Overview

The aim of the module is to develop and validate students’ practical capability in CAD to a commercial / professional standard. CAD applications enable designers and engineers to rapid and efficiently design and manufacture new products without the need for traditional lengthy prototyping and testing. Skilful implementation of this technology is essential in quickly bringing new innovations market. The module initially focuses on parametric solid modelling of products and their constituent parts. The module progresses onto advanced surface modelling techniques which are highly regarded and sought after within industry. The module also aims to develop students’ ability to generate commercial quality 3D renders and engineering drawings. The module prepares students for SolidWorks CSWA, CSWP and CSWPA – Surfacing certification.

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 three degrees of continuity, 3D sketching, surface manipulation, manufacturing and aesthetic considerations.

• Demonstrate a commercial level of skill in parametric solid modelling through creating: reference geometry, CAD sketching, feature creation, physical and material properties, multi-body and assembly construction, drawings and annotations.

• Generate high quality CAD outcomes based on scientific underpinning principles of engineering.

• Validate and justify strategic approaches and design decisions to problem solving by applying numerical, computational, analytical and technical skills, and using appropriate tools.