Cobalt (CAD program)

Cobalt is a parametric-based computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D modeling program that runs on both Macintosh and Microsoft Windows operating systems.

However, with Cobalt, wire frame geometry—which does not have to be planar—can be subsequently revolved or extruded relative to any plane or along a curved path to create 3D solids.

[3] Cobalt's less structured modeling environment coupled with an integral ray-tracing capability makes it suitable for brainstorming and product development.

At this location, the designer adds a circle freehand and then specifies a diameter of 200 millimeters by typing it into the box at bottom right.

Here again, Drafting Assistant enables prompt definition of the depth of the cut by snapping to the back quadrant of the intersecting hole.

Cobalt's parametrics and history tracking work permit the designer to edit later the diameter and location of either circle—both of which have dependencies (holes in the block)—and the model updates accordingly.

Animation of Cobalt's Drafting Assistant, which facilitates the alignment and creation of new geometry. Two tool palettes can be seen at left: the "Tools" palette with wireframe primitives (far left), and the "Solids" palette to its right
A fly-by animation produced using Cobalt's built-in ray-tracing feature
Surfaces in Cobalt can have complex, organic shapes via three-dimensional NURBS modeling. Control points influence the directions the NURBS surface takes. The separate square below the control cage delineates the X and Y extents of the surface.