3.4 + 3.5 CAD modelling and rapid prototyping

types of CAD software

• 2D software - 2D images of design to communicate it

• 3D software - 3D model containing info about dimensions, materials, etc

• rendering - realistic but virtual reps of a design usually for clients + adver. purposes

types of rendering modelling

• surface modelling

• solid modelling

surface modelling

• conveys outside surface of product’s looks

• for visualizing a product by being placed in the environment + gives good idea of how the finished product will look.

solid modelling

• models the object for viewing / manufacturing purposes (3D printing / CAD)

• sometimes the materials can be stimulated and used to test movement, strength, and stress

pros

• can design, alter, and test the product in quick time

• less expensive than prototyping

Explain top-down, bottom-up, and hybrid

1. top-down

   • designers start a concept + are designed and iterated in the CAD software

   • new parts are added + modified

   • used to make new + unqiue concepts and designs

2. bottom-up

   • all parts designed manually then put in CAD software

   • changing dimensions of one part = changing all other parts

   • used to make standard parts (cars, planes, etc)

what are the other types of computer modelling

1. data sets: large databases storing results of testing a product / material

2. finite element analysis (FEA): to calc. stress and loads on materials + structures

3. virtual prototyping: combination of all CAD modeling in order to design + test + iterate a prototype

4. digital humans: digital rep. of humans + their mechanics

5. VR: use to stimulate not only the product but the environment around the product (ex. planes and building)

6. animation: visualizes the prototype + how it works

examples of rapid prototyping

1. FDM (fused deposition material) / 3D printing

2. stereolithography (SLA)

3. selective laser sintering (SLS)