Computer-aided design uses computer systems to
design products and create the drawings needed for
the products to be manufactured.
Technology Interactions
Chapter Title
Technology
Interactions
Copyright Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
A Division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
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.
Technology Interactions
Chapter 2 Computer-Aided Design
Copyright Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
A Division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
CAD Advantages
Saves time
Is more accurate
Improves team communications
Can help determine if a design will
actually work
Technology Interactions
Chapter 2 Computer-Aided Design
Copyright Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
A Division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
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
Technology Interactions
Chapter 2 Computer-Aided Design
Copyright Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
A Division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
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.
Technology Interactions
Chapter 2 Computer-Aided Design
Copyright Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
A Division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Three-Dimensional (3D)
CAD
Wireframe models resemble stick
figures.
Technology Interactions
Chapter 2 Computer-Aided Design
Copyright Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
A Division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Three-Dimensional (3D)
CAD
Surface models can look like the shape
of the object.
Technology Interactions
Chapter 2 Computer-Aided Design
Copyright Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
A Division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Three-Dimensional (3D)
CAD
Solid models show the shape, area, and
volume of an object.
Technology Interactions
Chapter 2 Computer-Aided Design
Copyright Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
A Division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Using 3D CAD
Mechanical design
CAD/CAM
Rapid prototyping
Architectural design
Technology Interactions
Chapter 2 Computer-Aided Design
Copyright Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
A Division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
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.
Technology Interactions
Chapter 2 Computer-Aided Design
Copyright Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
A Division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
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.
Technology Interactions
Chapter 2 Computer-Aided Design
Copyright Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
A Division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Rapid Prototyping
Uses CAD data to create physical
models for communicating ideas or to
test designs.
Technology Interactions
Chapter 2 Computer-Aided Design
Copyright Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
A Division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Architectural Design
Has commercial and residential
applications.
Can provide client(s) with realistic
interior and exterior appearances of a
planned structure.
Technology Interactions
Chapter 2 Computer-Aided Design
Copyright Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
A Division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
