>> I've often wondered how CAD manages to produce complex, detailed 3D 
>> objects. I have yet to see a modeller that makes it feasible to 
>> produce any moderately complex 3D shape.
> 
> Yes, but have you actually seen anyone using commercial CAD software 
> like Catia or Pro/Engineer? You know, the software that people who build 
> planes and cars use?

No. And that's what I've always wondered about - given the complexity of 
the stuff these guys produce, their modelling tools must surely be more 
sophisticated in some way.

> eg here is a screen shot of a model from Boeing:
> 
> http://www.nextcraft.com/media/aviation_technology/military_nasa/B737_catia_big.jpg 

OK, that's fairly crazy.

> For example, the modelling process in a CAD package for that metal case 
> I posted would be something like this:
> - Draw the outline cuboid shape
> - Add on extrusions and cuts for any bumps and dips
> - Add rounds to any edges
> - Shell the model (this leaves a shell of specified thickness, 2 clicks 
> in CAD)
> - Add in holes where necessary
> - Add more rounds
> - Add in any clip geometry
> 
> The CAD software remembers all that history used to generate the model, 
> so you can always go back and change the shell thickness and everything 
> else updates (or move the position of a bump etc).

I'd almost consider trying to track down some software like this - if it 
wasn't for the fact that I keep hearing that it costs a fortune and 
crashes routinely...

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