DesignClass | Design & Technology Scotland
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Computer Aided Design

National 5 Graphic Communication

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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 grid paper for the orthographic sketching challenges.

A4 worksheet

A4 Drawings Pack

Course Presentation

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Course Notes Booklet

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  • CAD Assembly Task 1

Download STEP files
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CAD Assembly Task 2

Download STEP files

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. 

A4 grid paper for the orthographic sketching challenges.

A4 worksheet

A4 Drawings Pack

Course Presentation

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Hook

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Coffee pot

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Door handle

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Screwdriver

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Trophy

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Whistle

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Spanner

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Pencil stand

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Mitre square

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Cup

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Jigsaw chess board

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Phone stand

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CAD Challenges | Revolve

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

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Hook

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Funnel

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Metal hook

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Measuring spoon

A4 grid paper for the orthographic sketching challenges.

A4 worksheet

A4 Drawings Pack

Course Presentation

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Pipe

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Flower pot

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Pet bowl

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Handle

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Towel rail

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Candle

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Bottle

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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
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 grid paper for the orthographic sketching challenges.

A4 worksheet

A4 Drawings Pack

Course Presentation


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Course Presentation
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