What is a .CAD file?
A .CAD file is a type of file that was created using BobCAD-CAM software, specifically versions 21 and earlier. BobCAD-CAM is a program used for designing parts and products that are going to be manufactured. This software is quite special because it helps users create both 2D and 3D designs of parts, including all the important details like the shape and size of the part.
The .CAD file contains all the information needed to understand how a part or product should look and be made. People who used BobCAD-CAM software could open these .CAD files to make changes, look at the designs, or even convert them into other formats if needed. However, starting from version 22 of BobCAD-CAM, the software switched to using a new file format called .BBCD, which means the .CAD format isn't the standard anymore for new designs.
If you have a .CAD file, you would typically need BobCAD-CAM software to open it. This software comes in different versions tailored to various manufacturing processes, such as milling, turning on a lathe, routing, and working with wire EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining), as well as laser, plasma, and waterjet cutting. Each version has tools and features designed to help with specific types of manufacturing tasks.
BobCAD-CAM is not just limited to opening its own .CAD files. It can also work with files from other CAD (Computer-Aided Design) programs. This means it can import designs saved in a wide range of other file formats, like .SLDPRT (SolidWorks Part File), .DWG (AutoCAD Drawing), .DSF (Dassault Systemes File), .3DM (Rhino 3D Model), .IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification), .STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product Data), .STL (Stereolithography), .SAT (3D ACIS Model File), .X_B (Parasolid Model Part File), and .X_T (Parasolid Model Part File).
In summary, a .CAD file is a digital design file used by older versions of BobCAD-CAM software for creating and editing 2D and 3D designs for manufacturing. To work with these files, you would use BobCAD-CAM software, which supports a variety of manufacturing processes and can also handle many other types of CAD files.
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