DESIGN AND DRAFTING

What is a shop drawing in architecture?

The architectural shop drawings are amalgamated with the different drawings. The contractor, supplier, manufacturer, subcontractor, or fabricator helps craft those.

Compared to the paper, which has information about building architecture, these drawings have more weight and are more informative.

They guide the manufacturer’s manufacturing or the contractor’s installation team in making and installing the glazing parts.

Every builder prefers Architectural Shop Drawings Services for more accuracy in their work. Crafting the shop drawing demands a large amount of time.

Yet, our Architectural shop drawings Company, Drafting, has skilled people with us. They promise to provide you with the most accurate drawing.

But before starting our work, we need you to stuff us with the most required information.

That way, it becomes easier for our people to find the building’s plumbing, windows, electric wiring, steel beams, and elevator locations.

Every part must be measured exactly for it to fit in well and be accurate in the structure’s drawing. Standard English is important for instruction. Due to this, all the engineers, contractors, and other experts working on the building find it easy to understand.

How does it function?

Only accurate information should be included in the architectural shop drawings work process. This makes it easier for the contractor, engineer, architect, plumber, and electrician to come together and work on the drawing.

Proper documentation, a precise building plan, and extensive descriptions should be present before the shop drawing is completed.

The contractor, supplier, manufacturer, engineer, installer, and architect play vital roles in the architectural shop drawing process. They must complete readings and tests to determine how to design and build the structure.

The construction contract includes all relevant submittals, such as architectural shop drawings.

The Architectural shop drawings Agency ingrains stability, safety, looks, building code, functionality, and much more.

For the work to go on at a good pace and with minimal chances of error, it requires the collaborative work of the engineer, the producer, the suppliers, and the code of conductors.

Architectural shop drawings are detailed, scaled, and dimensioned drawings created by architects or draftspersons to illustrate specific aspects of a construction project. These drawings are typically created for use by contractors, subcontractors, and other construction professionals to guide them in the construction process. They provide specific information on various architectural elements and components, enabling accurate and precise construction.

Here are some common elements found in architectural shop drawings:

1. Floor Plans: These drawings show the layout of a particular floor, including the location of walls, doors, windows, and other key architectural features. They are essential for understanding the spatial arrangement of a building.
2. Elevations: Elevation drawings depict the exterior or interior vertical views of a building. They showcase details such as the building’s facades, materials, and architectural elements.
3. Sections: Sections are vertical or horizontal cut-through views that reveal a building’s internal structure. They provide information about the height and depth of various architectural components.
4. Details: Detail drawings offer precise information about specific architectural components, such as doors, windows, staircases, and structural connections. They provide information on materials, dimensions, and installation.
5. Schedules: Schedules include lists and tables that provide information about various building elements, such as doors, windows, finishes, and other components. These lists often include product specifications, quantities, and sizes.
6. Site Plans: Site plans show the building’s location on the property and provide information about site features like roads, parking, landscaping, and utilities.
7. Structural Drawings: These drawings outline the structural components of the building, including beams, columns, foundations, and load-bearing walls. They are essential for ensuring the structural integrity of the building.
8. Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Drawings: These drawings detail the placement and specifications of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems within the building, such as HVAC systems, wiring, plumbing fixtures, and more.
9. Interior Design Drawings: These may include interior layouts, finishes, and details pertaining to the interior spaces’ aesthetics and functionality.

What is the purpose of a shop drawing?

Shop drawings are bare pictures showing what the building plan information says. Contractors and fabricators make shop drawings, which often contain a lot more information than the construction documentation. These drawings from Shop Drawings Company also show how to make the parts and put them together.

The purpose of shop drawings is to show how a contractor will carry out the project’s design intent. They also help make sure that one abides by the rules and provide necessary diagrams, schedules, and other data that will be necessary during the build. Because of this, they are vital to the building.

Your builder, subcontractor, or fabricator will make shop drawings for you. Shop Drawings Agency starts with the design drawings made by the project design teams and then adds more information about the installation and production processes. Before manufacturing starts, the shop drawings are often sent back to the project design team for approval once or twice to ensure they match the design drawings and requirements. They are impossible without suppliers or contractors going to the job site to get accurate measurements.

Importance & Benefits of Shop Drawings

Shop drawings help us get an exact design model, which helps to optimize the construction schedule, cost estimates, and quantity take-offs. This, in turn, helps us make better products and hand them over more smoothly. So, you get effective collaboration and communication across different functions.

• Shop Drawings Work helps define roles and responsibilities for all parties involved. It improves coordination and reduces risks and liabilities. Hence, everything is clear and easy to understand.
• Helps engineers do exact analysis and design
• Construction documents must be part of every big building or remodelling project.

Shop drawings are detailed, specialized drawings or plans created by contractors, subcontractors, or fabricators to illustrate how specific components or elements of a construction project should be manufactured, assembled, and installed. These drawings are an essential part of the construction and manufacturing process, and they serve several important purposes:

1. Detailed Representation: Shop drawings provide a detailed and accurate representation of various project components, such as structural elements, architectural features, mechanical systems, and more. They include dimensions, materials, connections, and other crucial information.
2. Coordination: Shop drawings facilitate coordination among different project stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors, and subcontractors. By showing how various elements fit together, they help identify and resolve potential clashes or conflicts in design or construction before they occur in the field.
3. Quality Control: Shop drawings help ensure that the project is built to the required specifications and standards. They allow for thorough reviews to verify that the materials and construction methods meet the project’s design intent and the client’s expectations.
4. Compliance: Shop drawings help ensure compliance with building codes and regulations. By providing detailed information about how various components meet safety and structural requirements, they help obtain necessary permits and approvals.
5. Customization: In many construction projects, standard off-the-shelf components are not sufficient. Shop drawings are crucial for custom or specialized elements, such as custom-fabricated steel structures, architectural details, or unique mechanical systems.
6. Fabrication and Assembly: Contractors and fabricators use shop drawings as a guide for producing, fabricating, and assembling components off-site. These drawings help streamline the manufacturing process and minimize errors during construction.
7. Cost Estimation: Shop drawings can aid in cost estimation and procurement. They provide detailed information that allows contractors to obtain accurate material quantities, labour requirements, and cost estimates.
8. Clarity and Communication: They serve as a common reference point for all parties involved in the project, ensuring that everyone understands the design and construction details. This reduces misunderstandings and misinterpretations.
9. Documentation: Shop drawings are a critical part of project documentation, serving as a record of how the project’s components were constructed and installed. This documentation can be valuable for future maintenance, renovations, or inspections.

Wrapping Up

With the help of Shop Drawings Service, the designer and their team can better understand how the project parts will be made, put together, and installed. These drawings provide the technical information needed to explain this. They give people the energy to work toward a common goal, which is vital for building complex projects.

Why is 3D modelling important in engineering?

3D CAD Modeling in Engineering : The pressure engineers feel when working under the intricacy and scalability of a project, like drafting the design for a gas station or multiplex building, is real. But what if we say this will no longer be the reason for stress?

Whether it is drafting the design for the basics of plant engineering, piping design, piping stress analysis, commissioning, reviewing design and detailed engineering services, or transferring data from facility engineers to the O&M team, 3D CAD Drafting ensures improved and reliable asset data.

As fast as the field is inclining toward the digital world, the importance of 3D CAD Modeling is elevating.

The competition is becoming brutal with the entrance of foreign players into the field. Not only does the competition fluctuate daily, but also the energy costs. With fewer projects and faster turnaround times, now is the time to increase profitability with many emphases.

The oil companies are also putting steps forward to invest heavily to get a reliable and data-strengthened design for their project. It is the best opportunity for 3D CAD Modeling in Engineering and makes the best opportunity coming your way.

Let’s have a quick look at the perks you will get while using  3D CAD Modeling in Engineering.

Perks of Using  3D CAD Modeling in Engineering

Conventional and improved piping design

Using the user’s convenient pipe routes, 3D CAD modelling helps simplify the iterations. Software that combines engineering with design provides a clear vision for drafting a design, effortlessly placing all the essential parts in the designed pathway.

This software can easily take an accurate margin of pressure diameter to produce a highly accurate pipeline design.

Enhanced monitoring and planning capabilities

Software for 3D CAD modelling helps in cutting costs for core plant design domains. It enables the project manager, the project owner, the designer, and Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) companies to pre-visualize the project before making the concrete design to start the final work. Because of this, stakeholders who are not involved in CAD or design also participate in the process through the construction of virtual models.

Optimum design output

3D CAD modelling software enables the engineer to eradicate all the unwanted and tedious design parts and produce the best possible outcome for the client. Since the engineer gets the cache t to visualize and design in 3D, they can amend the design whenever needed.

3D CAD (Computer-Aided Design) modelling is essential to engineering and design services across various industries. It enables engineers and designers to create detailed, accurate, and visually rich representations of products, structures, and systems in a three-dimensional digital environment. Here are some key aspects of 3D CAD modelling in engineering services:

1. Conceptual Design: 3D CAD modelling helps engineers and designers conceptualize their ideas by creating 3D representations of products or structures. This aids in visualizing the end result and making design decisions.
2. Detailed Design: Engineers use 3D CAD to create detailed and precise designs of components or systems. This includes specifying dimensions, materials, and tolerances.
3. Assembly Modeling: CAD software allows for the assembly of multiple components to create complex systems or products. Engineers can check for interferences and ensure that parts fit together correctly.
4. Simulation and Analysis: 3D CAD models can be used for simulations and analyses. For example, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) can be performed to evaluate a design’s structural integrity.
5. Prototyping and 3D Printing: CAD models are often used to create physical prototypes using 3D printing or other rapid prototyping methods. This allows for physical testing and validation of designs.
6. Documentation: CAD models can generate detailed engineering drawings and documentation, which are critical for manufacturing and construction processes.
7. Collaboration: CAD models are easily shareable among team members and collaborators, enabling real-time collaboration on design and engineering projects.
8. Revisions and Updates: CAD models are highly editable, making it easier to implement design changes or improvements as the project progresses.
9. Visualization: 3D CAD models are useful for marketing and presentations, providing realistic visual representations of products or projects.
10. Cost Reduction: By using 3D CAD, engineers can identify and rectify design flaws early in the process, reducing the likelihood of costly errors during manufacturing or construction.
11. Industry-Specific Applications: 3D CAD modelling is widely used in various engineering disciplines, including mechanical, civil, architectural, electrical, aerospace, and automotive engineering.

Conclusion

3D CAD modelling makes the jobs of engineers and designers less tedious and more optimum. They now use the 3D design to draft the project and feel confident to give the client a flawless and profitable outcome. You can also get the chance to benefit yourself. Use the 3D CAD modelling service provided by Draft GS Services and make your dream project as real as you have thought.

What is the purpose of 2D drawings in CAD?

Which tool do you use for concept development and engineering? When you ask the professionals, you must have come across the tool AutoCAD 2D drawing. But is it the perfect tool available in the market to fulfil your needs? Well, you’ll get the answer to your question in this blog piece.

Have you tried manual drafting? It’s a tedious and painful process. Even for minor modifications, you have to create new engineering drawings. The struggle to submit them at scheduled times adds to the problem. But thanks to technology, we finally have tools that can help engineers make these designs through computers. You no longer have to wonder what 2D drawing is and how you make it successful.

One such prominent tool in the world of concept development and engineering drawings is 2D Cad Drawing. Its drafting tools make it simple for you to create accurate 2D drawings. You only need proper visualization; the tools will help you set up your desired design.

AutoCAD lets drafters, architects, and engineers create 2D and 3D models of solid surfaces.

Even if you use 3D CAD drafting, AutoCAD 2D drawing tool still holds its position because of its one aspect, i.e. artistry.

Benefit of 2D CAD drawings

1.      Accurate designs

When you use this tool, you eliminate all the errors regarding inaccuracy. How? The tools allow you to decide on the units of measurement before starting the design. Then, you can create your models at a 1:1 scale.

Moreover, you must be very precise while drawing lines manually. However, the tool saves you time and energy by helping you create different line weights and dimensions with just a few clicks.

2.      Flexibility

When you draft your creation, you prepare separate layers manually. But while using this tool, you can create transparent overlays. Now, how are these overlays beneficial? It means you can display, edit, or print any of these layers separately. Thus, it becomes easier to manage and structure your drawings.

3.      Quick process

Since the entire drawing is done through clicks, completing the project doesn’t take much time. Even if you need to do revisions, you can only feed the data and make changes throughout the project.

2D CAD drawings offer several benefits in various industries:

1. Cost-Effective: Creating 2D CAD drawings is often more cost-effective compared to 3D modeling, especially for simpler components or products.
2. Simplicity: 2D drawings are typically simpler to create and understand, making them suitable for conveying basic design information without the added complexity of 3D models.
3. Efficiency: For certain applications, such as architectural floor plans, electrical schematics, or mechanical part drawings, 2D CAD can be more efficient and faster to work with than 3D modeling.
4. Clarity: 2D drawings provide a clear representation of the object’s dimensions, tolerances, and other specifications, which is essential for manufacturing and assembly.
5. Compatibility: 2D CAD files are often compatible with a wide range of software and systems, allowing for easier sharing and collaboration among designers, engineers, and manufacturers.
6. Legacy Support: Many industries still rely heavily on 2D drawings for legacy systems or components. Maintaining a library of 2D CAD drawings ensures compatibility and continuity with existing workflows and systems.
7. Documentation: 2D drawings serve as comprehensive documentation of the design intent, making them valuable for reference throughout the product lifecycle, including manufacturing, maintenance, and repairs.

Disadvantages of 2D drawings

• You may get confused while checking your work, as it may be challenging to identify the errors.
• Since the tool cannot understand the assembly and git, it doesn’t understand that the product design is complex.
• 2D designs need physical prototyping to display clear information.
• Making changes in 2D drawings is difficult and time-consuming.

Conclusion

Every software has pros and cons, and every con has a solution. So, while you use this tool, you’ll find that its advantages outweigh its limitations.

Again, AutoCAD 2D drawing is popular because it is eco-friendly. Manual designs waste a lot of paper, but since the software is digital, it prevents the felling of trees.

Because of its data storage and easy accessibility, it is no wonder people have understood the importance of 2D drawing, making it the most renowned tool in the market.

Architectural CAD Drafting : The advancement of technology has entered every segment of life, and we cannot deny that it has made our lives easier. When we talk about the construction and architecture industry, technology has left its blessings there, too. Only because of technology is 3D modelling possible, leading to precise architectural design and making the work easier.

What is Architectural CAD Drafting?

Drafting is the process of creating technical drawings that help in precisely understanding a project’s functionality and design. Thus, Architectural Computer-aided design Drafting is the process of producing 2D or 3D design blueprints for various construction projects, including commercial, residential, and industrial buildings, using computer programs like AutoCAD, Revit, etc. 

Architectural CAD drafting provides top-notch drawings and allows architects to focus on their originality. Drafting Service of Australia, with a staff of qualified experts, provides CAD drafting and architectural design services. It includes concept design, construction CAD drawings, and other efficient, effective services tailored to your company’s needs.

Importance of architectural CAD detailing?

How your project will perform in front of the client and the probability of success relies completely on how good your architectural CAD detailing is. Architectural CAD detailing involves creating a technically detailed design of every junction, corner, and project interior and exterior point. The architectural CAD detailing showcases a project’s minor details in the big picture. It shows how the design components will be fixed together when implemented in reality. Complex connections like the floor-to-wall intersection, window apertures, roof apex, etc., are illustrated in detail in sectional drawings. Details of the plan and the vertical section are also covered. 

Architectural CAD detailing plays a crucial role in the design and construction process for buildings. Here are some key reasons why it’s important:

1. Precision and Accuracy: CAD detailing allows architects and designers to create precise and accurate drawings of architectural elements such as floor plans, elevations, sections, and details. This precision ensures that all components fit together correctly during construction.
2. Clarity and Communication: Detailed CAD drawings provide clear and comprehensive information to builders, contractors, and other stakeholders involved in the construction process. This helps to avoid misunderstandings and ensures that everyone is working from the same set of plans.
3. Visualization: CAD detailing allows architects to create realistic 2D and 3D representations of their designs, helping clients and stakeholders visualize the final building before construction begins. This can facilitate decision-making and lead to better design outcomes.
4. Coordination: CAD detailing enables architects to coordinate various building systems and components, such as structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing elements. This coordination helps to avoid clashes and conflicts between different systems, leading to smoother construction processes.
5. Cost and Time Savings: By providing detailed and accurate drawings, CAD detailing can help to minimize errors and rework during construction. This can lead to cost savings and shorter construction schedules, as problems are identified and resolved early in the design process.
6. Compliance and Regulation: CAD detailing ensures that architectural designs comply with building codes, regulations, and industry standards. By incorporating these requirements into the drawings, architects can help to ensure that the final building is safe, functional, and legally compliant.
7. Documentation: CAD detailing provides a comprehensive record of the design intent, including all specifications, dimensions, materials, and finishes. This documentation is valuable for future reference, maintenance, and renovations.

These specifics help the builder visualize the infrastructure employed for the efficient execution of the project. 

Importance: Architectural CAD Detailing to help you carve out your vision for a project to life

The famous designer Charles Eames said, “The details are not the details. They make the design.” 

If you are involved in the design process, you must know how crucial the concept of architectural detailing is. 

Architectural CAD detailing and drafting help in building projects coming from your mere vision to actual life. Architectural drafting is in high demand amongst architects, engineers, contractors, and other project stakeholders because it helps them create, modify, analyze, and optimize the building design. 

 Following are how CAD detailing can help you:

Dimension accuracy

With the ever-evolving technology, Architectural CAD detailing and drafting, with advanced tools, have reduced the possibility of error and increased dimensional accuracy.

Increment in the pace of drawing and a decrease in the drafting time

Using CAD tools like AutoCAD, you may rapidly speed up the performance of tasks like creating invoices, reports, and scaling. The software automates mundane tasks, and the automatic saving of drafts saves you time. 

Easy modifications and reduced cost

If you have made an error, digital drawing enables easy corrections and saves a lot of money and time incurred in construction. 

Conclusion 

Part of what makes it so magical is the fact that most people overlook architectural details. You may notice if the detail is incorrect, but you’re not likely to notice if everything comes together flawlessly. You won’t be able to pin down the precise elements that make the space function; instead, you’ll receive a general sense of cohesion and design success. Therefore take help from Draft Services Australia and make your project success a surety. 

SUSTAINABLE CAD

CAD offers tools that significantly improve the ability to apply sustainable design practices. Software is available that assists all elements of sustainable design, from manufacturing material selection and usage to product life cycle assessment. A powerful example of sustainable design with CAD is developing a digital prototype of a product as a 3-D solid model. Digital prototyping was described in the Prototyping section earlier in this chapter. Digital prototyping can support sustainable design by leading to lower costs, reduced material consumption, and optimized use of energy. CAD allows the design process to occur in significantly less time, using fewer engineers and technicians and reducing physical prototypes, which are expensive and time-consuming to create and test. The following information describes how Utility Scale Solar, Inc. uses CAD technology to optimize the cost and material used in solar energy production.

Manufactures solar tracking equipment for large-scale solar power plants (see Figure). Solar tracking equipment, such as the USS Megahelion™ MH144 heliostat, accurately follows the sun as it moves across the sky to position solar reflecting surfaces, or solar panel arrays, for the best collection of solar energy. Solar collection units are very large, about three stories tall, and each solar power plant includes thousands of units. Therefore, reducing the weight and increasing the efficiency of solar tracking equipment can provide significant material and energy savings.

The patent-pending Megahelion drive and heliostat products are resistant to wind, dust, dirt, weight, and weather, which are common issues affecting the performance of solar tracking machinery. The Megahelion uses fewer moving parts, stronger components, and a system that distributes forces over a larger surface area than conventional drives, resulting in a fluid motion with fewer breakdowns and much lower ownership and operating costs. Unlike traditional drives that use gears or conventional hydraulics, the Megahelion™ drive uses flexible hydraulic cells to position the drive shaft.

USS relies heavily on modern CAD technology for digital prototyping. USS uses Autodesk Inventor and Algor® software for design, dynamic simulation, and finite element analysis (FEA). USS also uses Autodesk Vault Manufacturing software to manage CAD data and Autodesk Showcase® software to prepare images and 3-D visualizations for sales and marketing. According to Jonathan Blitz, USS’s chief technical officer, “The software has significantly streamlined what we are doing and made it much easier to visualize and communicate our designs. The ability to then subject these designs to realistic forces and loads has given us the confidence to remove the mass and streamline the components without sacrificing structural integrity.”

An example of CAD optimization at USS is the redesign of an endcap for the Megahelion solar tracker. The figure shows the original endcap design’s 3-D solid model and FEA analysis. The original component weighs 650 pounds, is overdesigned, and uses a cylindrical drum with a flat endcap. The objective was to redesign the part to distribute loads more effectively, enabling a reduction in material use and mass.

The focus of the endcap redesign was changing to a hemispherical shape that would bear weight, and wind loads more efficiently and naturally than a flat end plate. The figure shows a digital prototype of an early, nonoptimized redesign. USS used Autodesk Inventor 3-D solid modelling and stress analysis tools to simulate and test design options, including varying the hemisphere’s depth, the shell’s thickness, and the number of reinforcing ribs. Autodesk Inventor parametric optimization capabilities allowed USS engineers to optimize the design for reduced mass and automatically validate the design against project requirements.

After analysis, USS determined a more optimal design with a wall thickness of .5 in., an endcap depth of 6 in., and six ribs (see Figure). The simulation results show that stress and safety factors are within the specifications set by the design team. Compared to the original endcap design in Figure, the redesigned endcap uses less material in low-stress areas, shows less dramatic stress concentrations, and distributes the load more evenly and efficiently. The mass of the new design is 481 pounds, making it 26% lighter than the original part. USS now has an accurate concept of a product that should perform better, require less material and energy to produce and handle, and cost less to manufacture and transport.

Draftings Australia provides excellent 3d printing, 3d modelling services at an affordable rate. Call Us now!

PRODUCTIVITY WITH CADD

CADD software continues to improve in various ways. CADD programs are easier to use than ever before and contain multiple tools and options, allowing you to produce better quality and more accurate drawings in less time. CADD multiplies productivity several times for many duties, especially for multiple and time-consuming tasks. A great advantage of CADD is that it increases the time available to designers and drafters for creativity by reducing the time they spend on the actual preparation of drawings.

As CADD applications improve, the traditional requirements of a drafter often become less important, while the ability to use new CADD software and application-specific tools increases. Productivity gains realized by the use of CADD tools are directly related to the proper use of those tools. In the constantly changing CADD world, you must be prepared to learn new drafting tools and techniques and be open to attending classes, seminars, and workshops on a regular basis.

Design Planning

Some of the most important and productive time you can spend working on any project or drawing is the time you use to plan. Always plan your work carefully before you begin to use the tools required to create the drawing. A design plan involves thinking about the entire process or project in which you are involved, and it determines how you approach a project.

A design plan focuses on the content you want to present, the objects and symbols you intend to create, and the appropriate use of standards. You may want processes to happen immediately or to be automatic, but if you hurry and do little or no planning, then you may become frustrated and waste time while designing and drafting. Take as much time as needed to develop design and project goals to proceed confidently.

Consider creating a planning sheet during your early stages of CADD training, especially for your first few assignments. A planning sheet should document all aspects of a design and the drawing session. A sketch of the design is also a valuable element of the planning process. A design plan and sketch help you establish the following:

• The drawing drafting layout: area, number of views, and required free space.
• Drafting settings: units, drawing aids, layers, and styles.
• How and when to perform specific tasks.
• What objects and symbols to create?
• The best use of CADD and equipment.
• An even workload.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the science of adapting the work environment to suit the needs of the worker. There is concern about the effects of the CADD working environment on the individual worker. Some studies have found that people should not work at a computer workstation for longer than about four hours without a break. Physical problems, ranging from injury to eyestrain, can develop when someone is working at a poorly designed CADD workstation. The most common injuries are repetitive motion disorders, also known as repetitive strain injury (RSI), repetitive movement injury (RMI), cumulative trauma disorder (CTD), and occupational overuse syndrome (OOS). Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common repetitive motion disorder. Most computer-related injuries result from the sedentary nature of working at a computer and the fast, repetitive hand and finger motions typical while using keyboards and pointing devices. Proper workstation ergonomics, good posture, and frequent exercise help to prevent most computer-related injuries.

Ergonomic Workstations

The figure shows an ergonomically designed workstation. In general, a workstation should be designed so you sit with your feet flat on the floor, your calves perpendicular to the floor, and your thighs parallel to the floor. Your back should be straight, your forearms should be parallel to the floor, and your wrists should be straight. For some people, the keyboard should be either adjustable or separate from the computer to provide more flexibility. The keyboard should be positioned, and arm or wrist supports can be used to reduce elbow and wrist tension. In addition, when the keys are depressed, a slight sound should be heard to ensure the key has made contact. Ergonomically designed keyboards are available.

The monitor should be 18″-28″, or approximately one arm’s length, away from your head. The screen should be adjusted to 158-308 below your horizontal line of sight. Eyestrain and headache can be a problem with extended use. If the position of the monitor is adjustable, you can tilt or turn the screen to reduce glare from overhead or adjacent lighting. Some users have found that a small amount of background light is helpful. Monitor manufacturers offer large, flat, nonglare screens that help reduce eyestrain. Some CADD users have suggested changing screen background and text colors weekly to give variety and reduce eyestrain. The chair should be designed for easy adjustments to give you optimum comfort. It should be comfortably padded. Your back should be straight or up to 108 back, your feet should be flat on the floor, and your elbow-to-hand movement should be horizontal when you are using the keyboard, mouse, or digitizer. The mouse or digitizer puck should be close to the monitor so movement is not strained and equipment use is flexible. You should not have to move a great deal to look directly over the cursor to activate commands.

Positive work habits

In addition to an ergonomically designed workstation, your own personal work habits can contribute to a healthy environment. Try to concentrate on good posture until it becomes second nature. Keeping your feet flat on the floor helps improve posture. Try to keep your stress level low because increased stress can contribute to tension, which can aggravate physical problems. Take breaks periodically to help reduce muscle fatigue and tension. You should consult with your doctor for further advice and recommendations.

Exercise

If you feel pain and discomfort associated with computer use, stretching exercises can help. The figure shows exercises that can help reduce workstation-related problems. Some people have also had success with yoga, biofeedback, and massage. Consult with your doctor for advice and recommendations before starting an exercise program.

Other Factors

A plotter makes some noise and is best located in a separate room next to the workstation. Some companies put plotters in a central room, with small office workstations around them. Others prefer to have plotters near the individual workstations, which acoustical partition walls or partial walls can surround. Air-conditioning and ventilation systems should be designed to accommodate the computers and equipment. Carpets should be antistatic. Noise should be kept to a minimum.

Draftings Australia provides excellent 3d printing, 3d modelling services at an affordable rate. Call Us now!

What are the basics of solid modelling?

Each solid modeling software offers unique methods for creating and working with solid models. Simple solid modelling programs allow you to build models using solid primitives, which are objects such as boxes, cones, spheres, and cylinders that you combine, subtract, and edit to produce a final model. The process of adding and subtracting primitive shapes is known as a Boolean operation in geometry (see Figure). Boolean operations also apply to more complex solid models defined by features and surfaces.

In contrast to modelling with solid primitives, feature-based solid modelling programs allow you to construct solid models using more intuitive feature tools. A feature often begins with a 2-D sketch, followed by a sketched feature such as extrusion or revolution created from the sketch. Additional features include adding or subtracting solid material to generate a final model. Many feature-based solid modelling programs are highly sophisticated and include many advanced tools and functions that significantly automate the design and documentation process. Parametric solid models are the most common models created using feature-based solid modelling software. Parametric refers to the method of using parameters and constraints to drive object size and location to produce designs with features that adapt to changes made to other features. Some solid modelling programs generate nonparametric solids, known as basic solids or dumb solids.

Feature-based solid modelling programs often maintain a history of the modelling process, which typically appears in a feature tree or history tree (see Figure). History-based solid modelling is most often associated with parametric solid modelling. The software stores and manages all model data, including calculations, sketches, features, dimensions, geometric parameters, the sequence in which each piece of the model was created, and all other model history and properties.

Parametric Solid Modeling

One of the most common 3-D solid modelling techniques is feature-based, parametric solid modelling. Autodesk Inventor, Pro/Engineer, NX, and SolidWorks are examples of feature-based, parametric solid modeling. Many parametric solid modeling programs are surprisingly similar in the way they function. In fact, once you learn the basic process of creating a model using specific software, you can usually transition to different parametric solid modeling software.

Parametric design tools allow you to assign parameters or constraints to objects. Parameters are geometric characteristics and dimensions that control model geometry’s size, shape, and position. A database stores and allows you to manage all parameters. Parametric design is also possible with some 2-D CADD programs. The parametric concept, also known as intelligence, provides a way to associate objects and limit design changes. You cannot change a constraint so that it conflicts with other parametric geometry. Parameters aid the design and revision process, place limits on geometry to preserve design intent, maintain relationships between objects, and help form geometric constructions.

Parameters are added by using geometric constraints and dimensional constraints. Geometric constraints, also known as relations, are characteristics applied to restrict the size or location of geometry. Dimensional constraints are measurements that numerically control the size or location of geometry. Well-defined constraints allow you to incorporate and preserve specific design intentions and increase revision efficiency. For example, if the two holes through the bracket shown in the Figure must always be the same size, then geometric constraints must be used to make the holes equal, and dimensional constraints must be used to size one of the holes. The size of both holes changes when you modify the dimensional constraint values.

• Model Work Environments

  
  

Parametric solid modelling software often includes several work environments and unique file types for different applications. A part file allows you to create a part model, such as the engine block shown in Figure. A part is an item, product, or element of an assembly. Some systems include separate files or work environments for specialized part modelling and related applications, such as sheet metal part design, surface modelling, analysis and simulation, and rendering.

An assembly file allows you to reference component files to build an assembly model. Components are the parts and subassemblies used to create an assembly. A subassembly is an assembly that is added to another assembly. The figure shows an engine subassembly that references the engine block part shown in Figure.

• Part Model Elements

  
  

Part models allow you to design parts, build assembly models, and prepare part drawings. A part model begins as a sketch or group of sketches used to construct a feature. Add features as necessary to create the final part model. Primary part model features include sketched, placed, work, catalogue, and patterned features. Develop additional model elements, such as surfaces, as needed to build a part model.

Every part model usually contains at least one sketch and at least one sketched feature. A sketch is a 2-D or 3-D geometry that provides the profile or guide for developing sketched features (see Figure). A parametric sketch includes geometric constraints that define common geometric constructions such as two perpendicular lines, concentric circles, equal-sized objects, or a line tangent to a circle. Dimensional constraints specify the size and location of sketch objects. Examples of sketched features built from a sketch include extrusions, revolutions, sweeps, and lofts. Normally, the initial feature on which all other features are built, known as the base feature, is a sketched feature, such as the extrusion shown in Figure.

Adding placed features requires specifying size dimensions and characteristics and selecting a location, such as a point or an edge. No sketch is necessary. You typically use a dialogue box or other on-screen tool to describe size data. The figure shows two of the most commonly placed features: chamfers and fillets. Placed features are also known as built-in, added, or automated features. Shells, threads, and face drafts are other examples of placed features.

• Assembly Modeling

  
  

One option for developing an assembly is to insert existing components into an assembly file and then assemble the components with constraints or mates. This is an example of a process that some designers refer to as bottom-up design, and it is appropriate if all or most components already exist. Depending on your approach and the complexity of the assembly, you can insert all components before applying constraints, as shown in Figure. A common alternative is to insert and constrain one or two components at a time.

Another option is to create new components within an assembly file or in place. This is an example of a process that some designers refer to as top-down design. Both assembly techniques are effective, and a combination of methods is common. However, for some applications, developing components in place is faster, easier, and more productive. Developing components in an assembly file usually creates an assembly and a separate part or assembly file for each component.

Once you insert or create assembly components, the typical next step is to add assembly constraints, also known as mates. Assembly constraints establish geometric relationships and positions between components, define the desired movement between components, and identify relationships between the transitioning path of a fixed component and a component moving along the path. There are multiple types of assembly constraints, such as a mate or similar constraint that mates two or a combination of component faces, planes, axes, edges, or points. Component geometry and design requirements determine the required constraints.

• Editing Parametric Solid Models

  
  

The parametric nature of parametric solid modelling software allows you to edit model parameters anytime during the design process. You can manipulate parameters assigned to sketch and feature geometry, parts, and assemblies to explore alternative design options or to adjust a model according to new or different information. The model stores all of the data used to build the model. Often, modifying a single parameter is all that is required to revise a model. Other times, a completely different product design is built by editing several existing model parameters. The example in Figure shows how changing a few model parameters can significantly alter a product design. In most cases, the tools and options used to edit models are similar or identical to the tools used to create the model originally.

Parametric geometry allows you to make any necessary changes to the design of a model, allowing you to assess design alternatives almost immediately by changing, adding, or deleting sketches, features, dimensions, and geometric controls. Parameter-driven assemblies allow changes made to individual parts to reproduce automatically as changes in the assembly and assembly drawing. Adaptive parts in assemblies are effective when you may not know the exact dimensions of a part or you may not fully understand the relationship between assembly components. Adaptive parts modify automatically if another part changes. Paramedic geometry also allows you to develop equations that drive your models, allowing a few dimensions to define the entire model or even create a family of related parts.

• Extracting Drawing Content

  
  

Some parametric solid modelling CADD systems, such as Autodesk Inventor, Pro/Engineer, NX, and SolidWorks, combine 3-D solid modelling with 2-D drawing capabilities. You can create any type of part, assembly, or weldment drawing from existing models. The figure shows an example of a part drawing extracted from a part model. When you edit a model, the corresponding drawing adjusts to reflect the new design. You can also edit a model by modifying parametric model dimensions inside a drawing.

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Surface modeling technique

Curves and surfaces are the principal elements of surface models created using NURBS technology. Curves provide the basic form and geometry necessary for constructing surfaces. A NURB curve is a complex mathematical spline representation that includes control points. A spline is a curve that uses a series of control points and other mathematical principles to define the location and form of the curve. The term spline comes from the flexible spline devices used by shipbuilders and drafters to draw smooth shapes. Spline control points typically lie some distance from the curve and are used to define the curve shape and change the curve design (see Figure). Typically, adding control points to a spline increases the complexity of the curve. Surface modeling uses splines because of their ease and accuracy of construction and evaluation and their ability to approximate complex shapes through curve design.

A surface model usually includes multiple NURB surfaces known as patches. Patches fit together using different levels of mathematical formulas to create what is known as geometric continuity. In the simplest terms, geometric continuity is the combining of features into a smooth curve. In actual practice, geometric continuity is a complex mathematical analysis of the shapes used to create a smooth curve. The figure shows NURBS used to design a surface. NURB geometry offers the ability to represent any necessary shape, from lines to planes to complex free-form surfaces. Examples of applications for freeform shapes include automobile and ship design and ergonomic consumer products. The figure shows a surface model of a sailboat with standard and freeform geometric shapes.

Creating Surfaces

Common methods for creating surfaces include direct and procedural modeling and surface editing. Different surface modeling techniques can often be applied to achieve the same objective. Usually, a combination of methods is required to develop a complete surface model. Surface modeling, like other forms of CADD, requires detailed knowledge of software tools and processes and knowing when each tool and process is best suited for a specific task.

Surface modeling typically involves creating a series of curves that form the spans for defining a surface. Transition surfaces are added as needed to fill gaps within the model. Direct surface modelling is a basic method for developing existing surfaces created using multiple curves by adjusting the position of the surface control points or poles (see Figure). Another approach to surface construction is the use of procedural modeling tools to create surfaces from curves. Common options include extruding a curve, sweeping a profile curve along a path curve, lofting through multiple curves, and using curves to define a boundary (see Figure).

Most surface modeling software provides tools that allow you to construct additional surfaces from initial surface geometry. Examples of these techniques are offsetting, extending, and blending surfaces. Tools are also available for trimming intersecting surfaces. The figure shows basic examples of constructing additional surfaces from initial surface shapes. Many other advanced surface modeling tools are also available. Some surface modelling packages provide the ability to manage the structure of surface objects and maintain a modelling history. For high-quality surfaces, analytical tools such as comb curves and zebra analysis are used to check the continuity of curvature so that reflections and highlights can be managed for the best aesthetic quality.

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What are Cad Plotting and File Templates?

A drawing created in CADD initially exists as a soft copy. A soft copy is the electronic data file of a drawing or model. A hard copy is a physical drawing created on paper or some other media by a printer or plotter. Hard copies are often a required element of the engineering or construction process, and they are more useful on the shop floor or at a construction site than soft copies. A design team can check and redline a hard copy without a computer or CADD software. CADD is the standard throughout the world for generating drawings, and electronic data exchange is becoming increasingly popular. However, hard-copy drawings are still a vital tool for communicating a design.

Each CADD system uses a specific method to the plot, though the theory used in each is similar. In general, you must specify the following settings in order to plot:

• The plot device is the printer, plotter, or alternative plotting system to which the drawing is sent.
• Plot device properties.
• Sheet size and orientation.
• Area to the plot.
• Scale.
• The number of copies.
• Software and drawing-specific settings.

Drafting Equipment, Media, and Reproduction Methods is an important consideration when plotting. Some CADD applications such as Autodesk Inventor, Pro/Engineer, NX, and SolidWorks highly automate plotting, especially the process of scaling a drawing for plotting. Other systems, such as AutoCAD and Micro Station, require you to follow specific procedures to scale a plot correctly. AutoCAD, for example, uses a 3D Model space and paper space system. Model space is the environment in which you create full-scale drawings and designs. Paper space, or layout, is the environment in which you prepare the final drawing for plotting to scale. The layout often includes items such as viewports to display content from model space, a border, sheet blocks, general notes, associated lists, sheet annotation, and sheet setup information.

• Scale Factor

The scale factor is the reciprocal of the drawing scale, and it is used in the proper scaling of various objects such as text, dimensions, and graphic patterns. Most modern CADD software automates the process of scaling a drawing, allowing you to focus on choosing a scale rather than calculating the scale factor. However, the scale factor is a general concept with which you should be familiar, and it remains an important consideration when working with some CADD applications.

When drawing with CADD, always draw objects at their actual size or full scale, regardless of the size of the objects. For example, if you draw a small machine part and the length of a line in the drawing is .05 in. (1.27 mm), draw the line .05 in. (1.27 mm) long. If you draw an aircraft with a wingspan of 200′ (60,960 mm), draw the wingspan 200′. These examples describe drawing objects that are too small or too large for layout and printing purposes. Scale the objects to fit properly on a sheet according to a specific drawing scale.

When you scale a drawing, you increase or decrease the displayed size of objects. AutoCAD, for example, uses model space and paper space for this process. Scaling a drawing greatly affects the display of items added to full-scale objects, such as annotations, because these items should be the same size on a plotted sheet, regardless of the displayed size or scale of the rest of the drawing.

Traditional manual scaling of annotations, graphic patterns, and other objects requires determining the scale factor of the drawing scale and then multiplying the scale factor by the plotted size of the objects. Text is a convenient object for describing the application of scale factors. For example, to plot text that is .12 in. (3 mm) high on a mechanical drawing plotted at a scale of 1:4, or quarter-scale, multiply the scale factor by .12 in. (3 mm). The scale factor is the reciprocal of the drawing scale. A 1:4 scale drawing has a scale factor of 4 (4 4 1 5 4). Multiply the scale factor of 4 by the text height of .12 in. (3 mm) to find the .48 in. (12 mm) scaled text height. The proper height of .12 in. (3 mm) text in an environment such as model space at a 1:4 scale is .48 in.(12 mm).

Another example is plotting 1/8 in. high text on a structural drawing plotted at a scale of 1/4″ 5 1′ 0″. A 1/4″ 5 1′ 0″ scale drawing has a scale factor of 48 (1′ 0″ 4 1/4″ 5 48). Multiply the scale factor of 48 by the text height of 1/8 in. to find the 6 in. scaled text height. The proper height of 1/8 in. text in an environment such as model space at a 1/4″ 5 1′ 0″ scale is 6 in.

• Electronic Plots

Exporting is the process of transferring electronic data from a database, such as a drawing file, to a different format used by another program. For some applications, exporting a drawing is an effective way to display and share a drawing. One way to export a drawing is to plot a layout to a different file type. Electronic plotting uses the same general process as hard-copy plotting, but the plot exists electronically instead of on an actual sheet of paper.

A common electronic plotting method is to plot to a portable document format (PDF) file. For example, send a PDF file of a layout to a manufacturer, vendor, contractor, agency, or plotting service. The recipient uses common Adobe software to view the plot electronically and plot the drawing to scale without having CADD software, thus avoiding inconsistencies that sometimes occur when sharing CADD files. Another example is plotting an AutoCAD file to a design web format (DWF or DWFx) file. The recipient of a DWF file uses a viewer such as Autodesk Design Review software to view and mark up the plot.

File Templates

A file template, or template, is a file that stores standard file settings and objects for use in a new file.

All settings and content of a template file are included in a new file. File templates save time and help produce some consistency in the drawing and design process. Templates help you create new designs by referencing a base file, such as a drawing file, that contains many of the standard items required for multiple projects. A drawing file template is often known as a drawing template. File templates function and are used differently depending on the CADD program.

Most CADD software provides tools and options for working with and managing templates. For example, AutoCAD makes use of drawing template (DWT) files that allow you to use the NEW command to begin a new drawing (DWG) file by referencing a saved DWT file. A new drawing file appears with all the template file settings and contents. Other CADD programs have different but similar applications. This automates the traditional method of opening a file template and then saving a copy of the file template using the name of the new file. You can usually specify or reference any existing appropriate file to use as a template, or you can begin a new drawing using a default template.

Template options and specifications vary depending on the file type, project, and design and drafting standards. For example, you might use a template for designing parts and another for assemblies, or a template for metric drawings and another for customary drawings. A template includes settings for specific applications that are preset each time you begin a new design. Templates may include the following, depending on the CADD format and software, and set according to the design requirement:

• Units settings.
• Drawing and design settings and aids.
• Layers with specific line standards.
• Colour, material, and lighting standards.
• Text, dimension, table, and other specialized annotation standards.
• Common symbols.
• Display settings.
• Sheets and sheet items, such as borders, title blocks, and general notes.
• Plot settings.

Cad Plotting and File Templates

Create and maintain a variety of file templates with settings for different drawing and design disciplines and project requirements. Store your templates in a common location that is easily accessible, such as the local hard disk or the network server. Keep backup copies of templates in a secure location. You may discover additional items that should be included in your templates as you work. Update templates as needed and according to modified settings or new standard practices. For example, use the OPEN command to open a DWT file when using AutoCAD. Then, add content to the file as needed. Once you resave the file, the modified template is ready to use. Remember to replace all old template copies with updated versions.

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