Research

What is CAD?

Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of computers (or workstations) to aid in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design. ... In mechanical design it is known as mechanical design automation (MDA), which includes the process of creating a technical drawing with the use of computer software.

Computer-aided design is a way to digitally create 2D drawings and 3D models of real-world products—before they’re ever manufactured. With 3D CAD, you can share, review, simulate, and modify designs easily, opening doors to innovative and differentiated products that get to market fast.

  Generic CAD Process

Example CAD A/C Assembly

VECTOR VS. RASTER IMAGES: CHOOSING THE RIGHT FORMAT

Recognize the difference between vector graphics and raster images and when to use them. As a visual communicator, it is your job to put together the best, most professional products to deliver the right message to the right audience. Understanding different file formats and mediums is essential to help you communicate effectively. Raster images and vector graphics have different purposes in design, and it is essential for you to understand when and where to use them for the right purpose. 

What is the difference?

A comparison of a vector image versus a raster image. Notice how the vector image on the left is made up of points and lines and appears smooth. Vector graphics are digital art that is rendered by a computer using a mathematical formula. Raster images are made up of tiny pixels, making them resolution dependent and best used for creating photos. This means that if you scale a vector image, it will maintain a smooth, un-pixelated appearance, whereas a raster image will become pixelated.

Vector:  Vector graphics are also known as scalable vector graphics (SVG). These graphics consist of anchored dots and connected by lines and curves, similar to the connect-the-dot activities you may have done as a kid. Because these graphics are not based on pixels, they are known as resolution independent, which makes them infinitely scalable. Their lines are sharp, without any loss in quality or detail, no matter what their size. These graphics are also device-independent, which means their quality doesn't depend on the number of dots available on a printer or the number of pixels on a screen. Because they consist of lines and anchor points, the size of the files are relatively small.

Raster:   Raster images are made of pixels, or tiny dots that use color and tone to produce the image. Pixels appear like little squares on graph paper when the image is zoomed in or enlarged.  These images are created by digital cameras, by scanning images into a computer or with raster-based software. Each image can only contain a fixed number of pixels; the amount of pixels determines the quality of the image. This is known as resolution. More pixels results in better quality at the same or larger sizes of the original, but this also increases the size of the file and the amount of space it takes to store the file. The lower the number of pixels, the lower the resolution. Resolution limits the size the image can be scaled up without being able to see pixels. However, a high resolution image printed at a small size will cause the pixels to "cram" together and will make the image look as unprofessional as not having enough pixels in a large image.  

When to choose vector versus raster?

A vector graphic's small file size and scalability makes it uniquely suitable for use in digital printing from business cards to billboards. They're also used in lower thirds for videos, web-based objects and rendering 2D or 3D computer animation. Their native files are needed for coin designs, laser engraving, t-shirts, patches, etc. Raster images are best for digital photos and print materials. If your project requires scalable shapes and solid colors, vector is the best choice, but if your project requires complex color blends, raster is the preferred format.

Major CAD Software Products

• AutoCAD (Autodesk)  
• Pro Engineer (PTC) 
• SolidWorks (Dassault Systems) 
• CATIA (IBM/Dassault Systems) 
• Fusion 360 (Autodesk)
• Free CAD
• OnShape

DIFFICULTIES IN THE APPLICATION OF CAD PROGRAMS

I started the FabAcademy without any experience in the use of 2D or 3D CAD programs; however and thanks to FabAcademy and Neil's recommendations, I have started a very fast process of learning the different software programs.

I initially started exploring OnShape because of the ease of being in the cloud and not requiring the use of my computer's hardware resources. It seemed to me an extraordinary platform, very intuitive and easy to make both 2D and 3D designs, but I quickly became frustrated because I saw that SolidWorks was more robust and powerful software for 2D design and 3D modeling. Then I explored AutoCad, it wasn't easy for me to learn the basics, I also explored Inkscape and CorelDraw.

I was finally able to obtain a Fusion 360 educational license. That would be the platform that I intend to use and deepen because of the versatility it offers for design and modeling.

Exploration and use of the following software

OnShape  Onshape is a cloud-based computer-aided design (CAD) software. Using web-based servers, software users can collaborate on a single model, editing and interacting at the same time. The program is intended for many industries looking to design products, machine parts, industrial equipment, etc. On the official website, the company offers many options to learn how to use the software through explanatory videos, learning centers or support services if necessary.  

As far as its use is concerned, the program does not copy files, but shares them via URLs. Its cloud-based system allows creators to design from any device, be it a computer, a tablet or a phone. Onshape can be used to create 2D drawings and 3D models. To learn how to use it, the company provides users with program guides and specifications in order to understand the basic operation so that they can create better finished designs ready for 3D printing. The files can be exported in STL, DWG and DXT formats, among others. In addition, we can find it in different languages, such as English, German, Korean and Chinese, to be able to interact globally with other communities. 

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PARAMETRIC DESIGN

Parametric Design is a 3D CAD solution, through which a model is created through data that is entered into software such as Fusion 360, which is capable of translating them through equations into virtual forms that are updated instantly, facilitating obtaining of a final design and reducing routine activities. Fusion 360, the powerful and easy-to-use integrated CAD/CAM/CAE tool, offers exciting features, including parametric design. 

The data are parameters and can be as many as the designer considers: mass, volume, centers of gravity, materials, quantities, morphology, among others that give the professional total control over the product from the conceptual stages to its release on the market.

Parametric design is an advanced digital design technique that allows the introduction of a series of variables or parameters, such as: spatial limits, volumes or temperatures. This through specialized software, among the most used are Rhinoceros and its Grasshopper plug-in.

Parametric design allows us to design a process and not a specific result: The first step to carry out a parametric design is to develop or design a process having a collection of geometric and mathematical relationships where we have systems and processes also known as algorithms.