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COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN

The use of computers to aid in the creation, design and analysis of a design.

Computer Aided Design (CAD) is one of the leading tools in Engineering. CAD allows the user to create, modify, analyse and simulate a design from the comfort of his/her pc.

List of things covered in this topic


COMPUTER GRAPHICS

Computer graphics is sub-divided into two categories:


  • Raster
  • Vector

RASTER

  • Raster
    •
    • Raster images deal with pixels on the screen. It is used mainly for rendering images (e.g. Photographs). Images are represented by “dots” or “pixels” in a set resolution (number of dots/pixels per inch).
    • Characterised by becoming fuzzy/blurry as you zoom/enlarge the image. As the image is represented by dots, as you enlarge the image the dots become bigger.
    • Mainly used for photographs and image representation.
    • Important resolutions (dpi (dots per inch)), the higher the amount of memory required to store the images
      1. 72 dpi Applie/Mac screen resolution
      2. 96 dpi Windows screen resolution
      3. 300 dpi min Printer resolution
    • Software
      1. GIMP [Free]
      2. Photoshop (Adobe) [Paid]
      3. MS Paint [Free]
    • Common Raster File Formats:
      1. jpg, jpeg
      2. png
  • Vector
    •
    • Vector images use mathematical functions or algorithms to display images on the screen. e.g. a line is represented by two points and an equation to draw the line between points.
    • Characterised by clean lines/edges and the ability to zoom in/out as much as you want without distortion, as each image is “drawn” using an algorithm.
    • Great for logos, signs, fancy text and design files.
    • Requires specific software to handle each image type, and some are proprietary, though some standards exist.
    • Software
      1. Inkscape [Free]
      2. Illustrator (Adobe) [Paid]
    • Common Raster File Formats:
      1. dxf
      2. svg
      3. STEP

COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN

CAD or CADD (Computer Aided Design & Drafting)

CAD or CADD (Computer Aided Design & Drafting) are a set of vector tools that allow you to create your design, simulate and analyse the results without actually building/fabricating the object. Once tested, you can then send the digital data for computer cutting or 3D printing.

CAD tools are often used in:


Some examples of softwares that SP supports (varies according to schools):

FUSION 360

CAD Software

Fusion 360 is an Integrated CAD, CAM, and CAE software. You can consolidate your product development process. Unify design, engineering, electronics, and manufacturing into a single platform.

As it is from the AutoDesk family, you will find the command structure similar to AutoCAD or Inventor. With the rate of uptake and the direction provided by AutoDesk, Fusion 360 will slowly replace the other AutoDesk software.

Fusion 360 is provided free for educational use, provided you sign up (using your email) as a registered student of Singapore Polytechnic. Fusion 360 is easy to learn and master with lots of online tutorials, Youtube videos and references even from Autodesk itself. We will use Fusion 360 for most of our design work in this module.