Tech -216Computer Aided-Design

What does CAD stand for?

• CAD stands for: – Computer Aided-Design – Computer Aided-Drafting– Computer Aided Drafting & Design

(CADD)

What is the purpose of using CAD?• CAD allows you to produce various types

of plans accurately and electronically. • By doing this it allows you to edit your

designs & drawings much quicker, and easier then hand drawing them.

• There are 2 major branches of CAD: – Mechanical– Architectural

• 2D Vector based CAD – These types of programs use lines, circles, and rectangles among a variety of other drawing tools to create a drawing.

• This type of drawing is similar to Microsoft Paint but far more precise. (Example Programs: AutoSketch, AutoCAD, TurboCAD)

2D Vector based CAD (Mechanical/ Architectural)

Example screen shots of 2D Vector based CAD

Solid Modeling (Mechanical)• Mechanical 3d (otherwise known as Solid

Modeling with parametric dimensioning)– These programs involve making the object based on

solid 3d shapes. When the Model of the object is done you can then make a drawing (such as a Multiview Drawing) off of the model. (example programs: Solidworks, Prodesktop, Mechanical Desktop)

– Parametric Dimensioning- When you dimension the object you are creating the computer makes the object the actual size you state on a dimension, this allows you to edit your dimensions later and alter it easily later on.

Example screen shots of solid modeling(Mechanical)

ModelDrawing

3D Architectural CAD (Mechanical)

• 3D Architectural CAD allows the person designing the house or building not only to determine the sizes and layout of the building.

• Another benefit of this type of program allows the person to also do Interior Design (decorate the inside of the building), and view the building in 3D.

• Examples: Chief Architect, House Designer, homestyler.

Example screen shots of 3D Architectural CAD (Chief Architect)

3D Prototyping (Mechanical/ Architectural)

• 3D Prototyping program is similar to Solid Modeling however you can not create drawings off of your model.

• Example: Google Sketchup

Examples of 3D Prototyping Modeling (Google Sketchup)(Mechanical & Architectural)

3D Printers• Most 3D mechanical CAD programs have

the capabilities of exporting STL files. • STL- STeroLithography files