Design

The ability to transfer an idea from your mind to a concrete product.

There are several basic steps in creating a Design

1. Determine a need
2. Hand sketch basic concepts ideas to solve the need.
3. Research
4. Select the best concept to solve the need.
5. Develop a firm design (Usually with CAD).
6. Prototype and refine you concept.

CAD allows you to create a computer based model of a 3-dimensional part.

You can use the model to:

• Create a drawing or picture.
• Create parts from machines such as 3D printers, Laser Cutters/Etchers, and CNC (Computer Numerical Controlled) Routers.
• Analyze features such as size, mass and strength.

There are many software programs available to create 3D models. Some of the more commonly used programs include Autodesk (Inventor, Fusion 360, AutoCAD, 123D), Dassault Systems (Solidworks, CATIA), PTC (Creo, ProEngineer), Siemens(NX Unigraphics, SolidEdge), SketchUp, Onshape, and Vectorworks. There are many more but they all can accomplish the result.

LINKS TO TRAINING CAD PAGES

(Note: Only underlined items have completed links. This page is still a work in progress)