This blog post by David Weisberg traces the evolution of Computer-Aided Design (CAD). Beginning with early sketchpad systems in the 1960s like Sutherland's Sketchpad, it highlights the development of foundational geometric modeling techniques and the emergence of companies like Dassault Systèmes (CATIA) and SDRC (IDEAS). The post then follows CAD's progression through the rise of parametric and solid modeling in the 1980s and 90s, facilitated by companies like Autodesk (AutoCAD) and PTC (Pro/ENGINEER). Finally, it touches on more recent advancements like direct modeling, cloud-based CAD, and the increasing accessibility of CAD software, culminating in modern tools like Shapr3D.
A comprehensive exploration into the genesis and evolution of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is presented in David Weisberg's blog post titled "History of CAD." The narrative meticulously traces the journey of this transformative technology, starting from its nascent stages in the 1950s and 60s. Weisberg highlights the pioneering work of Dr. Patrick J. Hanratty, often recognized as the "father of CAD," and his development of PRONTO, widely considered the first commercial numerical control programming system. This groundbreaking software, initially deployed for machining aircraft parts, laid the groundwork for future CAD systems.
The post elaborates on the subsequent emergence of SKETCHPAD, a revolutionary system conceived by Ivan Sutherland at MIT. This innovation introduced interactive computer graphics and the concept of hierarchical design, fundamentally altering the approach to design and drafting. The blog post meticulously details how SKETCHPAD's ability to manipulate graphical elements with a light pen foreshadowed the intuitive interfaces of modern CAD software.
Moving beyond these early milestones, the narrative delves into the burgeoning commercialization of CAD during the 1970s. The introduction of turnkey CAD systems, packaged with dedicated hardware and software, marked a significant shift in accessibility. Companies like Applicon, Computervision, and Intergraph played pivotal roles in this era, making CAD technology increasingly available to a wider range of industries. The post underscores the impact of these systems on automotive and aerospace design, revolutionizing product development processes.
The evolution of CAD continued through the 1980s and 90s, with the rise of personal computers democratizing access to this once-exclusive technology. AutoCAD, developed by Autodesk, emerged as a dominant force, enabling engineers and designers to leverage the power of CAD on readily available hardware. The blog post emphasizes the significance of this transition, fostering a wider adoption of CAD across various disciplines.
Weisberg's account extends to encompass the transformative influence of parametric and solid modeling, which further enhanced the capabilities of CAD systems. These advancements facilitated the creation of more complex and detailed 3D models, empowering designers with greater control and precision. The narrative also touches upon the emergence of Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) and its seamless integration with CAD, streamlining the transition from design to fabrication.
Finally, the post concludes with a glimpse into the future of CAD, highlighting the growing prominence of cloud-based CAD and the potential of emerging technologies like virtual and augmented reality. The ongoing integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning promises to further revolutionize CAD, paving the way for more intelligent and automated design processes. Weisberg’s insightful exploration offers a comprehensive understanding of CAD's rich history and its continuing evolution, underscoring its profound impact on various industries and the world of design.
Summary of Comments ( 37 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43167865
Hacker News users discussed the surprising longevity of some early CAD systems, with one commenter pointing out that CATIA, dating back to the late 1970s, is still heavily used in aerospace and automotive design. Others shared anecdotal experiences and historical details, including the evolution of CAD software interfaces (from text-based to graphical), the influence of different hardware platforms, and the challenges of data exchange between systems. Several commenters also mentioned open-source CAD alternatives like FreeCAD and OpenSCAD, noting their growing capabilities but acknowledging their limitations compared to established commercial products. The overall sentiment reflects an appreciation for the progress of CAD technology while recognizing the enduring relevance of some older systems.
The Hacker News post titled "History of CAD – David Weisberg" linking to a Shapr3D blog post has generated a moderate number of comments, most of which delve into personal experiences and perspectives on the evolution of CAD software.
Several commenters reminisce about their early experiences with CAD systems. One commenter recalls using early versions of AutoCAD in the 1980s, highlighting the transition from command-line interfaces to GUI-based systems and the impact it had on productivity. They specifically mention the challenge of remembering complex commands and the significant learning curve involved in mastering these early CAD tools. Another commenter shares a similar sentiment, describing their experience with CADAM, emphasizing the difficulty of using these systems compared to modern software.
Another thread within the comments discusses the importance of Ivan Sutherland's Sketchpad, considered a pioneering work in computer graphics and a precursor to CAD. Commenters emphasize the significance of Sketchpad's object-oriented approach and its influence on subsequent CAD systems.
A few comments focus on specific aspects of CAD software. One commenter discusses the transition from 2D to 3D CAD and the paradigm shift it represented. Another commenter notes the limitations of current parametric modeling systems and expresses a desire for more powerful and flexible tools.
The discussion also touches on the evolution of hardware used for CAD. One commenter mentions the use of specialized graphics workstations in the past and the gradual shift towards more general-purpose hardware as computing power increased.
Some comments offer alternative perspectives on the history of CAD. One commenter argues that the focus on commercial CAD software overlooks the contributions of open-source and academic projects. Another commenter mentions the role of manufacturing processes in shaping the development of CAD.
Overall, the comments provide valuable insights into the historical development of CAD software, offering personal anecdotes, technical discussions, and diverse perspectives on the subject. They showcase the evolution of CAD from its early beginnings to its current state, highlighting the challenges and advancements that have shaped the field.