Such systems can be tested when being designed with 3-D software, reducing the chance of failed designs.

The transition from 2-D to 3-D has been a trend lately and has been progressing rapidly, he said.

However, 3-D designs still need to be changed into 2-D drawings at the processing stage at many plants, which calls for an upgrade in machinery and processing techniques, he said.

As the market grows, the demand will become more diversified and customized, opting for solutions instead of simply tools software, Zi said.

The market also calls for the integration of upstream and downstream management software, such as product data management, product lifecycle management and computer-aided engineering software.

ZWCAD has been integrating products with management software companies, such as CoreTech System Co Ltd, a Taiwan-based plastic injection molding simulation solution provider, and the US software developer ANSYS Inc.

Meanwhile, the 3-D printing industry will grow significantly, a positive development for the 3-D software sector, Zi said, adding, however, that some aspects of the 3-D printing industry have been exaggerated.

As costs go down, the application of 3-D printing technology will become more sophisticated every step of the way, he said.

All the 3-D printing design software products available now are based on traditional ways of manufacturing, instead of 3-D printing techniques, Yang said.

3-D printing has a long way to go, which should include a change in mindsets, software, machinery and processing techniques, he said.