Computer-Aided Design: examples and applications for students

Advantages of CAD:

• Product can be rotated and viewed in 3D and from different angles.
• Can zoom in and out to see more detail;
• Can turn off / turn on layers to show / hide detail;
• Can simulate product testing (i.e. performance in an earthquake);
• Easy to make modifications;
• Easy to duplicate / mass produce images;
• Easy to store and transport data (digitally);
• Can get higher levels of accuracy;
• Can use libraries of common parts (don’t need to draw each item from scratch);
• Don’t have to pay for materials to build models.
• Can link to laser cutters / 3D printers etc.

Disadvantages of CAD:

• Expensive hardware and software required;
• More expertise needed;
• Ideas more easily stolen.

Ways images can be captured and stored on a computer

• Upload from a digital camera or mobile phone (input device) and then saved to a folder
• Scanned and emailed, then saved to a folder
• Screenshot using keyboard shortcuts or tools (like Snipping Tool) to capture an image of the screen and save it
• Downloaded from the internet – saving images from websites or cloud storage to a folder
• Imported from removable media such as transfer images from USB drives, SD cards, or external hard drives to the computer

Benefits of using a computer to store images

• Easy to organise – Images can be sorted into folders, named, and tagged for quick access.
• Saves physical space – No need to print or store photo albums. A computer can store thousands of images without running out of space.
• Easy to edit – You can use software to crop, enhance, or alter images.
• Quick to share – Images can be emailed or uploaded instantly to websites or social media.
• Backups available – Images can be copied to cloud storage or external drives for safety.
• Searchable – You can search for images by file name, date, or tags.

[understand and demonstrate awareness of the use of a computer to research shapes, images and letter fonts

understand and demonstrate awareness that a range of computer output devices can be used to give hard copy or a cut profile suitable for application to a graphic product – IG] Note: see content on feedback page.

understand and demonstrate awareness of the use of a computer to alter the size and area of suitable shapes, images and letters for application to a graphical product

[understand how CAD can be used to generate 2D and 3D images

understand how CAD/CAM is used in industry – IG]

[The use of digital technology to communicate, including:
– common software packages, e.g. Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe®
Acrobat Pro
– email
– collaboration software, e.g. Microsoft Teams and Miro
– video conferencing.]

The advantages and disadvantages to a designer or manufacturer of using these types of software programs and the appropriateness of their use.

The different software programs that are available to designers and manufacturers to design and develop
products, including:
– desktop publishing software
– photo manipulation software
– technical drawing software
– 3D modelling software. – A2]

[coming soon]