COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN (CAD)
As technologies improve and the software becomes more powerful, so do the opportunities for designers to create new and exciting products, services and systems. Greater freedom in customization and personalization of products has a significant impact on the end user. The ability to virtually prototype, visualize and share designs enhances the whole design cycle from data analysis through to final designs.
The use of CAD to simulate the conditions in which a product will be used allows the designer to gain valuable data at low cost. For example, simulating the flow of air across a car exterior negates the need for a car and wind tunnel.
As technologies improve and the software becomes more powerful, so do the opportunities for designers to create new and exciting products, services and systems. Greater freedom in customization and personalization of products has a significant impact on the end user. The ability to virtually prototype, visualize and share designs enhances the whole design cycle from data analysis through to final designs.
The use of CAD to simulate the conditions in which a product will be used allows the designer to gain valuable data at low cost. For example, simulating the flow of air across a car exterior negates the need for a car and wind tunnel.
Term: Computer Aided Design (CAD) – The use of computers to aid the design process.
CAD is using computers to aid the design process, this could include creating and modifying designs (products), graphic design, data processing, analysis (FEA) or simulations.
Types of CAD SoftwareEHow describes the different software packages.
2D3DRendering
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Computer-Aided Modelling
Dysfunctional Luxuries – Click the link to see more.
The Uncomfortable Design – Clink the link to see more
Surface and Solid Models
Surface Model
Solid Model
Term: Surface Modelling – A realistic picture of the final model, offering some machining data. Surface models contain no data about the interior of the part.
Term: Solid Modelling – Solid models are clear representations of the final part. They provide a complete set of data for the product to be realized.
Bottom-Up and Top-Down ModelingTerm: “Top down” design is a product development process obtained through 3D, parametric and associative CAD systems. The main feature of this new method is that the design originates as a concept and gradually evolves into a complete product consisting of components and sub-assemblies.Term: “Bottom Up” – A designer creates part geometry independent of the assembly or any modelling other component. Although there are often some design criteria established before modelling the part, this information is not shared between models. Once all parts are completed, they are brought together for the first time in the assembly.
Bottom-Up
Top-Down
Data Modelling Including Statistical ModellingTerm: Is a model that determines the structure of data.
Statistical Modelling
Database
Design of information systems to enable the exchange data
Relational Database
CAD is using computers to aid the design process, this could include creating and modifying designs (products), graphic design, data processing, analysis (FEA) or simulations.
Types of CAD SoftwareEHow describes the different software packages.
2D3DRendering
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Adobe Illustrator
- Autodesk Inventor or Fusion 360
- SketchUp
- Solidworks
- 3D Studio Max
- Blender
- Maya
- Fusion, Inventor & Solidworks.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Computer-Aided Modelling
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using software applications in different design contexts. – Consider product design, architecture and graphic design.
- Changes to ideas can be made quickly and easily.
- Communicate with client, manufacture more easily.
- Electronically transferred.
- Avoid costly mistakes.
- Reduce costs as extra prototypes are not needed.
- Saves time through efficient work practises.
- High accuracy/fidelity.
- Software/Hardware costs.
- Special training needed.
- Steep learning curve.
Dysfunctional Luxuries – Click the link to see more.
The Uncomfortable Design – Clink the link to see more
Surface and Solid Models
Surface Model
Solid Model
Term: Surface Modelling – A realistic picture of the final model, offering some machining data. Surface models contain no data about the interior of the part.
Term: Solid Modelling – Solid models are clear representations of the final part. They provide a complete set of data for the product to be realized.
- Comparison of the differences between solid and surface modelling techniques.
- Solid modelling techniques contain more information for the designer,
- In order to produce a 3D model using CNC (computer numerical control) or RP (rapid prototyping) technologies
- Surface modelling only has wall thickness.
Bottom-Up and Top-Down ModelingTerm: “Top down” design is a product development process obtained through 3D, parametric and associative CAD systems. The main feature of this new method is that the design originates as a concept and gradually evolves into a complete product consisting of components and sub-assemblies.Term: “Bottom Up” – A designer creates part geometry independent of the assembly or any modelling other component. Although there are often some design criteria established before modelling the part, this information is not shared between models. Once all parts are completed, they are brought together for the first time in the assembly.
- This allows for a database of parts that could be used elsewhere.
- Is carried out by adding components to existing parts/bodies/components.
Bottom-Up
Top-Down
Data Modelling Including Statistical ModellingTerm: Is a model that determines the structure of data.
- Data modelling is based on the data requirements for an application.
- This can take the form of a database, an organised collection of data.
- Data models structure data through database models. They can be flat file, relational or hierarchical.
- A wikipedia reference on Data modelling
- Statistical modelling is a mathematical model.
Statistical Modelling
Database
Design of information systems to enable the exchange data
- Models of database include …
- only contains a single table of data
- no structural interrelationship
Relational Database
- Two or more tables of data that are linked
- It can pull data from different tables and reassembles it.