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tahanson43206

Moderator

Registered: 2018-04-27

Posts: 19,361

CAD CAD/CAM Computer Aided Design AutoCAD QCAD

It is possible that a NewMars member may have experience with CAD software.

This topic is available for anyone who might wish to help to build up a small set of knowledge in this area.

The leader of the local 3D Printer User Group allowed a question about CAD during this evening's meeting.

It turns out he has experience with QCAD.

QCAD is (apparently) a software product from Scandinavia that has a limited free edition, and a modest costing paid version.

Apparently the modest fee for the software goes primarily to pay license fees for proprietary software that is bundled into the package.

I am interested in QCAD because a local vendor can cut plastic (or other material) with a laser using command files with either DXF or DWG file types.

With any luck, I'll be able to add a bit more information to this topic in coming days.

(th)

tahanson43206

Moderator

Registered: 2018-04-27

Posts: 19,361

Re: CAD CAD/CAM Computer Aided Design AutoCAD QCAD

This post is reserved for an index to posts that may be contributed by NewMars members over time.

(th)

tahanson43206

Moderator

Registered: 2018-04-27

Posts: 19,361

Re: CAD CAD/CAM Computer Aided Design AutoCAD QCAD

Per Google:

A DXF file, which stands for "Drawing Exchange Format" or "Drawing Interchange Format", is a vector-based file format used to transfer 2D and 3D drawing data between different CAD (Computer-Aided Design) programs, allowing for easy sharing of designs across various software platforms; it's essentially a universal format for exchanging design information between different CAD applications, developed by Autodesk, the creators of AutoCAD.

and ...

Key points about DXF files:

    Open Standard:
    Unlike native CAD formats like DWG (AutoCAD's native format), DXF is an open standard, meaning the file structure is publicly available and can be read and written by various software programs.

Text-based format:
DXF files can be stored in either ASCII (text) format, allowing for easy editing in a plain text editor, or binary format for smaller file sizes.
Data structure:
DXF files use a tagged data representation, where each data element is preceded by a group code indicating its type and meaning.
Applications:
Architects, engineers, and designers often use DXF files to share designs between different CAD programs, such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and others.

    Learn About DXF Files - Adobe
    What is a DXF file? DXF is short for Drawing Exchange Format or Drawing Interchange Format and is a type of vector file. Engineers...
    Adobe

DXF File Structure — ezdxf 1.3.4 documentation
The CLASSES section can be empty, but some DXF entities requires class definitions to work in AutoCAD. The TABLES section requires...
ezdxf
About the DXF Format (DXF) - Autodesk Help
The DXF™ format is a tagged data representation of all the information contained in an AutoCAD ® drawing file. Tagged data means t...
Autodesk Help

    Show all

Generative AI is experimental.

(th)

tahanson43206

Moderator

Registered: 2018-04-27

Posts: 19,361

Re: CAD CAD/CAM Computer Aided Design AutoCAD QCAD

Per Google re DWG file format:

DWG is a binary file format that stores data in a compressed form. It's the native format for several CAD packages, including AutoCAD, DraftSight, and IntelliCAD.

What it's used for

DWG files are commonly used by architects, engineers, and drafters to develop design sketches.

How it's different from DXF

DWG is a proprietary format, while DXF is a neutral, open-source format that stores data as plain text.

How to open it

Only Autodesk and licensed software can read and write DWG files. Some software that can open DWG files includes:

    Autodesk AutoCAD

Autodesk DWG TrueView
IntelliCAD
Open Design Alliance applications
Caddie
IMSI TurboCAD
CorelCAD

How to share files
DWG files are generally forward compatible, meaning you can open files created with an earlier version of a product in a later version. However, files created with the latest version may not be backwards compatible with earlier versions.

How to view DWG files online
You can use free online viewers from Autodesk, including:

    Autodesk Viewer

A360 Viewer, a browser-based file viewer
DWG TrueView, a mobile or web app

    Learn About DWG Files - Adobe
    What is a DWG file? DWG files are closely associated with CAD (computer-aided design) programs. Originally named as an abbreviatio...
    Adobe

What is a .dwg File? | DWG File Extension / Format - Spatial Corp
A DWG file is a proprietary (closed-source) file format used for storing two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) drawings,
Spatial Corp

About Drawing (DWG) File Changes - Autodesk Help

AutoCAD 2024 Developer and ObjectARX Help | About Drawing (DWG) File Changes | Autodesk. About Drawing (DWG) File Changes. DWG is ...
Autodesk Help

    Show all

Generative AI is experimental.

(th)