3D Software
 

napalm747

Almost any graphics program can be used.

From Wiki: Technical professionals and technical illustrators may use technical graphic software that might allow for stylized effects with more emphasis on clarity and accuracy and little or no emphasis on creative expression and aesthetics. For this reason, the results are seldom referred to as "art." For designing or technical illustration of synthetic physical objects, the software is usually referred to as CAD or CADD, Computer-Aided Design and Drafting. This software allows for more precise handling of measurements and mathematical calculations, some of which simulate physics to conduct virtual testing of the models. Aside from physical objects, technical graphic software may include software for visualizing concepts, manually representing scientific data, visualizing algorithms, visual instructions, and navigational aids in the form of information graphics. Specialized software for concept maps may be used for both technical purposes and non-technical conceptualizing, which may or may not be considered technical illustration.

List of software from Wiki:

3D computer graphics software - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I have seen everything from a simple "gif" file to elaborate "Flash" presentations used. It all depends on what software the person doing the task likes to use.

Many very good 2D drawings with some 3D effects can be accomplished using something like "Photoshop" programs.

CAD(D) programs can be used as well - but often is hard to get the same result as from a 3D animation program - steep learning curve for the CAD systems but some of the stuff that is rendered from the CAD drawings is impressive.

Of course back in the old days this was all done with an industrial drawing artist and some of those drawings are really nice to look at - as far as I am concerned they are "Artwork".