Tech -216 Computer 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

(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)

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, therefore making the drawing accurate.

Example screen shots of solid modeling

(Mechanical)

Drawing Model

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.

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)