At first a seemingly indecipherable collection of symbols, these acronyms are fairly easy to understand once one realizes that each "CA" stands for Computer-Aided (or Assisted). Thus, CAD is Computer-Aided Design; CAM stands for Computer-Aided Manufacturing; and the last acronym denotes Computer-Aided Engineering. Although presently interrelated technologies, they evolved separately.

Use of computer-aided design tools through the life-cycle of a design process has taken the place of building physical models. Boeing airplane designs were developed and tested using CAD/CAM technology.

The earliest to develop was CAD, originally termed Computer-Aided Drafting, a terminology still in use by approximately half the users of this technology mainly in the architectural, consulting, construction, mapping, and public utility fields. In many instances, the acronym is presented as CADD, signifying both applications. Invented by American engineer Ivan Sutherland, CAD was outlined in his seminal 1961 Ph.D. dissertation. Sutherland described...