass properties, assemblies, etc... and counter wise)
* kinematics, interference and clearance checking of assemblies
* sheet metal
* hose/cable routing
* electrical component packaging
* inclusion of programming code in a model to control and relate desired attributes of the model
* Programmable design studies and optimization
* Sophisticated visual analysis routines, for draft, curvature, curvature continuity...