TUTORIAL 1
1) State any six advantages of Computer Aided Design
Advantages of CAD
1) Constant quality drawing, the quality of lines dimensions symbols notes are independent
of the individual skills of the draughtsman
2) Saves time drawing that used to take weeks to complete can now be completed in one day
or a few minutes
3) Creation of data is collection of useful information that may be retrieved by draughtsman
and accessed by other processors at mouse click
4) Creation of library standards symbols such as bolts nuts screw can be used in the computer
memory and recalled when needed. They can also be positioned anywhere on the screen and
redrawn to any scale and angle of inclination
5) Use of layers drawings may be drawn on one of the available layers
6) Savings on repetition respective work on similar features or drawing ‘redrawing.
7) Greater accuracy due to computer mathematical accuracy a high level of dimensional
control is obtained with reduction in the number of mistakes resulting in accurate materials
and cost estimates.
8) Multicolor drawing visualization of drawing relates directly to the projections used
different colours obtainable by computers enhance the understanding.
9) Editing functions the powerful editing functions of correcting mistakes, deleting and
inserting new features can only made possible with the use of computers.
10) Saving on materials, designs can be tested before they are built on manufactured
thereby saving materials wastages.
2) State the use of each of the following terminologies in AutoCAD
(i) Tools
(ii) Tool tip
(iii) Drawing space
(iv)Command line
(v) Status bar
(i) Tools - These are the icons that start the commands you use to draw, modify, etc.
(ii) Tool Tip - If you hover your mouse over a tool, a tool tip will appear to give your more
information. Hold it longer for more info.
(iii) Drawing Space - These is where you draw your designs.
(iv)Command line - When you type a command, you will see it here. AutoCAD uses this
space to 'prompt' you for information. It will give you a lot of information and tell you
where you are in the command.
(v) Status bar - This allows to see and change different modes of drawing such as Ortho,
Osnaps, Grid, Otrack, etc. You can right click this area to toggle between icons and text
for this area.
3) Indicate the Name, Keystroke, Location and the Result of the following icons as used
in AutoCAD:
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(i) (ii)
Icon Name Keystroke Location Result
Offsets an object
Home > Modify >
Offset OFFSET / O (parallel) by a set
Offset
distance.
MATCHPROP Copies the properties
Match Home > Clipboard
/ MA from one object to
Properties >Match Properties
PAINTER another
4) Write the command line history to draw Figure below in AutoCAD using the line tool,
starting from the coordinate point (0,0) and in the anticlockwise direction. Use fillet
and chamfer commands for corner A and B respectively. Do not indicate
dimensioning and lettering history.
Command: L or LINE (enter)
Specify first point: 0,0 (enter)
Specify next point or [Undo]: 70,0 or @ 70,0 (enter)
Specify next point or [Undo]: @0,15 or 70,15(enter)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @15<45 or @15<-315(enter)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @10<135 or @10<-225(enter)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @15<225 or @15<-135(enter)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @10<135 or @10<-225(enter)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @15<45 or @15<-315(enter)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @10<135 or @10<-225 (enter)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @15<225 or @15<-135 (enter)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @10<180(enter)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @10<270 or @10<-90(enter)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @5<180(enter)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @10<90 or @10<-270(enter)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @20<180(enter)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @20<270 or @20<-90(enter)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: c
Command: C or CIRCLE
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Specify centre point for circle: 32.5,15
Specify radius of circle: 10
Command: CHA or CHAMFER
Select first line or [Undo/Polyline/Distance/Angle/Trim/mEthod/Multiple]: D
Specify first chamfer distance <0.0000>: 4
Specify second chamfer distance <4.0000>: 5
Select first line or [Undo/Polyline/Distance/Angle/Trim/mEthod/Multiple]: (select the
lower horizontal line)
Select second line or shift-select to apply corner or [Distance/Angle/Method]: (select
the vertical line on the left)
Command: F
Select first object or [Undo/Polyline/Radius/Trim/Multiple]: R
Specify fillet radius <0.0000>: 6
Select first object or [Undo/Polyline/Radius/Trim/Multiple]: (select the lower
horizontal line)
Select second object or shift-select to apply corner or [Radius]: (select the lower
horizontal line)
5) Write a command line history to draw a cone of the following specifications in
AutoCAD using CONE command:
(i) Apex point: 5,5,6
(ii) Radius of base: 3 units
(iii) Centre point of base: 0,0,0
Command: CONE (enter)
Specify centre point for base of cone: 0,0,0 (enter)
Specify radius for base of cone or [Diameter]: 5 (enter)
Specify height of cone or [Apex]: A (enter)
Specify apex point: @ 5,5,6 (enter)
6) Explain any four devices that can be used to control cursor movement on the
Computer Aided Design screen.
Cursor movement on the screen can be controlled by:
1) A keyboard - it can be used to draw objects by typing commands and the specifying the
coordinates of each point by typing their values using a keyboard. This type of input
system is very slow and tedious for complex drawings.
2) A light pen - this is a small pen-sized device with a light sensitive diode at its tip and
connected to the computer by a cable. If the pen is pointed at a glowing spot on the display
screen, the diode detects this and passes a signal to a computer.
3) A mouse - this is a small block with a ball underneath which drives two potentiometers,
placed mutually perpendicular, to record the x and y motions of the mouse on the table.
Wire from the mouse feed the signals to the computer. It’s very efficient and inputs data
on the display screen very fast.
4) Stylus in conjunction with the digitizing tablet - the tablet and a stylus can also be used
to input data from existing drawings. Since the x and y coordinates of a position on a
tablet are captured using the stylus, the stylus can be used to trace over a drawing and
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input lines to the computer as a series of vectors stored in digital form. When used in this
way, the tablet is referred to as a digitizing tablet
5) A tracker ball
6) A joystick
7) A thumb wheel
7) Explain four industrial sectors where Computer Aided Design has commonly been
applied
Application of CAD
1. The mechanical sector
The mechanical sector is the largest user of CAD systems. Applications are usually coupled
with manufacturing, forming a CAD/CAM system. The applications cover all types of
manufacturing operations, such as milling (2 ½, 3 – 5 axis of control), turning, wire EDM,
punching, etc. The user can test the part programme on screen prior to the transfer to the
machine tool and accomplish collision detection, undercuts, etc. Most of the systems have a
post processor integrated to communicate with the machine tools.
2. AEC sector
The AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) sector is the second largest
application areas of CAD systems. Applications range from single a simple building design,
to large scale projects, interior design, static and dynamic analysis, etc. These applications are
beyond the scope of this report.
3. Electronics/Electrical engineering
The electronics engineering is the third largest application. The computer performs all IC
designs. It is the complexity of the designs that imposes the usage of CAD systems. Current
systems also include in their software a number of designs in order to offer some assistance to
the users for their new designs.
4. Apparel industry
The apparel industry is also a large user. The number of systems on offer is limited. A
small number of companies are offering systems for the apparel sector worldwide, while
on a national base there is a number of companies offering such systems. Systems for
clothing are rather expensive, because they are using specialised equipment, such as large
plotters, cutters for patterns, and automatic machines for cutting the fabric. Their
application ranges from fashion design to manufacturing. The largest usage of the systems
is for pattern design and lay planning, where most of the savings are achieved.
8) Explain the mode of locating points in the AutoCAD drawing area for each of the
Figures Question 8(a) (i) to (iv). Give an example for each.
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(i) Direct distance entry
Direct Distance Entry (or DDE) is a way of bypassing the usual ways of
entering in coordinates and just entering the distance. That is a very easy way
to draw line segments.
Example
Start the Line command and click on the screen anywhere, then move your
cursor to the direction and angle you want from that point. If Ortho is turned
on, the line should only point directly to the right and not at an angle. Now
type in the distance the press <ENTER>. Press <ENTER> again to exit the
command. You now have line of the specified distance.
(ii) Polar tracking
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This mode allows direct distance entry of distances from any point while
tracking the angles. You needs to pre-set incremental angles first before using
the mode then make sure that Polar Tracking is On and then select the
increment angle.
Example
Start the line command and click on the screen anywhere, then move your
cursor to the direction of the angle you want. A dotted line will appear when
the cursor is close to the incremental angle. You type the distance the enter
twice.
(iii) Object snap tracking
This is a way of finding reference points on objects and drawing from them.
Example
To do this exercise, make sure that your Midpoint Osnap is on. Make sure that
the Object Snap Tracking and Osnap button are depressed. Draw the rectangle.
Start the CIRCLE command.
Move your cursor over the midpoint of the bottom line of the rectangle. You
should see a light dotted line project vertically through your cursor. Now more
your cursor to the midpoint of the right vertical line of the rectangle. As you
move your cursor towards the centre of the rectangle, you should see the 2
dotted lines cross.
Once you see both lines, you can pick and the centre point will be exact centre
of the rectangle. Give your circle a radius. Object tracking will work with any
Osnap that is invoked. But always check to make sure that you are picking the
point you want.
(iv) Dynamic input
Allows input of points next to cursor as well as autoCAD prompt as one
draws.
Example
Turn on Dynamic Input by clicking on the status bar
Now when you draw, you will see all kinds of information on the screen.
Draw a line starting at any point and enter the distance on the box next to the
line or cursor. Once you enter the distance, press the Tab key to switch over to
the degrees and enter a value there the press enter.
9) Sketch the screen output of the following AutoCAD command line input in the acadiso
template.
Command: LINE or L or PLINE
Specify first point: 10,10(enter)
Specify next point or [Undo]: 41,10 (enter) or @31,0(enter)
Specify next point or [Undo]: @25<120 (enter) or @25<-240(enter)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @23<60(enter) or @23<-300(enter)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @10<180(enter) or @-10,0(enter)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @15<135(enter) or @15<-225(enter)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @10<180(enter) or @-10,0(enter)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @22<225(enter) or @22<-135(enter)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @14<90(enter) or @14<-270(enter) or @0,14
(enter)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @13<180(enter) or @-13,0(enter)
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Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @16<240(enter) or @16<-120(enter)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @21<270(enter) or @21<-90(enter) or @0,-21
(enter)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @14<-30(enter) or @14<330(enter)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @23<0(enter) or @23,0(enter)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: c or 10,10 (enter)(enter)
10) Explain how to create a block from a drawing in AutoCAD using six steps
1: The first thing that you want to do is give your block a name. Type the name in the edit
box beside Block Name. Some names may need to be more descriptive, such as part number,
or size.
2: Now you need to select an insertion/base point. Pick the Pick Point button and then pick
the point. Make sure that the retain button is selected (this will keep your objects on the
screen as individual objects. If you don't select a base point, your block will default to 0,0,0
and you will insert all your blocks at the same location - the origin.
3: Next you want to select the objects for your block. Pick the Select Objects button and then
select all the parts of the block and press <ENTER>. Be careful not to select any other
objects, or you just get to do it over again.
4: Now select the drawing units you used to create the original objects in.
5: This is optional, but you can add a description here. This is good if you are creating
specific parts, like maybe a motor and want to add some quick specifications.
6: Pick the OK Button and the dialog box closes.
11) Explain the use of each of the following modifying tools in AutoCAD. Use example
sketch diagram with command line history in your explanation for each of the tools.
(i) Align tool
(ii) Rotate tool (reference angle option)
(An example)
Command: ALIGN
Select objects: <SELECT BOTTOM AND RIGHT SIDE LINES>
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Select objects: <ENTER>
Specify first source point:
Specify first destination point:
Specify second source point:
Specify second destination point:
Specify third source point or <continue>:<ENTER>
Scale objects based on alignment points? [Yes/No] <N>: N
(i) (an example using the same example as above)
Command: ROTATE
Select objects: <SELECT OBJECTS> Specify opposite corner: 28 found
Select objects: <ENTER>
Specify base point:
Specify rotation angle or [Copy/Reference] : R
Specify the reference angle <0.0000>:
Specify second point:
Specify the new angle or [Points] <0.0000>: <N>
12) Explain how one can write the texts shown in Figure below in AutoCAD.
Draw an arc and start the Arc align text command. As prompted, select an arc at a time
and a dialog box will appear. Write the respective texts and adjust the settings accordingly
and choose OK. Delete the arcs.
13) Identify and explain any six tools and commands used to generate Figure below
i. Line tool
ii. Region: Converts an object that encloses an area into a region object
iii. Array: Creates copies of objects arranged in a pattern.
iv. Circle tool
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v. Extrude: Creates a 3D solid or surface by extending a 2D or 3D curve.
vi. Visual styles: Visual styles control the display of edges, lighting, and shading.
vii. Subtract: Creates as a new object by subtracting one overlapping region or 3D
solid from another
14) Give the command line history to draw a torus using AutoCAD primitive solid. The
radius of the torus is 30mm while its tube radius is 5mm.
Command: torus
Specify center point or [3P/2P/Ttr]: 0,0
Specify radius or [Diameter]: 30
Specify tube radius or [2Point/Diameter]: 5
15) Explain any six useful functions of CAD system
Useful functions of CAD system
1) Scaling is the capability to enlarge or diminish the size of a displayed feature without
changing its shape
2) Zooming is the capability to enlarge or reduce a selected area of a drawing
3) Translating is the capacity to move parts of drawing and redrawing them in the new
position to selected scale
4) Rotation; is the capability of rotating the features about a selected centre and
redrawing them at the new angular position.
5) Mirroring is the capability to create the reverse image of a feature about the chosen
line of symmetry
6) Duplicating is the capability of redrawing a feature or component many times and
displayed it in an orderly manner linearly or rotationally
7) Dimensioning once a drawing is ready; the CAD user can add dimensions by the
computer to measure and display the correct dimensional value.
8) Text: text can be produced in any size colour and style and can be placed at any angle
16) Write a command line history of how to create a Revcloud in AutoCAD using
REVCLOUD command.
Command: REVCLOUD
Minimum arc length: 96' Maximum arc length: 96' Style: Normal
Specify start point or [Arc length/Object/Style] <Object>: A
Specify minimum length of arc <96'>: 12
Specify maximum length of arc <1'> :<ENTER>
Specify start point or [Arc length/Object/Style] <Object>: Guide crosshairs along cloud
path... <MOVE YOUR MOUSE AND CLOSE THE REVCLOUD>
Revision cloud finished.
17) List the basic activities of any CAD system
Generally the basic activities of any CAD system are:
Inputting e.g. key board
Storing e.g. flash disk
Processing e.g. C.P.U
Displaying e.g. screen
Outputting of information
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18) Explain any six Questions to be asked when selecting software.
Questions to be asked when selecting software:
1) Mainframe or pc/workstation platform?
A small company will not normally invest in mainframe installation unless it is justified
in terms of it by other department
2) Two dimensions or three lines surface or solids?
Most modular CAD packages have an inexpensive modeling and analysis modules,
depending on the type of Products Company produces surface modeling solids modeling
or both may be appropriate .line modeling is suitable only for limited spatial
3) Other analysis tools needed?
Does the company become involved in complex analytical design work such as stress or
heat transfer analysis or the design of kinematic, dyamic or control system?
4) Interaction with manufacturing needed?
Will the geometry be used directly to create manufacturing data or carry out process
planning? i.e c.n.c.(computer numerical controls) part programs the kinematic analysis of
some design packages may be useful for simulation process where robots are used
5) Compatibility with other system needed?
If the company carries out lot of contract work with other companies who use CAD, if
does not wish to be constrained to use the same system as those other companies. As no
two CAD packages define and store models on backing store identically. A procedure of
conversion to and from other CAD formats will always be required
6) How good is the maintenance and support from the supplier?
Bad maintenance and support from the software supplies can reduce productivity
existing even prior to acquiring the CAD system thereby nullifying the many benefits
that the system may offer
7) How much, how good, and how long is the training?
Many software suppliers provide their own training in using their packages, if a
commitment from the designers to study afterhours is sought them normal office
activities are not so affected than if one or more designers are absent for a week to attend
a training course
8) How easy is it to expand the system?
CAD system which designs in a modular fashion will allow greater scope for
expansibility.
19) Indicate the Name, Keystroke, Location and the Result of the following icons as used in
AutoCAD:
i) (ii)
Icon Name Keystroke Location Result
Undo Quick Access Undoes the last
U / CTRL+Z
Toolbar>Undo command.
Object Snap
Snaps F3 OSNAP dialog box.
Settings
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