Computer Aided Design (CAD) techniques have been inseparable from the very dynamic development of industry for many years and their role is growing with every decade. What started as fairly simple systems that functioned basically as virtual drawing boards, has developed over time into packages of advanced IT tools. Although initially they could only be used by select research institutes and the largest and most developed corporations, CAD systems have gradually gained popularity, acquired new functionalities and became easier to use. However, the real revolution took place in the era of fast Internet and Industry 4.0, when CAD systems have dynamically transformed into sophisticated tools integrated with PDM and PLM systems. In addition to the ability to develop a complete 3D representation of a product in a virtual environment, they support virtually all other activities related to the broadly understood design, construction, digital prototyping and preparation of data for other stages of the product life cycle.
