3D-CAD-CAM-CAE Files extension

3D computer graphics file types are graphics files, which use a three-dimensional representation of geometric data, that is stored in the computer for the purposes of performing calculations and rendering of 2D images or animations. Such images may be used for real-time viewing or later display. 3D computer graphics are using many of the same algorithms as 2D computer vector graphics in the wire-frame model and 2D computer raster graphics in the final rendered display. In computer graphics software, the distinction between 2D and 3D is occasionally blurred, as 2D applications may use 3D techniques to achieve effects such as lighting and primarily 3D applications may use 2D rendering techniques.

The most popular 3D graphics applications are 3D Studio MAX (3ds file extension [Autodesk]), Blender (blend file extension [Blender Fundation]), Cinema 4D (c4d file extension [MAXON]), LightWave 3D (NewTek), Maya (Autodesk), Rhino 3D and many others.

The term CAD/CAM/CAE is a abbreviation of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) and Computer-Aided Engineering. The term CAD/NC (Numerical Control) has equivalent meaning in some industries. CAD/CAM software are using CAD drawing tools to describe geometries used by the CAM portion of the program to define a toolpath that will direct the motion of a machine tool to machine the exact shape of the object that was drawn.

The most popular CAD/CAM software are AutoCAD (dwg file extension [Autodesk]), Alphacam (Planit Solutions), ArchiCAD (Graphisoft), STAAD.Pro (Bentley), Catia, NX (formerly Unigraphics) etc..