Technology Interactions

1. Computer-aided design uses computer systems to design products and create the drawings needed for the products to be manufactured. Technology Interactions

2. What Is Computer-Aided Design? • CAD is the process of designing and drafting on a computer. • CAD is quicker and more accurate. It has largely replaced hand drafting.

3. CAD Advantages • Saves time • Is more accurate • Improves team communications • Can help determine if a design will actually work

4. The CAD System The computer is the main component. It has these subsystems: • Hardware • Input devices, such as a keyboard and mouse • Output devices, such as a monitor and a printer or plotter • Software

5. Two-Dimensional (2D) CAD • Can show only two dimensions of an object: • Width and length • Width and height • Length and height • Frequently being replaced by systems that can do both 2D and 3D design.

6. Three-Dimensional (3D) CAD • Wireframe models resemble “stick figures.”

7. Three-Dimensional (3D) CAD • Surface models can look like the shape of the object.

8. Three-Dimensional (3D) CAD • Solid models show the shape, area, and volume of an object.

9. Using 3D CAD • Mechanical design • CAD/CAM • Rapid prototyping • Architectural design

10. Mechanical Design • This engineering activity includes design of individual parts, assemblies, and entire devices. • Design often begins with computer 3D sketches that are then refined and modified, and then final details are added. • The final step may be a rendering.

11. CAD/CAM • This process combines computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing. • Designs go directly from the CAD computer to another computer that controls the machine that makes the actual part.

12. Rapid Prototyping • Uses CAD data to create physical models for communicating ideas or to test designs.

13. Architectural Design • Has commercial and residential applications. • Can provide client(s) with realistic interior and exterior appearances of a planned structure.