Archive for July, 2010

• Tickoo, Sham. AutoCAD 2010: A Problem-solving Approach. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar/Cengage Learning, c2010.
• Spencer, Henry Cecil, John Thomas Dygdon, and James E. Novak. Basic Technical Drawing. 8th ed. New York: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, c2004.
• Bielefeld, Bert, and Isabella Skiba. Basics Technical Drawing. Boston: Birkhauser-Publishers for Architecture, c2007.
• Gibbs, Carolyn. The Design Studio: Developing Technical and Creative Skills using AutoCAD and ADT. New York: Fairchild Books, c2008.
• Lamit, Louis Gary, and James Gee. Pro/Engineer Wildfire. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Brooks/Cole, c2004.
• Goetsch, David L, et al. Technical Drawing. 5th ed. Clifton Park, NY: Thomson Delmar Learning, c2005.
• Giesecke, Frederick E., et al. Technical Drawing. 12th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall/Pearson Education, c2003.
• Giesecke, Frederick E., et al. Technical Drawing. 13th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, c2009.
• Smith, Douglas, and Antonio Ramirez. Technical Drawing 101 with AutoCAD 2008. London: Pearson Education, c2009.
• Smith, Douglas, and Antonio Ramirez. Technical Drawing 101 with Autocad(r): A Multidisciplinary Curriculum for the First Semester. 2nd ed. Boston, MA: Prentice Hall, 2011.
• Goetsch, David L., William S. Chalk, and John A. Nelson. Technical Drawing and Engineering Communication. 6th ed. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Cengage Learning, 2008.
• Chalk, William S., and David L. Goetsch. Technical Drawing and Engineering Communication Instructor’s Resource Guide. 6th ed. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Cengage Learning, 2009.
• Thorne, Gary. Technical Drawing for Stage Design. Ramsbury: Crowood Press, 2009.

What Are Macros?

A MACRO (merge and correlate recorded output) is “anything more than a single command¹” and a “rule or pattern that specifies how a certain input sequence should be mapped to an output sequence according to a defined procedure.⁴” Macro programs are “computer programs that capture the user’s actions as if it is recording the user.⁵” For example, macros can record mouse clicks, menu choices, and keystrokes.⁴

A macro may be made up of either a command and an option or commands, their options, and programming codes. Additional programming codes are included in macros to make it sure that macros work under any condition. For example, “^C^C^C” is used to cancel running AutoCAD commands, and “_” is used to make macros work with AutoCAD in any language.¹ When being shared, some macros, such as those written using VBA (Visual Basic for Applications), require users to share source codes also.² With the help of macros, users interact with the model environment through the API (application programming interface). Macros require some knowledge about software languages, but these programming languages are limited by what the command processor can handle. In macros, calls that are directed towards the API are like operations the users do in the UI. Macro programs can create, manipulate, plot, and print files as well as start programs or applications. For example, macro programs can use the mail function of the operating system to send files when such function is not supported by the interface of the CAD system. Macro programs are executed by a command processor in the system. In order to be effective and to serve their purpose, macro programs are expected to perform faster than users who enter commands in the UI.^4,5

Why Write Macros?

The following are some reasons to write macros:⁴

• Automation of common and repetitive tasks
• Design optimization
• Macros as bases for the development of special tools
• For retrieving or exporting data from documents of the CAD solid modeler
• Increase in productivity and standardization of procedures

The following are commonly used for writing macros, particularly macros for SolidWorks:⁴

• VBA
• Programming languages for writing standalone applications

Users get VBA along with their SolidWorks. Here, macros are saved as *.swp files. For them to create or edit SolidWorks macros, they first launch the VBA editor from within SolidWorks.⁴

For standalone applications, knowledge in Visual C++.Net, Visual Basic.Net, Visual C++, Visual Basic, and Visual Studio is required.⁴ It is easier to develop most macros in VBA than in VB.Net.² Another way to develop macros is by the use of VSTA (Visual Studio Tools for Applications). In VSTA, users can store macros either externally or within a document. VSTA allows users to develop them using either Visual Basic.NET or C#.³

The result of automating common and repetitive tasks is a reduced time in doing processes.⁴ For example, a company need not do same tasks over and over again to create a standard component where formulas and parameters are used in the overall geometry of the component, if a macro program for doing it is already available.⁵

Macro Programs and API-Type of Programs

An API is used in designing solid modeling systems. It serves as the canvas for writing a macro. Based on a given parameter, the macro issues geometric instructions to the solid modeler, and then these geometric instructions are used in creating solid models of 3D designs.⁴

In SolidWorks, to create a macro program, the user clicks the start button in the macro toolbar, thereby ordering the CAD software to start recording. Then the user does operations that are being captured. Finally, the user clicks the stop button to tell the software to stop recording, and then the user saves the newly created macro.⁵

In 2D and 3D designs, macros automate design processes, while in 3D CAD packages, macros create and analyze design iterations.⁴

Macro programs are not necessarily the same with API programs. Sometimes, API-type of programs performs faster than macro programs. For example, creating thousands of lines, arcs, and dimensions would take a macro program some time to finish, but an API-type of program can do these tasks in seconds. API-type of programs uses the following languages: FORTRAN, Lisp, ADA, C, C++, or Java.⁵ For SolidWorks, its API uses VBA in developing procedural algorithms into the modeler.⁴ By using an API, entity databases can be accessed directly, which cannot be done by using macros. Scope and readability are limitations for macro programs, while the computer language that is being used is the only limitation for API-type of programs.⁵

API programming has its own advantages. These are the following:⁵

• Ability to run as fast as the CAD system
• Program sophistication

The following are SolidWorks API entities:⁴

• Native geometrical entities
• Native mathematical entities
• User-defined entities

The following are list of SolidWorks API:⁴

• EDrawings API
• FeatureWorks API
• PDMWorks API
• PhotoWorks API
• SolidWorks Routing API
• SolidWorks API
• SolidWorks Utilities API

The following are CAD packages that support API:⁴

• CATIA
• Mechanical Desktop
• Pro/ENGINEER
• SolidWorks
• Unigraphics

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¹Ralph Grabowski. “TIPS: Macros.” Online posting. 5 Feb 2004. WorldCAD Access. 26 July 2010 <http://worldcadaccess.typepad.com/blog/2004/02/tips_macros.html>.
²Ekins, Brian. Inventor® API: Taking the Step from VBA Macros to Add-Ins. Autodesk University, 2008. 26 July 2010 <http://modthemachine.typepad.com/files/vbatoaddins.pdf>.
³Mason, Matt. “Revit 2009 API: VSTA: Here Comes the Neighborhood.” Online posting. 28 Feb 2008. CAD Application Development. 26 July 2010 <http://cadappdev.blogspot.com/2008/02/revit-2009-api-vsta-here-comes.html>.
⁴Srivastava, Rahul. Customization of CAD Modeling Software using Parametric Macros for Design of Machinable Artistic Surface Patterns. Patiala: Thapar University, 2009. 27 July 2010 <http://dspace.thapar.edu:8080/dspace/bitstream/10266/1033/1/RAHUL+SRIVASTAVA+80781021-+2009.pdf>.
⁵Schoonmaker, Stephen J. The CAD Guidebook: A Basic Manual for Understanding and Improving Computer-Aided Design. New York: Marcel Dekker, 2003.

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For more information about CAD services, please read more.

2D to 3D drawing conversion is quite complicated, quite difficult, and quite challenging, but by using 3D modeling tools, such as AutoCAD, Solid Edge, and MicroStation, conversion is simplified and productivity of design and manufacturing engineers is improved. Engineers align views on orthogonal planes and use extrude feature to convert. 3D modeling tools was first introduced two decades ago, but even until now, many still resort to 2D drafting.^1,4

Some software packages for 3D modeling are CATIA, Pro/ENGINEER, I-DEAS, AMD, and SolidWorks.² They are capable of doing the following:³

• Recognizing an exterior skin of a modeled part
• Knowing the density of material that a modeled part represents
• Calculating volume, surface area, and part weight of a modeled part
• Calculating the center of gravity and moments of inertia

Advantages of 2D to 3D Drawing Conversion

Richard Botham enumerated in ArticlesBase website some benefits of 3D models. They are as follows:¹

• Generation of virtual prototypes
• Faster product design
• Automation of design process
• Increased speed and accuracy of output
• Increased response to customers
• Reduced need and cost of physical prototypes
• Visualization of more “what-if” scenarios during design process
• Testing and validating designs to reduce costs from quality problems and errors
• More effective internal design reviews
• Ability to create renderings and animations for design proposals or reviews
• Ease in incorporating late design changes
• Automatic bill of materials
• Increased customer confidence and loyalty
• Data management to organize and manage your design data
• More effective communication with suppliers/customers
• Standard detailing and drafting practices

Sunith in the website of CAD Professor provides the following additional benefits:⁴

• Automatic flattening of sheet metal flats
• Better employee morale
• Ease in manufacturing designs with industry-leading partner products
• For non-technical personnel such as sales department to quote, specify and configure product whilst maintaining your design and engineering integrity

Cadmodels.Biz provided some ways on how to give volume to 2D sections once a 2D drawing was imported:³

• Extruding a section to a fixed dimension
• Revolving a section around an axis
• Sweeping a section along a trajectory
• Sweeping and blending multiple sections along multiple trajectories

Visualization features allow developers to view solid objects and its subparts as if they were cut on a saw.³ By migrating from 2D CAD to 3D modeling, an improved flow of product design information and communication results to reduced design cycles, streamlined manufacturing processes, and accelerated product introductions all throughout an organization and among its suppliers and customers. These in turn result to faster time-to-market and higher product quality, which further result to increased revenue, reduced design costs, and larger profit margins.¹ The existence of mass property data and knowing the respective position of all mass within an assembly allows clearance and interference checking. Developers often use software conferencing tools, such as gotomeeting.com and Skype, for effective remote meetings.³

However, tight budgets cause developers to resort to hand drawings or free or inexpensive 2D CAD programs. Failure to get qualified professional services can be a cause to a ruin in a project plan and a loss of market opportunities for developers. Bargain hunting for CAD services can result to business disasters. Business opportunities are like airplanes because they do not wait for you when you are late.³

Product Development

2D to 3D CAD conversion is used by designers to produce 3D models. These 3D models can in turn be used by steel fabricators, machine operators, or architects.¹ Design ideas, concepts, patents, or core technologies may start from start-up ventures, investors, and small companies, like when people are conversing over coffee and sketching on table napkins. Later, they present whatever idea or plan that they came up with to professional CAD designers who will create prototypes. Once product design databases are completed, and prototypes are validated and approved,³ the prototypes are given to engineers who will manufacture those prototypes using computed numerically controlled (CNC) machines.⁴

2D CAD versus 3D CAD

Failure to employ properly trained and experienced professionals may result to a lot of error corrections and rework, cost overruns, and schedule delays, while a job well done results to quality parts that are delivered on time at the right place. 2D programs are used for building breadboard level testable units, while 3D CAD services are used for developing world class complex geometries.³ Even for ordinary non-engineering folks, they easily identify a building not based on its plan, elevation, and sectional drawings but based on a picture or a 3D model of it,⁴ and we tend to remember more 3D advertisements than 2D ones.⁵ These are just illustrations that, in order to understand 2D drawings, we must study them. On the other hand, we do not need engineering backgrounds to imagine objects that 3D models represent. 2D drawings may attract attention of engineers, but 3D models impress generally all people from diverse backgrounds. 2D technical drawings may not be good enough in starting a new product concept because they might not function as planned, while 3D models readily show the viability of a design idea. Compared to hand drawings, 2D CAD shortens time scales, but 3D CAD directly supports the entire product development cycle, speeds up every activity, and increases the quality of design.⁴

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¹Richard Botham. “Benefits of 2D Drawings to 3D CAD Model Conversion Technology.” Online posting. 20 Feb 2010. ArticlesBase. 21 July 2010 <http://www.articlesbase.com/industrial-articles/benefits-of-2d-drawings-to-3d-cad-model-conversion-technology-1882460.html>.
²Ankita Shah. “Benefits of CAD Services.” Online posting. 3 Jan 2010. Architectural [3D Rendering]. 21 July 2010 <http://www.microbos.com/articles/benefits-of-cad-services.html>.
³“2D to 3D CAD Avails State of the Art Fabrication Processes.” Cadmodels.Biz. 4 May 2008. 21 July 2010 <http://cadrawings.info/>.
⁴Sunith. “Transforming a 2D Drawing to 3D CAD Data.” Online posting. 20 June 2009. CAD Professor. 22 July 2010 <http://www.cadprofessor.in/2009/06/transforming-a-2d-drawing-to-3d-cad-data/>.
⁵“CAD Design.” Design Presentation. 28 June 2010. 22 July 2010 <http://designpresentation.com/cad_design.htm>.

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For more information about CAD services, please read more.

CAD drawing contains all concepts underlying paper drawings, and more. With the use of CAD software, CAD drawings allow users to modify parts of a flexible design or model without repeating it entirely. Thus, CAD conversion from manual to electronic is very beneficial. Digital CAD files, especially those that contain 3D views, provide a lot of information that are helpful in determining errors. They are very useful in architectural designs where users can redraw them when the need to modify the designs arises.

Reference:
Prahlad Parmar. “CAD Conversion Services and Its Benefits.” Online posting. 27 May 2010. ArticlesBase. 20 July 2010 <http://www.articlesbase.com/business-opportunities-articles/cad-conversion-services-and-its-benefits-2480709.html>.

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For more information about CAD services, please read more.

Reduced product development expenses and lesser design cycles are some advantages of using CAD drawings. Some CAD programs, such as AutoCAD, support conversion from manual drawings to electronic ones. Aside from designing products, some CAD software can also support raster to vector conversion. 2D drafting service, such as 2D drawing corrections, require adherence to CAD layering standards. 3D-based CAD services include 3D rendering services which makes images look like photographs, and animating 3D models. Designs look best with advanced computer technologies such as Pro-E and AutoCAD. CAD/CAM services involve the use of product life cycle management and also include drafting services to convert hand drawings to electronic drawings. They use CAD packages to do the conversion. Mechanical CAD services are very useful for design engineers who deal with assembly drawings for mechanical assemblies, while electrical CAD services are very useful for electrical engineering designers. CAD services provide an end product without the worries caused by limited time period or lot of paper works.

Reference:
Ankita Shah. “Benefits of CAD Services.” Online posting. 3 Jan 2010. Architectural [3D Rendering]. 20 July 2010 <http://www.microbos.com/articles/benefits-of-cad-services.html>.

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For more information about CAD services, please read more.

Design environments for mechanical CAD are now automated to lessen the time that designers use to do their tasks. Drawings and design concepts are bases for making 3D animation, 3D graphic, 3D background, or 3D logo design. Currently, 3D modeling is widely in use with CAD. CAD design involves 3D mechanical animation models, which are some techniques that are more preferable than others in 3D modeling. 3D design CAD experts use SolidWorks for 3D modeling. Design engineers convert 2D mechanical designs to 3D models and animate, and they follow drawing standards. In product development, 3D modeling services offer working models of products that designers are developing.

Reference:
Dillip Kumar Barik. “Mechanical Cad Design and 3D Modeling Services.” Online posting. 22 Mar 2010. ArticlesBase. 20 July 2010 <http://www.articlesbase.com/software-articles/mechanical-cad-design-and-3d-modeling-services-2026899.html>.

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For more information about CAD services, please read more.

3D Modeling, Drafting, Product Design, Pro/ENGINEER, SolidWorks

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2D drawing

- An indirect and incomplete representation of an engineering product or system, subject to interpretation and error¹

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3D

- A real object or true depiction of real image¹

3D computer graphics

- Graphics that use a three-dimensional representation of geometric data… that is stored in the computer for the purposes of performing calculations and rendering 2D images³

3D computer graphics software

- Programs used to create 3D computer-generated imagery⁹

3D model

- The product of 3D modeling²

- An object that is constructed on three planes²⁷

3D modeling

- The process of developing a mathematical representation of any three-dimensional surface of object… via specialized software²

- The construction, manipulation, and storage of geometric objects to represent objects… around us or virtual objects¹⁷

3D printing

- A form of additive manufacturing technology where a three dimensional object is created by successive layers of material⁶

3D rendering

- The 3D computer graphics process of automatically converting 3D wire frame models into 2D images with 3D photorealistic effects on a computer⁵

3D wireframe

- Extension of 2D drafting¹²

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Assembly modeling

- Technology and methods used by Computer-aided design and Product visualization computer software systems to handle multiple files that represent components within a product¹⁵

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Computer-aided design (CAD)

- The use of computer technology for the design of objects, real or virtual¹²

- A combination of both hardware & software that helps architects, engineers and related professionals in the real estate & manufacturing industry worldwide¹⁸

- An important industrial art extensively used in many applications, including automotive, shipbuilding, and aerospace industries, industrial and architectural design, prosthetics, and many more¹²

- A major driving force for research in computational geometry, computer graphics (both hardware and software), and discrete differential geometry¹²

- Especially important technology within the scope of computer-aided technologies, with benefits such as lower product development costs and a greatly shortened design cycle¹²

- One of the many tools used by engineers and designers and is used in many ways depending on the profession of the user and the type of software in question¹²

- One part of the whole Digital Product Development (DPD) activity within the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) process¹²

Computer-aided geometric design (CAGD)

- The design of geometric models for object shapes, in particular¹²

Computer animation or CGI animation

- The art of creating moving images with the use of computers¹⁰

- An artful blend of creative vision and technology³¹

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Design intent

- How the creator of the part wants it to respond to changes and updates⁴

DWGgateway

- A free data translation tool that enables any AutoCAD software user to open and edit any DWG file, regardless of the version of AutoCAD it was made in⁴

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eDrawings Professional

- An e-mail-enabled communication tool for reviewing 2D and 3D product design data across the extended product development team⁴

Electronic design automation (EDA or ECAD)

- A category of software tools for designing electronic systems such as printed circuit boards and integrated circuits²⁶

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Features

- Building blocks of the part⁴

- The shapes and operations that construct the part⁴

FeatureWorks

- Feature recognition software that lets designers make changes to static geometric data, increasing the value of translated files⁴

Flexibility

- The ability to change angles or animate images with quicker rendering of the changes²

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Group

- A starting point for discussions and collaborations²⁸

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Innovation

- A vital ingredient of business success²⁹

Interoperability

- The key issue which integrates various CAD CAM CAE tools¹

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Kinetic design

- Aesthetic design of physical movement³²

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Level sets

- A useful representation for deforming surfaces which undergo many topological changes²

Lighting

- An important aspect of scene setup²

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MACRO (merge and correlate recorded output)

- Anything more than a single command¹⁹

- Rule or pattern that specifies how a certain input sequence should be mapped to an output sequence according to a defined procedure²⁰

Macro program

- Computer programs that capture the user’s actions as if it is recording the user²¹

MoldflowXpress

- A mold design validation tool that was built into a solid modeling environment⁴

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Parameters

- Constraints whose values determine the shape or geometry of the model or assembly⁴

Polygonal modeling

- An approach for modeling objects by representing or approximating their surfaces using polygons⁸

Print3D

- A 3D printing feature that allows users to convert their 3D CAD model to a .STL file and then have it sent to specialty manufacturers for quote⁴

Procedural modeling

- An umbrella term for a number of techniques in computer graphics to create 3D models and textures from sets of rules⁷

Product design

- The efficient and effective generation and development of ideas through a process that leads to new products³⁰

Pro/ENGINEER

- A parametric, integrated 3D CAD/CAM/CAE solution created by Parametric Technology Corporation¹³

- The first to market with parametric, feature-based, associative solid modeling software¹³

- An integral part of a broader product development system developed by PTC¹³

- A piece of software that falls within the category of CAD/CAM/CAE and site alongside other similar products currently on the market¹³

- A feature based modeling architecture incorporated into a single database philosophy with advanced rule based design capabilities¹³

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Skeletal animation

- A technique in computer animation, particularly in the animation of vertebrates, in which a character is represented in two parts: a surface representation used to draw the character… and a hierarchical set of bones used for animation only¹¹

Solid modeling

- A consistent set of principles for mathematical and computer modeling of three dimensional solids¹⁴

SolidWorks

- A 3D mechanical CAD… program that runs on Microsoft Windows and was developed by Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks… a subsidiary of Dassault Systèmes⁴

- A competitor to CAD programs such as Pro/ENGINEER, I-DEAS, Unigraphics, and CATIA⁴

- A parasolid-based solid modeler⁴

SolidWorks Flow Simulation

- A tool that tests fluid-flow simulation and thermal analysis so designers can conduct tests on virtual prototypes⁴

SolidWorks MoldBase

- A catalog of standard mold base assemblies and components⁴

SolidWorks Motion

- A virtual prototyping tool that provides motion simulation capabilities to ensure designs function properly⁴

SolidWorks Simulation

- A design validation tool that shows engineers how their designs will behave as physical objects⁴

SolidWorks Simulation Premium

- A design validation tool that caters to designers without engineering background⁴

SolidWorks Sustainability

- A product that measures the environmental impact of designs while they are modeled in SolidWorks⁴

SolidWorks Toolbox

- A library of parts that uses “Smart Part” Technology to automatically select fasteners and assemble them in the desired sequence⁴

SolidWorks Utilities

- Software that lets designers find differences between two versions of the same part, or locate, modify, and suppress features within a model⁴

SolidWorks Viewer

- A free plug-in for viewing SolidWorks parts, assemblies, and drawings⁴

SolidWorks Workgroup PDM

- A PDM tool that allows SolidWorks users operating in teams of 10 members or less to work on designs concurrently⁴

Sub-forum

- A great place to share your experiences and do your Q&A with other users²⁸

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Technical drawing or Drafting

- The academic discipline of creating standardized technical drawings by architects, interior designers, drafters, design engineers, and related professionals¹⁶

- Integral communication of technical or engineering drawings and is the industrial arts sub-discipline that underlies all involved technical endeavors¹⁶

- Means of clearly and concisely communicating all of the information necessary to transform an idea or a concept into reality²²

- Drawing plan, rendered to scale, used to communicate direction and specifics to a group of people creating something²³

- Formal and precise way of communicating information about the shape, size, features and precision of physical objects²⁴

- Universal language of engineering used in the design process for solving problems, quickly and accurately visualizing objects, and conducting analysis²⁴

- A graphical representation of objects and structures²⁴

- Expression of bodies by lines²⁴

- Skill, a vocation²⁵

Tessellation

- The process of transforming representations of objects, such as transforming the middle point coordinate of a sphere and a point on its circumference into a polygon representation of a sphere²

- A significant contributing factor to the resulting aesthetic and visual quality of the finished work²

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References:
¹Sunith. “Transforming a 2D Drawing to 3D CAD Data.” Online posting. 10 June 2009. CAD Professor. 19 July 2010 <http://www.cadprofessor.in/2009/06/transforming-a-2d-drawing-to-3d-cad-data/>.
²“3D modeling.” Wikipedia. 2010. Wikimedia Foundation. 19 July 2010 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_modeling>.
³“3D computer graphics.” Wikipedia. 2010. Wikimedia Foundation. 19 July 2010 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_computer_graphics>.
⁴“SolidWorks.” Wikipedia. 2010. Wikimedia Foundation. 19 July 2010 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SolidWorks>.
⁵“3D rendering.” Wikipedia. 2010. Wikimedia Foundation. 19 July 2010 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_rendering>.
⁶“3D printing.” Wikipedia. 2010. Wikimedia Foundation. 19 July 2010 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_Printing>.
⁷“Procedural modeling.” Wikipedia. 2010. Wikimedia Foundation. 19 July 2010 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Procedural_modeling>.
⁸“Polygonal modeling.” Wikipedia. 2010. Wikimedia Foundation. 19 July 2010 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polygonal_modeling>.
⁹“3D computer graphics software.” Wikipedia. 2010. Wikimedia Foundation. 19 July 2010 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_modeler>.
¹⁰“Computer animation.” Wikipedia. 2010. Wikimedia Foundation. 19 July 2010 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_animation>.
¹¹“Skeletal animation.” Wikipedia. 2010. Wikimedia Foundation. 19 July 2010 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skeletal_animation>.
¹²“Computer-aided design.” Wikipedia. 2010. Wikimedia Foundation. 19 July 2010 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAD>.
¹³“Pro/ENGINEER.” Wikipedia. 2010. Wikimedia Foundation. 19 July 2010 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pro/ENGINEER>.
¹⁴“Solid modeling.” Wikipedia. 2010. Wikimedia Foundation. 19 July 2010 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid_modeling>.
¹⁵“Assembly modelling.” Wikipedia. 2010. Wikimedia Foundation. 19 July 2010 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assembly_modelling>.
¹⁶“Technical drawing.” Wikipedia. 2010. Wikimedia Foundation. 19 July 2010 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technical_drawing>.
¹⁷Dillip Kumar Barik. “Mechanical Cad Design and 3D Modeling Services.” Online posting. 22 Mar 2010. ArticlesBase. 20 July 2010 <http://www.articlesbase.com/software-articles/mechanical-cad-design-and-3d-modeling-services-2026899.html>.
¹⁸cadserviceireland. “Affordable CAD Services and CAD 3D Modeling Services.” Online posting. 1 Mar 2009. A1Articles. 20 July 2010 <http://www.a1articles.com/article_801232_15.html>.
¹⁹Ralph Grabowski. “TIPS: Macros.” Online posting. 5 Feb 2004. WorldCAD Access. 26 July 2010 <http://worldcadaccess.typepad.com/blog/2004/02/tips_macros.html>.
²⁰Srivastava, Rahul. Customization of CAD Modeling Software using Parametric Macros for Design of Machinable Artistic Surface Patterns. Patiala: Thapar University, 2009. 27 July 2010 <http://dspace.thapar.edu:8080/dspace/bitstream/10266/1033/1/RAHUL+SRIVASTAVA+80781021-+2009.pdf>.
²¹Schoonmaker, Stephen J. The CAD Guidebook: A Basic Manual for Understanding and Improving Computer-Aided Design. New York: Marcel Dekker, 2003.
²²Goetsch, David L., et al. Technical Drawing. 5th ed. Clifton Park, NY: Thomson Delmar Learning, c2005.
²³“Definition of Technical Drawing.” YourDictionary. 20 July 2010. 3 Aug 2010. <http://www.yourdictionary.com/dictionary-articles/Definition-of-Technical-Drawing.html>.
²⁴G. Gülsev Uyar Aldas. “JFM210 Technical Drawing and Computer Application Lecture Notes (First Part).” Scribd. 26 Nov 2008. 3 Aug 2010 <http://www.scribd.com/doc/8455804/Technical-Drawing>.
²⁵Lee, Xah. “What Is Technical Drawing, Descriptive Geometry, Projective Geometry, Linear Algebra.” XahLee.org. 2 Aug 2010. 3 Aug 2010 <http://xahlee.org/3d/tech_drawing.html>.
²⁶“Electronic design automation.” Wikipedia. 2010. Wikimedia Foundation. 26 July 2010 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_design_automation>.
²⁷Kay. “25 (Free) 3D Modeling Applications You Should Not Miss.” Online posting. 14 Aug 2010. Hongkiat.com. 16 Aug 2010 <http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/25-free-3d-modelling-applications-you-should-not-miss/>.
²⁸Saikat Basu. “Easily Learn 3D Modeling with 3DVIA Shape.” Online posting. 15 June 2010. MakeUseOf. 23 Aug 2010 <http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/3d-modeling-skills-easy-3dvia-shape/>.
²⁹Baxter, Mike. Product Design: Practical Methods for the Systematic Development of New Products. Cheltenham, UK: Nelson Thornes, 2002.
³⁰“Product design.” Wikipedia. 2010. Wikimedia Foundation. 6 Aug 2010 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Product_design>.
³¹“Become a Professional in Animation.” Design Training. 30 Nov 2010. 20 Dec 2010 <http://www.design-training.com/computer-animation/>.
³²Hopson, Ben. “Kinetic Design and the Animation of Products.” Online posting. 1 Mar 2009. Core77. 20 Dec 2010 <http://www.core77.com/blog/featured_items/kinetic_design_and_the_animation_of_products_by_ben_hopson_12642.asp>.

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As a result of drastic changes in Computer Aided Design, 3D models are the preferred option for easy visualization. Users of CAD software transform 2D CAD to 3D CAD solutions; they convert 2D CAD drawings to 3D CAD models. In 3D Computer Aided Design, customers prefer a quick and accurate conversion process, and there are a number of techniques to do conversion the way customers want.

Our brains are more adept at processing 3D images than 2D drawings because we can easily compare 3D models to 3D real objects that we already saw before. Engineers are exceptions because, unlike other people, they can easily understand 2D drawings such as sectional drawings of a building. 3D technology provides images that are closest to real objects, and this is the main advantage of 3D over 2D technology. 2D drafting tools are able to provide sufficient data about an object, but the 3D modeling technology is able to provide more. A 3D model can help engineers and designers to spot problems and make solutions for these problems before the actual building of the physical object. A 3D model can show engineers the “sum of the parts,” where all involved factors are visible to them. It is harder to spot problems in 2D drawings. Engineers might be starting new design concepts with 2D technical drawing and realize later that the designs are not functional. With 3D technology, companies have a business advantage.

Even after the introduction of 3D modeling tools in the market, 2D drafting is still widely in use. It will take some time for CAD users to adapt to new paradigms of 3D modeling, although some manufacturers are able to convert their legacy drawing excellently. 3D CAD tools today can generate 2D drafting views from 3D CAD models. Converting 2D drawings to native CAD models is more complicated. However, 3D CAD solution providers now offer 3D modeling tools that make the conversion easier. 2D to 3D technology conversion is about creating 3D part models from 2D CAD drawings.

2D to 3D conversion involves the use of the extrude feature of a CAD software. Other features that are necessary in transforming 2D geometry to 3D model include the use of Boolean operations. In making mechanical designs, companies are changing from 2D CAD to 3D solid modeling because they get benefits from shorter design cycles and better product design information when they work using 3D models.

Choosing the appropriate CAD tools requires users to consider a lot more than drawing productivity. Both 2D CAD and 3D CAD technologies provide drawing productivity. However, 3D solid modeling provides more by allowing users to view a very realistic image of an object, which is very useful in simulations. 3D solid geometric models contain both geometric and non-geometric information, and they are less prone to errors than 2D CAD drawings. 2D drawings are subject to misinterpretations. There is seamless transition of CAD data from 2D to 3D or from 3D CAD tools to CAE tools because of interoperability.

3D solid models have their base shapes as 2D shapes. 2D models have a value of zero for their third dimension. To create 3D models, the third dimension of 2D objects must have a value aside from zero. It is tedious to convert 2D files to 3D objects for companies that have a lot of product drawings. However, converting models becomes easier when designers arrange the 2D geometry into a “glass box.”

Reference:
Sunith. “Transforming a 2D Drawing to 3D CAD Data.” Online posting. 10 June 2009. CAD Professor. 19 July 2010 <http://www.cadprofessor.in/2009/06/transforming-a-2d-drawing-to-3d-cad-data/>.

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SolidWorks Premium: Mechanical CAD Capabilities

• SWIFT™ (SolidWorks Intelligent Feature Technology)
• User Interface
• Working with DWG Files
• Part Modeling – Instant3D, DimXpert
• RealView® Graphics
• Advanced Surfacing and Complex Shapes – Freeform feature
• Sheet Metal Design Tools
• Weldment Design
• Mold Design Tools
• Assembly Modeling – MateXpert
• Simulate Assembly Motion – SolidWorks Motion
• Large Assembly Management Tools – “Lightweight” mode, SpeedPak technology, Quick View, Assembly Xpert
• Data Translation
• Design Reuse
• Bill of Materials
• Part Validation – SolidWorks Simulation, SolidWorks FloXpress™
• Design Automation of Repetitive Tasks – SolidWorks Smart Component technology, DriveWorksXpress
• Design Communication – eDrawings® Files, PDF Files, 3D Instant Website
• Feature Recognition – FeatureWorks®
• Standard Hardware Libraries – SolidWorks Toolbox, SolidWorks Design ClipArt, 3D ContentCentral
• Photorealistic Rendering – PhotoWorks™, PhotoView 360
• Design Standards Checking – SolidWorks Design Checker
• Productivity Tools – SolidWorks Utilities, FeatureWorks
• Simplify Parts and Assemblies
• Leverage Scanned Data – ScanTo3D
• Routed Systems – SolidWorks Routing
• ECAD to MCAD Translation – CircuitWorks

SolidWorks Premium: Design Validation Capabilities

• Tolerance Stack-up Validation – TolAnalyst
• Assembly Simulation
• Mechanism Simulation
• Simulate Welded Structures

SolidWorks Premium: PDM Capabilities

• Secure Access
• Revision Control
• Find Files

References:

• “Design Validation Capabilities.” SolidWorks. 15 July 2010. 15 July 2010 <http://www.solidworks.com/sw/products/fea-design-analysis-software.htm>.
• “Mechanical CAD Capabilities.” SolidWorks. 15 July 2010. 15 July 2010 <http://www.solidworks.com/sw/products/mcad-3d-design-software.htm>.
• “PDM Capabilities.” SolidWorks. 15 July 2010. 15 July 2010 <http://www.solidworks.com/sw/products/data-management-pdm-mcad.htm>.

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With the use of SolidWorks, Kinematic Automation manufactures precision machines that make strips for testing diabetes, cholesterol, toxin, etc. Its goal is to be first to market the “most reliable, serviceable, and highest-quality machines.” As a result of using SolidWorks, the company gets to shorten the time to market, reduce the development cost, and lower scrap and rework costs.

“Kinematic Automation Uses SolidWorks to Automate the Manufacturing of Life-Saving Diagnostic Products.” CAD CAM News. 24 June 2010. 15 July 2010 <http://www.cadcamnews.in/2010/06/kinematic-automation-uses-solidworks-to.html>.

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