Homework #1

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using CAD systems to create engineering
drawings?
Advantages: Reduced design timescales, reuse of designs, drawing errors can be corrected
easily, drawings can be sent/received via email in seconds, accuracy of drawing, and can easily
mass produce identical products.
Disadvantages: Time & cost of implementing the CAD system, time & cost of training people
to use the CAD, and computer crashing or file corruption can permanently lose a drawing.
2. What is the default AutoCAD filename extension?
The standard filename extension is .dwg.
3. How do the Grid and Snap options assist us in sketching?
The grid and snap options help us be more accurate with our drawings by snapping to certain
points on the gird for us.
4. List and describe the different coordinate entry methods available in AutoCAD?
One method is the absolute method in which coordinates specify a point's exact distance from
the origin point of the coordinate system, which is represented as (0,0). Another method is the
relative method in which coordinates specify a point's exact distance from the last point that
was entered. Then there is the polar method in which coordinates specify a point's exact location
by a distance and angle from the last point that was entered.
5. When using the line command, which option allows us to quickly create a line segment
connecting back to the starting point?
This option is the right click and create line to the starting point.
6. List and describe the two types of coordinate systems commonly used for planar geometry.
One type that can be used is the absolute coordinate system in which points are plotted relative
to the x,y axis. Another type is the relative coordinate system which adds coordinates relative to
the last point.
7. Which key do you use to quickly cancel a command?
You use the escape key on the keyboard to cancel a command.
8. When you use the pan command, do the coordinates of objects get changed?
No, the coordinates of the objects don't get changed.

9. Find information on how to draw ellipses in AutoCAD through the Autodesk Exchange, and
create the following arc. If it is desired to position the center of the ellipse to a specific location,
which ellipse command is more suitable.
To draw this ellipse I chose the center type ellipse, which is the most suitable for this situation. I
then entered the dimensions from the center as 1.5 units long and 1.0 units tall.
10. Find information on how to draw arcs in AutoCAD through the Autodesk Exchange and create
the following arc. List and describe two methods to create arcs in AutoCAD.
To draw this arc I first chose the start, end, radius arc option. I then picked the starting point,
the ending point, and then entered the radius value of 1.5. Two methods for creating arcs in
AutoCAD are clicking on the draw arc button in the toolbar, or drawing a circle and then
trimming it into an arc.