Open source CAD software

Open source CAD software can be defined as software that can be used, copied, studied, modified, and redistributed without restriction. Any software that is accompanied by a free software license and whose source codes are readily available is called free or open source software.

BRL-CAD is one of the commonly used open source CAD software that has different design tools such as an interactive geometry editor, ray tracing support for graphic rendering and geometric analysis, computer network distributed framebuffer support, image processing and signal processing.

Another open source CAD software is the Elmer FEM solver which is used as a computational tool for multiple physics problems. It was originally developed in collaboration with Finnish universities, research laboratories and industries. The software has several pre-built models, such as fluid dynamics, structural mechanics, electromagnetism, and heat transfer, which are described by partial differential equations and solved by the finite element method (FEM). The software has different components, such as ElmerFront, which defines the geometry, boundary conditions, and physical models. ElmerSolver solves the resulting problems and the final results are displayed using ElmerPost. The software is compatible with both Windows and Unix operating systems and can be compiled on many varieties of compilers.

Impact Finite Element Program is another open source CAD software written in Java, which is used to predict most dynamic events, such as car accidents or sheet metal drilling operations involving large deformations and high speeds. The software is also used to perform virtual three-dimensional (3D) simulations with the help of a preprocessor or with the integrated Fembic language. The software is designed to interface with advanced pre and post processors, such as GiD or Gmsh, and provides rudimentary support for Nastran file formats.

Open source CAD software has enabled industrial organizations to reduce the costs associated with computer aided design and offer better products and services to their customers and consumers.