• A very brief history of CAD development is listed
1940s - First digital computer developed
1950s - Commercial computers become available
1955 - CRTs begin being used in military projects
1957 - APT II (Automatic Programmed Tool) developed for generating NC control. Automated NC used in industry.
1959 - Stromberk Carlson develops a system to interpret graphics on tape, then output them to a screen, or print on special paper
1963 - Ivan Sutherland presents a paper on “Sketchpad” which allows interactive graphics
1965 - Lockheed introduces a CAD/CAM system, and a FEM system. McDonnell introduces CADD
1966 - Business world sees Wall Street Journal title “Electronic Sketching; Engineers Focus on Screen to Design Visually via Computer; Keyboard Enlarges, Rotates ‘Drawings’; Lockheed, GM Enthusiastic About Uses”
1971 - David Prince writes first book on computer graphics
1975 - ICAM (Integrated Computer Aided Manufacturing) project is begun by US Airforce
1976 - Color raster graphics technology begins to develop.
1979 - Development of IGES begins
1980 - Introduction of PCs revolutionizes all markets
1980s - Solid Modeling on UNIX