CAD Lab

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 Table of Contents

Sl. No. Section Page No.

1 Introduction & Lab Objectives 1

2 Lab Safety & Software Interface 2

3 List of Experiments 3

4 Experiment 1: 2D Drafting Basics 4

5 Experiment 2: Advanced 2D Techniques 5

6 Experiment 3: Orthographic Projections 6

7 Experiment 4: Introduction to 3D Modeling 7

8 Experiment 5: Solid Modeling Features 8

9 Experiment 6: Simple Assembly Modeling 9

 1. Introduction & Lab Objectives

Introduction to CAD

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is the use of computer systems to assist in the creation,
modification, analysis, or optimization of a design. It is a fundamental tool in mechanical
engineering for creating precise 2D drawings and complex 3D solid models. It enables
design visualization, rapid prototyping, and the generation of manufacturing data.

Lab Objectives

1. To achieve proficiency in using a standard CAD software interface (e.g., AutoCAD,

SolidWorks, or PTC Creo).

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2. To master the principles of 2D drafting, including dimensioning, sectioning, and

annotations according to industry standards.

3. To develop skills in creating 3D solid models using parametric and feature-based

modeling techniques.

4. To learn the process of creating functional assemblies by applying proper mating

conditions between components.
 2. Lab Safety & Software Interface

General Lab Instructions

• Always shut down the system properly after use.

• Save your work frequently to prevent data loss.

• Report any hardware or software issues immediately to the lab assistant.

• Maintain a clean and organized workstation.

CAD Software Interface

The CAD environment typically consists of:

• Graphics Area: The main window where the drawing or model is created.

• Ribbon/Toolbars: Contains all the commands organized by function (e.g., Sketch,

Features, Annotate).

• Feature Manager/History Tree: A list of all the features and steps used to create the
model, allowing for easy editing.

• Command Line (in 2D drafting): Used for text-based input of commands and
coordinates.
 Experiment 1: 2D Drafting Basics

• Aim: To practice fundamental 2D drafting commands and coordinate entry methods.

• Commands/Concepts: LINE, CIRCLE, ARC, OFFSET, TRIM, EXTEND,

Absolute/Relative/Polar Coordinates.

• Procedure Outline:

1. Start a new drawing and set Units (e.g., $\text{mm}$) and Limits.

2. Use the LINE command to create a boundary, practicing absolute coordinate

entry.

3. Draw circles using Center, Radius and Tangent, Tangent, Radius methods.

4. Use OFFSET to create parallel lines/curves.

5. Employ TRIM to clean up intersecting lines according to the specified

geometry.

• Exercise: Draw a Flange Gasket Profile with a centerline and specified bolt circle
diameter (BCD).
 Experiment 2: Advanced 2D Techniques

• Aim: To apply advanced tools to create professional, standards-compliant 2D

technical drawings.

• Commands/Concepts: Layers, Dimension Styles, Hatching (HATCH), Annotations

(MTEXT), Blocks.

• Procedure Outline:

1. Create and manage Layers for Object Lines, Center Lines, Hidden Lines, and
Dimension Lines, each with distinct properties (color, linetype).

2. Draw a given component's profile on the Object Layer.

3. Apply Dimensions using linear, radial, and angular dimension tools, ensuring
the correct dimension style is used.

4. Apply appropriate Hatching patterns to indicate cut areas.

5. Insert a title block using a pre-defined Block.

• Exercise: Create a fully dimensioned 2D engineering drawing of a Shaft Support

Plate, including necessary tolerances and surface finish symbols.
 Experiment 3: Orthographic Projections

• Aim: To convert a given pictorial view (isometric or perspective) into standard

orthographic views (Front, Top, and Side views).

• Concepts: First-Angle Projection vs. Third-Angle Projection (Specify which standard

is used), Projection Lines, Hidden Lines.

• Procedure Outline:

1. Set up the drawing space for the selected projection method (e.g., Third
Angle).

2. Draw the Front View of the object, capturing the maximum details.

3. Project features horizontally to create the Side View and vertically to create
the Top View.

4. Carefully use the Hidden Line layer to represent features that are not visible
in that particular view.

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5. Add the projection symbol to the drawing sheet.

• Exercise: Draw the Front, Top, and Right Side views of a Stepped Block with a slanted
face.
 Experiment 4: Introduction to 3D Modeling

• Aim: To introduce the concept of parametric solid modeling using basic sketching
and feature commands.

• Features/Concepts: Sketch Plane, Sketch Constraints (Geometric and Dimensional),

EXTRUDE, REVOLVE.

• Procedure Outline:

1. Select an appropriate Sketch Plane (e.g., Front Plane) to begin the base
feature.

2. Create a closed 2D profile of the base shape.

3. Apply Geometric Constraints (e.g., Horizontal, Vertical, Tangent) and

Dimensional Constraints to make the sketch fully defined.

4. Use the EXTRUDE command to add depth to the profile, creating the solid
body.

5. Repeat the process, using the REVOLVE command to create a cylindrical or

conical feature.

• Exercise: Model a Bushing by revolving a half-profile sketch around a center axis.

 Experiment 5: Solid Modeling Features

• Aim: To use modifying features to add and remove material for detailed component
modeling.

• Features: Extruded Cut, Hole Wizard (or simple Cut), FILLET, CHAMFER, Pattern
(Linear or Circular).

• Procedure Outline:

1. Start with the base solid model created from Experiment 4.

2. Create a new sketch on the face where material needs to be removed.

3. Use the Extruded Cut feature to create slots or rectangular openings.

4. Use the Hole Wizard to create standard threaded or clearance holes.

5. Apply FILLET and CHAMFER to round or bevel sharp edges for realistic
modeling.

6. Use the Pattern feature to quickly replicate a hole or cut feature multiple
times.

• Exercise: Model a Machine Base Plate with multiple threaded holes, slots, and edge
fillets.
 Experiment 6: Simple Assembly Modeling

• Aim: To combine two or more individual 3D components into a functional assembly

using mates (constraints).

• Concepts: Mates/Constraints (Coincident, Concentric, Parallel, Distance, Angle),

Fixing a Component, Sub-Assemblies, Exploded View.

• Procedure Outline:

1. Create a new Assembly file.

2. Insert the first component (the Base or Frame) and Fix its position.

3. Insert a second component (e.g., a Pin or Bracket).

4. Apply the first Mate (e.g., Concentric) between the central axis of the pin and
the hole in the base.

5. Apply the second Mate (e.g., Coincident) between the bottom face of the pin
head and the top face of the base.

6. Create an Exploded View to visualize the assembly sequence.