History of
CAD Standards
Did you know the person widely regarded as the "Father of CAD Standards" is none other than Dr. Patrick J. Hanratty? Back in 1971, Hanratty developed ADAM (Automated Drafting and Machining), which was groundbreaking as the first commercial numerical control programming system. What set Hanratty apart was his vision of making CAD systems not just powerful but also universally compatible. He was one of the first to recognize the need for data formats that allowed different systems to "talk" to each other, paving the way for standards that would revolutionize design and manufacturing. His contributions didn’t just shape CAD technology, they built the foundation for the collaborative, integrated workflows we rely on today. Without Hanratty, the CAD world would be a lot less connected!​
​​Early CAD (1960s-1970s)
CAD began as a part of experimental computer graphics projects in the 1960s. Systems like Sketchpad, an early breakthrough, introduced interactive computer-aided design but were extremely expensive and required bulky hardware. These early tools were limited in scope but laid the foundation for modern CAD systems.
1980s: The Revolution
The release of AutoCAD 1.0 in 1982 by Autodesk marked a significant shift. It made CAD accessible to a wider audience, allowing engineers and architects to replace manual drafting with faster and more precise digital methods. AutoCAD became the gold standard, initiating the widespread adoption of CAD tools.
1990s: Advancements in 3D Design
The 1990s saw a transition from 2D drafting to 3D modeling, making designs more detailed and realistic. Technologies like parametric modeling allowed users to define relationships between design elements. Standards such as STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data) emerged, enabling smoother collaboration across different CAD platforms.
2000s: Rise of Specialized Tools
In the 2000s, CAD software diversified to meet the needs of specific industries. Tools tailored for architecture, civil engineering, and mechanical design became widely used. Collaborative workflows gained prominence, especially with BIM (Building Information Modeling) platforms like Revit, which integrated data management with design.
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2010s: Cloud and Mobile CAD
The rise of cloud-based CAD tools transformed collaboration by allowing users to access designs remotely and in real-time. Mobile CAD applications added flexibility, enabling designers to work from virtually anywhere. These innovations streamlined workflows and opened up new possibilities for remote collaboration.
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Present Day (2020s)
Today, CAD is evolving with the integration of AI and machine learning, enabling generative design and optimization. Sustainability is a key focus, with tools designed to evaluate energy efficiency and environmental impacts. BIM standards now dominate large-scale projects, emphasizing collaboration across the entire lifecycle of a design.
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Reference: How CAD Has Evolved Since 1982 — Past, Present & Future | Scan2CAD