Computer-aided Design Slides Prepared by Junwei Zhang 8 May 2002

Overview What is Computer-aided Design?What is Computer-aided Design? Will CAD work for me?Will CAD work for me? How does it work?How does it work? Advantages and DisadvantagesAdvantages and Disadvantages Future TrendsFuture Trends Rollerblade Inc.Rollerblade Inc. Six ways to choose the right CAD for youSix ways to choose the right CAD for you SummarySummary

What Is Computer-aided Design(CAD) A software system that uses computer graphics to assist in the creation, modification, and analysis of a design.A software system that uses computer graphics to assist in the creation, modification, and analysis of a design.

What Is Computer-aided Design (CAD Retrospective) 1982 Solid modeling has proliferated to CAD systems1982 Solid modeling has proliferated to CAD systems D developed in Sweden1983 3D developed in Sweden 1986 Autodesk's AutoCAD is the most popular microcomputer design program1986 Autodesk's AutoCAD is the most popular microcomputer design program 1989 NASA develops high-end data visualization programs1989 NASA develops high-end data visualization programs

What Is Computer-aided Design (CAD Retrospective) 1990 Manufacturers take advantage of NC simulation software to graphically depict tool paths to detect machining errors before actual metal cutting commences1990 Manufacturers take advantage of NC simulation software to graphically depict tool paths to detect machining errors before actual metal cutting commences 1998 Chrysler becomes the first automaker to adopt a fully digital, "Cyber-synthesis" process.1998 Chrysler becomes the first automaker to adopt a fully digital, "Cyber-synthesis" process.

What Is Computer-aided Design (CAD Retrospective) 1998 Mechanical CAD vendors battle for a share of the midrange market1998 Mechanical CAD vendors battle for a share of the midrange market 2000 Moving design engineering from the desktop to the Web2000 Moving design engineering from the desktop to the Web 2001 The same CAD data used to design cars is also used to market them2001 The same CAD data used to design cars is also used to market them

Will CAD work for me? Speeding up the prototype testing process, and consequently, shortening the product design cycle significantly?Speeding up the prototype testing process, and consequently, shortening the product design cycle significantly? Taking advantage of 3D modeling tools to translate visions into realities?Taking advantage of 3D modeling tools to translate visions into realities?

Will CAD work for me? To best describe a product in order to gain approval from marketing?To best describe a product in order to gain approval from marketing? Provide instructions to manufacturing?Provide instructions to manufacturing?

How Does It Work? Geometric modelingGeometric modeling Automated drafting and documentationAutomated drafting and documentation Engineering analysis and design analysisEngineering analysis and design analysis

How Does It Work? Geometric modelingGeometric modeling –Uses basic lines, curves, and shapes to generate the geometry and topology of a part –2D Technical drawing General-Purpose drafting –3D Difficult to master Freely rotate and zoom a model

How Does It Work? Automated drafting and documentationAutomated drafting and documentation –Produces engineering drawings directly from the CAD database –More advanced documentation merges text and graphics to produce assembly drawings, bills of material, instruction manuals and reports, parts catalogs, and sales brochures

How Does It Work? Engineering analysis and design analysisEngineering analysis and design analysis –Is also called computer-aided engineering –Tests and analyzes designs on the computer screen

Advantages Reduce the lead time for new product introductionReduce the lead time for new product introduction Products can be tested more quicklyProducts can be tested more quickly Costly mistakes in design or production can be avoidedCostly mistakes in design or production can be avoided

Advantages Time to manufacture can be reducedTime to manufacture can be reduced Documentation can be printed in various forms for multiple usersDocumentation can be printed in various forms for multiple users The quality of designs and the products manufactured from them is improvedThe quality of designs and the products manufactured from them is improved

Disadvantages IncompatibilityIncompatibility Complex SurfacesComplex Surfaces

Future Trends Design software is getting easier to useDesign software is getting easier to use National CAD standardNational CAD standard

Rollerblade Inc. BackgroundBackground –headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota –founder and market leader of the in-line skating industry

Rollerblade Inc. ImplementationImplementation –Software: Vellum, Alias Studio, Alias StudioPaint 3D, Pro/Engineer –speed up the prototype testing stage of the design development process –skate can be produced not only faster, but more cheaply as well.

Six ways to choose the right CAD for you Check around to see what your co-workers are usingCheck around to see what your co-workers are using Do not buy based on priceDo not buy based on price Define how often you will use the software.Define how often you will use the software. Narrow software selectionsNarrow software selections Check out vendor demosCheck out vendor demos After the demonstrations, narrow the choice down to two or threeAfter the demonstrations, narrow the choice down to two or three

Exercise Divide into groupsDivide into groups List company designing problemsList company designing problems –Compare to brainstorming questions How are problems solved by CAD?How are problems solved by CAD?

Summary Time-savingTime-saving Efficient design toolEfficient design tool Improve product qualityImprove product quality Communicate through the webCommunicate through the web

Bibliography 1.Russell, Roberta Operations Management Prentice Hall, Inc Rowell, Amy “Designing To Win” Computer Graphics World March, Stevens, Tim “The cost of CAD Incompatibility” June 11, Meyer, Ann “TRW Faces CAD Translation Nightmares” Computer Graphics World June, 1997

Bibliography 6.Rowell, Amy “The Challenge of Cad Interoperability” Computer Graphics World June, Smith, Susan “The Challenges of Complex Surfaces” Computer Graphics World November, Potter,Caren D. “Engineering on the Internet” Computer Graphics World August, Rowell, Amy “The 2D Cad Option” Computer Graphics World August, Hudspeth, Michael “Planning the move to 3D design” Machine Design Oct 25, 2001