Computer-aided design uses computer systems to

design products and create the drawings needed for

the products to be manufactured.

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Copyright Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
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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.

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Chapter 2 Computer-Aided Design

Copyright Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
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CAD Advantages
Saves time
Is more accurate
Improves team communications
Can help determine if a design will
actually work

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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
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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.

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Chapter 2 Computer-Aided Design

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Three-Dimensional (3D)
CAD
Wireframe models resemble stick
figures.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.