Overview

Computer Aided Design has entirely replaced the drawing-board in industry. There are different 'types' of CAD application, including 2D CAD, Parametric CAD (both 2D and 3D), and surface modelling software. The SQA specify that parametric CAD must be used for creating models and drawings. 

There are many options available, from paid platforms such as Solidworks, Catia, Creo, to free-to-education options such as Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk Fusion, and PTC On-Shape. There are also a host of free options available. 
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Computer Aided Design

Computer Aided Design is a complex topic that takes a significant proportion of the SQA National 5 Graphic Communication course. These course notes and resources are designed to help pupils prepare for the exam and ensure they fully understand the terminology and principles of 3D CAD. 

These CAD notes tie with the CAD Challenges shown further below, but can be used independently. The course notes have over 70 questions and tasks to complete.  

A4 worksheet

A4 Drawings Pack

Course Presentation

Project Notes Booklet

  • Lesson 1 Intro Video

Basic Rocket CAD

Basic Rocket Drawing

Course Notes Booklet

  • CAD Assembly Task 1

CAD Assembly Task 2

CAD Assembly | Lego

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"The best way to predict the future is to create it"

Abraham Lincoln (1809 - 1865)
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CAD Challenges | Extrude

Here are 12 CAD Challenges covering the 'Extrude' function. 

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Hook

Coffee pot

Door handle

Screwdriver

Trophy

Whistle

Spanner

Pencil stand

Mitre square

Cup

Jigsaw chess board

Phone stand

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CAD Challenges | Revolve

Here are 12 CAD Challenges covering the 'Revolve' function. ​

Hook

Funnel

Metal hook

Measuring spoon

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Pipe

Flower pot

Pet bowl

Handle

Towel rail

Candle

Bottle

Pencil pot

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"For every complex problem, there is an answer that is clear, simple and wrong"

H. L. Mencken (1880 - 1956)
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CAD Challenges | Tutorials

Here are video tutorials for 12 of the CAD challenges. 

These videos are for Autodesk Inventor, but the general process and approach is applicable to other parametric 3D CAD software.
Hook | Extrude CAD Challenge
Hook | Backplate component
Hook | Hook component
Hook | Assembly
Hook | Exploded view model
Hook | Making the engineering drawing
Door Handle | Extrude CAD Challenge
Door Handle | Modelling the handle
Door Handle | Modelling the backplate
Door Handle | Modelling the axle
Door Handle | Assembling the components
Star | Extrude CAD Challenge
Star Trophy | Modelling the trophy.
Whistle | Extrude CAD Challenge
Mitre Square | Extrude CAD Challenge
Phone Stand | Extrude CAD Challenge
Allen Key | Revolve CAD Challenge
Metal Hook | Revolve CAD Challenge
Plant Pot | Revolve CAD Challenge
Handle | Revolve CAD Challenge
Towel Hanger | Revolve CAD Challenge
Bubble Bottle | Revolve CAD Challenge

A4 worksheet

A4 Drawings Pack

Course Presentation

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"Good design is honest"

Dieter Rams (1932 - )
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Assessment ​

The following materials have been created to assess learning in this unit.

​They are only for teachers and are password protected. Passwords are only for supporters of DesignClass.

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Level D CAD Assessment

Level C CAD Assessment

Level B CAD Assessment

Level A CAD Assessment

Exam Paper 1

Exam Paper 2

Exam Paper 3

Exam Paper 4

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