What is Computer Aided Drafting (CAD)?
CAD is the use of a computer program such as AutoCAD, Inventor, and Onshape which is the program South Western HS uses to digitally draft objects in 2-d or 3-d. In AutoCAD we made single view, orthographic projections, and isometric view drawings. Using computer programs such as AutoCAD shows how modern-day draftsmen and women create drawings. The computer allows drafters to work more quickly and neatly than old style hand drawings. Then Inventor and Onshape are 3-d modeling programs. These programs allow you to see the object as normal and then put them into an orthographic projection, single view, section view, and auxiliary drawing.
AutoCAD Single View
For our first drawing on AutoCad this year we created single view drawings. A single view drawing just shows one view. Yes, these are fairly simple however they were a great refresher since we haven't used the software for a year.
AutoCAD Orthographic Projection
As we continued with AutoCad the drawing progressively got harder. Orthographic Projections show more than one view typically a front, top, and right side view. However, if a different view would show more detail then you would show that view instead.
AutoCAD Isometric
Then for our last AutoCAD drawing, we created false 3-d isometric drawings using the 3-d feature. This was our first time using the 3-d feature, therefore, it was a learning curve however once we figured it out it went well.
Inventor
After AutoCAD we went to Inventor. Inventor and AutoCAD are made by the same software company name Auto Desk. Therefore they are very similar to the user however Inventor is a 3-d modeling program. During this unit, we did two types of drawings. One was just the object as shown on the left and the other was an orthographic projection created by creating the object and dragging and dropping the views onto a drawing.
Onshape Single View
Due to COVID-19, we had to go online to quarantine. Therefore we started to use the cloud-based software called Onshape. It was very similar to Inventor however the layout and functions took a little to get used to. So like AutoCAD, we started with some simple single view drawings.
Onshape Tutorials
Since this was a new software we did 5 online tutorials on how to 3-d model. The first one taught us how to use the extrude tool, the second taught us how to revolve, the third taught us how to sweep, the fourth taught us how to loft, and finally, the last one was an exercise using all of the tools to create a coffee cup.
Onshape Orthographic Projections
Also like like in AutoCAD we created multiple orthographic projections. However, since it’s a 3-d modeling program you could insert the drawings instead of creating every view like in AutoCAD. Plus it allowed you to put an isometric view on the drawing too.
Onshape Section Views
This was the first section view that I have completed. They are laid out the same as an orthographic projection however, you have an added view called a section. This view shows internal details by showing the objects as if it was cut in half.
Onshape Auxiliary Views
Then to finish out the class we created auxiliary views which are an added view to show a side that would be distorted in any other view.