Communications SystemsCommunications SystemsEDU-2460EDU-2460

Topic: Computer Aided Design Topic: Computer Aided Design (Chapter 2)(Chapter 2)

By Leetyler Edwyn DaileyBy Leetyler Edwyn Dailey

DraftingDrafting

The process of creating drawings

needed so that a part or product can be

manufactured or built.

Traditionally these drawings were done by

hand on paper, with the aid/use of pens,

pencils, compasses, T-Square, Set Squares

and Drawing boards/tables.

What is Computer-Aided Design?What is Computer-Aided Design?

This is the process of designing on a

computer. It involves more than just

creating drawings. It helps the designer

make quick and accurate decisions about

how a product should look and work.

Advantages of CAD over traditional of CAD over traditional draftingdrafting

Much faster method of creating drawings.

Saves Time by producing some shapes

automatically.

Changes can be made quickly.

Advantages of CAD cont’dAdvantages of CAD cont’d Its produces a more accurate drawing. People working in different locations can

view and discuss the design. Some CAD programs help determine if

the design will work as desired.( Ex.

Structural Engineers can test the strength

of a steel beam before including it in a

design.)

The CAD SystemThe CAD System

CAD System consist of hardware and software. Hardware: The computer itself and devices (keyboard and mouse) used to enter or input information into the computer and devices (monitor, printer, plotter) used to display or output the drawings.

The CAD System cont’dThe CAD System cont’d

Software: These are programs designed

for a specific purpose (Architectural

design and Inventor). Many of these

programs are complex and require some

sort of training.

CAD SoftwareCAD Software

CAD software can be used for 2D and 3D

designing.

What is 2D and 3D designing? Two-dimensional CAD or 2D programs

show width and length, width and height

or length and height. They are commonly

used to design packages, signs and

electronic circuits.

Two-dimensional CAD or 2D Two-dimensional CAD or 2D programsprograms

CAD Software cont’dCAD Software cont’d

Three-dimensional CAD or 3D program

show width, length and height. 3D is the

more popular of the two programs

because we live in a 3D world and it is

easier to capture ideas in 3D form.

Three-dimensional CAD or 3D Three-dimensional CAD or 3D programprogram

Types of 3D CADTypes of 3D CAD

Wireframe Models: This is the simplest form 3D modeling.

Types of 3D CAD cont’dTypes of 3D CAD cont’d

Surface Models: This is like taking a piece

of paper and shaping it into an object, like

a square box.

Types of 3D CAD cont’dTypes of 3D CAD cont’d

Solid Models: The most realistic kind of

modeling which shows the shape, area

and volume of an object.

Use of 3D CADUse of 3D CAD In Mechanical Design: An engineering

activity that involves designing individual

parts and assemblies. In CAD/CAM: A combination of computer-

aided design and computer-aided

manufacturing. The CAD drawings are

inputted into the computer that operates

machines. The machines then

manufacture the actual product.

Use of 3D CAD cont’dUse of 3D CAD cont’d

In Rapid Prototyping: A prototyping machine uses a CAD file to create a physical object layer by layer. This may

take a few hours to several days. In Architectural Design: It is used to

design components of a house, both interior and exterior and any possible landscaping.

ConclusionConclusion

Until the 1980’s, nearly all drafting was done

by hand, line by line, object by object. This

was a labor intensive effort. Today virtually

all drafting is done by computers. CAD

software has made it possible to produce

drawings faster and more accurate, so a

drafter could be more productive.

ReferencesReferences

• Technology Interaction by Glencoe/McGraw-

Hill

• Google images