This module aims to enable the student to communicate component part information in a technical situation. The student will be able to create three dimensional CAD models, interrogate a model history tree and subsequently generate two dimensional drawing layouts with geometric dimensions.
Solid modelling environment: Introduction to the CAD software user interface, menu system, mouse button configuration, system icons.
Solid modelling concepts: Role of solid modelling in the design process. Capturing design intent. Modelling concepts of part generation, the 3-D environment, model development, identifying the most prominent base feature, feature creation tools, model manipulation - history/modelling tree, Boolean operations. Calculating the mass properties, volume, surface area and mass.
Visualisation methods: Use of 3D wireframe, hidden line, shaded views, dynamic rotation, view management.
Constraint systems: Introduction to constraint systems, geometric and dimensional. Inter-relationships between constraints leading to the creation of parametric CAD models.
Geometry datums: Creation of geometric datum features such as datum planes, datum axes, coordinate systems.
Prismatic parts: Generation of generic part types based on revolved extruded features.
Rotary parts: Generation of generic part types based on revolved prismatic features.
Drawing layouts: Generating associative drawing layouts from existing three dimensional component parts. Applying a drawing template/format file. Creating orthographic views, section views, auxiliary views and pictorial views. Modifying drawing view properties.
Dimensioning: Creating dimensions on associative drawing sheets.
Output: Printing of drawing sheets using predefined templates, creation of Adobe Acrobat .PDF files. Exporting .STL files for rapid prototyping and design visualization.
