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 travelling 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 modelling 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 modelling 

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 modelling 

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

Reflection 

A reflection in material, colour 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 round 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 2D shape, prior to being used to make a 3D feature. 

Add 

Used in conjunction with features to describe an addition to the 3D model 

Constraint  

Dimension tool used to lock 2D geometry to a particular shape, size or position.