What are the different CAD file types?

There are several different file types used by CAD software, including:

Drawing files, such as .dwg and .dxf, which store 2D drawing data and information about the design, such as its layers, linetypes, and dimensions.

Surface model files, such as .3dm and .stp, which store 3D data about the surfaces of a design, including their curvature, thickness, and material properties.

Solid model files, such as .igs and .stl, which store 3D data about the volumes and shapes of a design, including its solid bodies, faces, and edges.

Assembly files, such as .asm and .sldasm, which store data about the relationships and connections between the components of a design, including their positions, orientations, and constraints.

Drawing template files, such as .dwt and .drwdot, which store default settings and preferences for the drawing tools and features in a CAD program.

CAD software may support multiple file types, and users can typically convert between different file types to suit their specific needs and requirements.

Want to dive deeper into the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)? Explore our comprehensive guide here.

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