Graphic Communication National CAD

CAD Input and Output Graphic Communication National Input: Keyboards Scanner Mouse Drawing Tablet Output: Monitor Printer Projector 3D Printer

CAD Libraries Graphic Communication National A CAD library is a bank of models or parts that are commonly used. Instead of remaking/remodelling/redrawing these parts a library is setup so that the user doesn’t need to waste time. It also ensures the parts are always the same and sizes do need to be checked. These models or drawings can also then be easily edited or scaled. Imagine you are trying to create a floor plan of your house. How many times would you need to redraw a door or window?

CAD Advantages and Disadvantages Graphic Communication National CAD Advantages and Disadvantages Advantages Can be more accurate than hand-drawn designs - it reduces human error. You can save and edit ideas, which makes it easier and cheaper to modify your design as you go along. You can modify existing ideas, which saves time. Disadvantages The software itself can be expensive so initial costs are high. Staff need to be trained how to use the software, which also adds to costs. Requires a PC.

Graphic Communication National 2D CAD

Graphic Communication National CAD Commands

Grid Graphic Communication National Grid and snap-to-grid are used widely in 2D CAD software. These features ensure promotional work can be created quickly and accurately. Using a Grid will allow you to make sure elements are aligned properly giving you a clean professional finish.

Array Graphic Communication National The array tool allows you to repeat the same shape in a pattern. A linear array repeats shapes in a line, a box array repeats in two direction and a radial array repeats in a circular pattern Box Array Radial Array

Graphic Communication National 3D CAD

Extrude Graphic Communication National Extrude is the most basic command in 3D modelling. It allows a designer to sketch a 2D profile and ‘pull’ it into a 3D feature. A 2D shape can be made 3D above a workplane, below or symmetrically where half is above the workplane and the other half is below. Always requires a valid 2D profile.

Revolve Graphic Communication National Revolve is a Cad tool that is used to produce models that are cylindrical or conical. The Revolve command needs two things: a 2D profile and an axis for the profile to rotate around. The Revolve command does not need to go a full 360 degrees. The drawing to the right has only been revolved 180 degrees.

Shell Graphic Communication National The Shell solid command is a tool that is designed to remove the inside material of a model and leave only a ‘wall’ thickness. The wall thickness can be changed. You can also have the option of removing a face when you are shelling a model. Seen on the right.

Fillet & Chamfer Graphic Communication National Fillet and chamfer are tools that allow you to modify the edge of a 3D object. Fillet adds a rounded edged and chamfer adds an angled edge. Both the radius of the fillet and the size of the chamfer can be changed.

Assemblies Graphic Communication National Assembly is the name given to completed 3D models that use more than one component. Most 3D models consist of many components (parts) and need to be put together to make a final product.

Constraints Graphic Communication National To create assembly drawings we need to attach one component (part) to another. We do this through constraints. Mate, Align and Centre Axis. Once a face on each component is selected we need to then select the correct constraint to join the two parts.

Constraint - Mate Graphic Communication National The mate command joins the two faces together, face to face.

Constraint - Align Graphic Communication National The alignment command allows you to force the face of one part to be in line with the face of another part.

Constraint- Centre Axis Graphic Communication National Constraint- Centre Axis The centre axis command will allow you to put cylindrical components inside holes or other cylindrical components.