Activity 5.2b Introduction to CAD Modeling Skills
Introduction
The capability of computers and software is astounding in some respects. Forinstance, computers can generate a solid computer model using a 3D scanner toanalyze an existing object or space. Likewise, internal body organs and tissue canbe “seen” using technology such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).Unfortunately, commercially available computer systems have not advanced to theextent that they can document ideas and mental images from the human brain. Fornow engineers must continue to express ideas as sketches – hand drawn andcomputer generated.A CAD model can quickly display an engineer’s ideas in a realistic way. And once anengineer has developed a model in CAD representing an idea, the idea can beshared much more easily with a wider audience. As is the case with technicalsketching, CAD models must begin as sketches of points, lines, and shapes.However, a computer model can be much more accurate and precise than afreehand sketch. The lines of a CAD sketch can be drawn perfectly straight (orperfectly circular), with start and end points that occur in exact locations in space. Aline may also be given precise length through the use of dimensions. If more thanone line is being sketched, they can be made perfectly parallel or perpendicular orshown at a precise angle. CAD programs give designers the ability to sketch anykind of geometry and provide the ability to dimension, extend, rotate, mirror, copyand paste, pattern, move, and trim (to name a few tools) that geometry. Whereashand-drawn representations are made to appear three dimensional by the strategicplacement of additional points, lines, and shapes, CAD sketches can be transformedinto 3D models using features that appear to add and manipulate material. As aresult, within the software designers can extrude, revolve, or sweep a sketch suchthat the two dimensional sketch appears to become a solid form that can beelectronically manipulated and viewed from any angle. Once a 3D model is created,the solid form can be hollowed out or the edges can be rounded. The ability to realize CAD models through sequentially developing geometricsketches and generating 3D forms is a critical skill that designers in multipleengineering disciplines use in the process of converting mental images into money-making products. In order to effectively use a CAD program as a design tool, adesigner must be familiar with the use of the available tools and features within thesoftware. This activity will help you to understand and utilize the most frequentlyused sketching and feature tools that are common to most CAD program
The capability of computers and software is astounding in some respects. Forinstance, computers can generate a solid computer model using a 3D scanner toanalyze an existing object or space. Likewise, internal body organs and tissue canbe “seen” using technology such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).Unfortunately, commercially available computer systems have not advanced to theextent that they can document ideas and mental images from the human brain. Fornow engineers must continue to express ideas as sketches – hand drawn andcomputer generated.A CAD model can quickly display an engineer’s ideas in a realistic way. And once anengineer has developed a model in CAD representing an idea, the idea can beshared much more easily with a wider audience. As is the case with technicalsketching, CAD models must begin as sketches of points, lines, and shapes.However, a computer model can be much more accurate and precise than afreehand sketch. The lines of a CAD sketch can be drawn perfectly straight (orperfectly circular), with start and end points that occur in exact locations in space. Aline may also be given precise length through the use of dimensions. If more thanone line is being sketched, they can be made perfectly parallel or perpendicular orshown at a precise angle. CAD programs give designers the ability to sketch anykind of geometry and provide the ability to dimension, extend, rotate, mirror, copyand paste, pattern, move, and trim (to name a few tools) that geometry. Whereashand-drawn representations are made to appear three dimensional by the strategicplacement of additional points, lines, and shapes, CAD sketches can be transformedinto 3D models using features that appear to add and manipulate material. As aresult, within the software designers can extrude, revolve, or sweep a sketch suchthat the two dimensional sketch appears to become a solid form that can beelectronically manipulated and viewed from any angle. Once a 3D model is created,the solid form can be hollowed out or the edges can be rounded. The ability to realize CAD models through sequentially developing geometricsketches and generating 3D forms is a critical skill that designers in multipleengineering disciplines use in the process of converting mental images into money-making products. In order to effectively use a CAD program as a design tool, adesigner must be familiar with the use of the available tools and features within thesoftware. This activity will help you to understand and utilize the most frequentlyused sketching and feature tools that are common to most CAD program
Conclusion
1. What advantages do CAD sketches have over freehand sketches? They show precise alignments than free hand sketching
2. What disadvantages do CAD sketches have when compared to freehand
sketches?3. What types of numeric constraints may be applied to sketches? The types of numerical constraints can be applied by correcting those with numbers
1. What advantages do CAD sketches have over freehand sketches? They show precise alignments than free hand sketching
2. What disadvantages do CAD sketches have when compared to freehand
sketches?3. What types of numeric constraints may be applied to sketches? The types of numerical constraints can be applied by correcting those with numbers