These 2D and 3D modeling tools suit shoestring budgets — for work or for home.

How can you get disparate modeling packages to work together more efficiently?

Software providers and Web sites have part libraries waiting for you.

The 3D Way: With digital tools, industrial design has never been easier.

Look at products and users, as well as companies' financial strength.

A 3D modeling computer system isn't cheap, but it is necessary.

Software also documents design data.

During the exchange process, a 3D model file is translated from one native CAD format (sending system) to an IGES or STEP file

MCAD Modeling Methods: Design Optimization Aug 16, 2004 By: Don LaCourse

Optimization for part and systems design in today's mechanical CAD applications relieves designers from the burden of examining multiple iterations of a part to achieve a desired specification and to perform systems-level problem solving.