higher graphics

Extrude

The term used when a 2D profile is pulled into a 3D shape. The term add or subtract must be used to describe the function of the extrude.

Revolve

A profile that is rotated around an axis.

Subtract

Used in conjunction with features to describe material being removed from a 3D model.

Assembly

Multiple components combined to create a model.

Fillet

A rounded edge applied to a corner. Can be applied in either the sketch or as a stand-alone feature.

Chamfer

A straight edge applied to a corner. Can be applied in either the sketch or as a stand-alone feature.

Shell

Used to remove material from the inside of a 3D model. It can also be used to remove a face.

Materials

Apply a material to a CAD model. This can be used for illustration or to conduct a CAD simulation or test.

Align

To align the face of a 3D model with another face.

Centre Axis

To find the centres of cylindrical 3D CAD models and align them.

Component

A single component part, used to create an assembly later on.

Mate

To join the face of a 3D model to another face.

Cad Library

A directory of commonly used parts.

Sketch

The name given to the CAD drawing feature used to create a profile.

Axis

An axis represents a line traveling in a direction. Typically, these are X, Y, and Z but can be combinations.

Datum

A key point in which dimensions, sizes, and other details are taken from.

Sub-assembly

An assembly of components that is added to another, larger assembly.

Suppress

To turn a feature or command off within the modeling tree.

Solid Model

An object that can be viewed from any angle, geometry created within 3D space.

Wire Frame

A method of presenting a 3D CAD model, showing only the edges. Faces are transparent.

Modelling Tree

The linear hierarchy of how a 3D CAD model is created or assembled.

Sited Environment

An environment that represents how the 3D CAD model would look in a realistic environment.

Top down modeling

Top down design is an option to create new parts within assembly. Constraints are the existing geometry elements from other parts within assembly:lines, planes, surfaces, points, vertices.

Bottom up modeling

Bottom up modeling is when parts are modeled then inserted and fixed in relation to other components in an assembly using mates.

Reflection

A reflection in material, color, or light on the 3D CAD model or in the scene.

Light source

The source of light to illuminate a 3D CAD model and scene.

Intersect

Two 3D CAD features that pass through one another, with the result that only the area that the two touch remains. Everything else is deleted.

Extrude along a path

A profile that has been extruded by following a set route or ‘path’.

Helix

A profile that revolves around an axis but has an offset or pitch distance. Often used to model threads, screws, or springs.

Irregular chamfer

The removal of an edge by a cut, where the distance changes along the length of the edge.

Box array

An item repeated in a square or rectangle, with regular spacing.

Linear array

An item repeated along an edge, with regular spacing.

Irregular fillet

A rounding of an edge, where the radius will change.

Loft

A command where two or more profiles on workplanes that are spaced apart are joined to create a 3D feature.

Faces

A command where two or more profiles on workplanes that are spaced apart are joined to create a 3D feature.

Edge

The edges of a 3D object.

Vertices

The ‘corners’ or where edges meet on a 3D object.

Fixed

To hold a 3D CAD model in a fixed point, without applying any constraints. Usually applied to the first component in an assembly.

Projected edge

To select an edge from a CAD model or feature and generate it as a new line in a sketch.

Array

A method of repeating a shape along a line, in a box, or around a circle.

Work plane

A surface where sketches can be applied. Most CAD packages will provide three (elevation, end elevation, and plan), but more can be added by the user.

Radial array

An item repeated in a circle with regular spacing.

Profile

The name given to a 2

bathtub

blockwork

brickwork

concrete

contour

door

drainage

existing tree - to be removed

existing tree

fixed window

insulated board

lamp

north sign

pivot centre window

proposed tree

radiator

sawn timber

shower tray

sinktop

sink

socket

switch

towel rail

wash basin

wc

window - hinged at bottom

window - hinged at side

window - hinged at top

window - sliding horizontally

DTP Raster

use pixels to display photos / images. The more pixels the better the quality for zooming in, but poor quality of low resolution

Jpeg

a type of DTP Raster. Used to be the most common image format as low file size, by now superseded by PNG

Bmp

a type of DTP Raster. Huge image files as they retain all their information but can’t be compressed or used in transparencies

Png

a type of DTP Raster. The best image format for digital photo use on websites etc, as files are small, sharp and clear, good for transparencies

Tiff

a type of DTP Raster. Most commonly used in graphic design as it can store high quality images and can be compressed. Best for photos that can be used in books and packaging instead of just digitally.

DTP Vectors

used for designing graphics such as cartoons / CAD models and scale up and down with no loss in quality as uses mathematical vector program. Not photos

Svg

a type of DTP vector. can be created in 2D and enlarged without losing any quality, but is a small file size. Isn’t good for using in transparency

Dxf

a type of DTP vector. Used for file to work across CAD and vector packages so you can create a drawing in either package and transfer it over for further work

3ds

a type of CAD vector. stores information on the makeup of 3D vector graphics and includes material finishes, lighting styles, which make it good for animation

Step

a type of CAD vector. Intended for creating, editing and sharing 3D Cad models across various CAD programs. Standardised file format, makes sharing easier

Iges

a type of CAD vector. Smaller than Step files and more suited to surface modelling CAD files. Designed to transfer 2D and 3D data between CAD systems.