Tallinn, Estonia, August 12, 2010 - GrabCAD, an open source library for CAD (computer aided design) engineers, announced today the launch of beta version of its library platform at www.grabcad.com. GrabCAD lets CAD engineers share 3D models, solving the problem of spending too much time designing products and components that already exist elsewhere in the form of drawings.
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"By making these models available to each other, engineers can dedicate more time designing unique new products. It's the same idea that has made open source software development so successful over the past 20 years," says Hardi Meybaum, CEO of GrabCAD.
"CAD model library is just the beginning. Next logical step is a CAD engineering marketplace and charging brokerage fee for services ordered and completed through the site. We have already tested this concept by offering our own CAD services with an easy to use order description and price calculation forms and functionality," Meybaym continues.
Grabcad.com will focus on community generated content giving its members tools to set up their portfolio, interact with others, rate and give feedback, solicit help with projects etc. All uploaded models are free to download and library supports variety of different CAD software packages.
GrabCAD secured €256k in angel funding from the Estonian Development Fund and telecommunication technology company Astrec Baltic in June 2010. CAD software market is an estimated $5.5 billion industry in 2010 with over 18 million software licenses for engineers and estimated 50 million CAD engineers globally.
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