Aesthetic Models
A model developed to look/feel like the final product
Animation
The ability to link graphic screens together in such a way as to simulate motion or a process
Bottom-up Modeling
Designer creates part geometry independent of the assembly or any other component. Once all parts are complete, they are brought together for the first time in the assembly
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
The use of computers to aid the design process
Conceptual Model
A model that exists in the mind used to help us know and understand ideas
Data Model
Model that determines the structure of data
Digital Human
Computer simulation of a variety of mechanical and biological aspects of the human bodyD
Fidelity
The degree to which a prototype is exactly like the final product
Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
The calculation and simulation of unknown factors in products using CAD systems
Formal Drawing Techniques
A type of drawing technique that has fixed rules
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
A 3D printing technique that places layers of melted material on a bed to build up a 3D model
Graphical Models
A visualization of an idea, often created on paper or through software, in two or three dimensions
Haptic Technology
Emerging technology that interfaces the user via the sense of touch
Instrumented Models
Prototypes that are equipped with the ability to take measurements to provide accurate quantitative feedback for analysis
Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM)
A system that virtually slices a 3D CAD model into thin layers, then cuts each layer from a roll of material using a laser or plotter cutter. Layers are then glued to create a 3D model
Mock-ups
A scale or full-size representation of a product used to gain feedback from users
Motion Capture
The recording of human and animal movement by any means (video, magnetic, electro-mechanical devices, etc.)
Part Drawings
Orthographic drawings of the components of an assembly containing details just about that component
Perspective Drawings
Set of formal drawing techniques that depicts an object as getting smaller and closer together the further away they are
Physical Modeling
The creation of a smaller or larger tangible version of an object that can be physically interacted with
Projection Drawings
Systems of drawings that are accurately drawn. The two main types are isometric and orthographic
Prototypes
Sample/model built to test a concept or process, or to act as an object to be replicated or learned from
Scale Drawings
Drawings that are bigger or smaller than the real product, but exactly in proportion with product
Scale Models
A model that is either a smaller or larger copy of an object
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
An additive manufacturing technique that uses a laser to fuse small particles of material into a mass that has a desired 3D shape
Sketches
Rough drawings of ideas used to convey or refine the idea
Solid Models
Clear representations of the final part that provide a complete set of data for the product to be realized
Stereolithography
Modeling technique that creates 3D models layer-by-layer by hardening molecules of a liquid polymer using a laser beam
Surface Model
Realistic pictures of the final model, offering some machining data that contain no data about the interior of the part
Top-Down Modeling
Product development process whose main feature is that the design originates as a concept and gradually evolves into a complete product consisting of components and sub-assemblies
Virtual Prototyping
Photorealistic CAD-based interactive models that use surface and solid modeling. “Digital mock-ups”
Virtual Reality (VR)
The ability to simulate a real situation on a screen and interact with it in a near-natural way
Working Drawings
Drawings used to guide the production of a product
Orthographic Drawings
Drawings that show the different sides of a product
Isometric Drawings
Drawings that show the shape and form of an object on a 30 degree, 90 degree, 30 degree plane