Overview

The goal of this module is to cultivate and validate students' practical proficiency in CAD at a commercial/professional level. CAD applications empower designers and engineers to swiftly and efficiently design and manufacture new products, eliminating the need for conventional, time-consuming prototyping and testing. Skilful utilisation of this technology is crucial for the rapid introduction of innovative designs to the market. The module initiates with sub-divisional CAD modelling of products, interiors and spaces, then progresses to advanced surface modelling techniques highly esteemed and in demand within the industry. Additionally, the module seeks to enhance students' capacity to produce high-quality 3D renders suitable for commercial presentation.

1. Reference geometry – planes and axes, sketch conventions and best practices
2. Feature tree optimisation processes and methods
3. Advanced sketch features – relations and mates
4. Boss and cut features, fillets and chamfers, linear, circular, and fill patterns
5. Inserting components and materials, evaluating properties
6. Drawings and annotations, 3d rendering, tolerances
7. Advanced surfacing techniques, continuity and surface type overview
8. Reverse engineering processes, lofts, boundaries and fills
9. Intersectional techniques and curve generation, knit and trim
10. Integrating surface and solid bodies, generating assemblies
11. Additive manufacturing preparation of parts
12. C0, C1 and C2 degrees of surface continuity
13. Freeform manipulation
14. Flattening, exporting and 2D file generation for manufacture

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -50-59%:Knowledge base covers all essential aspects of subject matter dealt with in the assignment; conceptual understanding is acceptable. CAD modelling work is constructed in a reliable manner, with an appreciation of commercial standards and requirements. Problems of a familiar and unfamiliar nature are solved and solutions are acceptable. Performance in transferable skills is sound. -good -60 -69%:Knowledge base covers all essential aspects of subject matter dealt with in the assignment and shows good evidence of drawing skill beyond this. Conceptual understanding is good. CAD modelling work is constructed in a reliable and efficient manner, with a good appreciation of commercial standards and requirements. Problems of a familiar and unfamiliar nature are solved in a logical manner; solutions are generally correct and acceptable. Performance in transferable skills is sound and shows no significant deficiencies. -excellent -70% and above:Knowledge base is extensive and extends well beyond the work covered in the assignment; conceptual understanding is outstanding. CAD modelling work is exemplary and shows a thorough analysis and appraisal of outcomes, with appropriate suggestions for improvement. Problems of a familiar and unfamiliar nature are solved with efficiency and accuracy; problem-solving procedures are adjusted to the nature of the problem. Performance in transferable skills is generally very good.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a commercial level of skill in advanced surface modelling through creating: complex surfaces with advanced sculpting tools and brushes, multi-resolution and dynamic sub-divisional modelling and 3D painting with textured brushes and masking.

• Demonstrate a commercial level skill in the generation of commercial quality 3D renders and visuals.

• Design and develop virtual creations intended for manufacturing, digital or virtual production, which deliver economic value through optimal solutions.

• Validate and justify their strategic approaches and design decisions to problem solving.