CAD How To:

CAD (Computer Aided Design) is a powerful tool used by many teams to design better robots faster, more efficiently, more accurately, and more deadly.  

Two Types:

Let me preface this section by saying there are more than 2 general types of CAD software, but for our purposes we will use the very general areas of 2D (drafting) and 3D (modeling). 

     If your just starting out in CAD or if you don't really need it for use in your shop, but need to send a drawing to a machine shop to get that custom mount machined to perfection in 6065 Aluminum Alloy, than a basic 2D CAD package would probably be just fine for you.  A truly basic 2D CAD program is TurboCAD.  This is what I first started with when I moved to a computer from a drafting board way back to my first engineering class in high school (Fall 2000, I'm very nostalgic).  If your looking for something a bit more powerful there is the venerable AutoCAD.  This program is probably the best package for straight 2D CAD work.  I've used it for four summers working with a long time sponsor A Andersen Industrial Sheet Metal Fabricators Inc.  I've barely scratched the surface as far as for what this program or any of the programs I'll be mentioning are concerned.

    If you require something a bit more high tech and and cooler looking then a 3D CAD package is for you.  3D CAD software allows unparalleled design visualization just short of making an actual model.  This luxury does come at a price.  Most 3D CAD software is very expensive, some costing several thousand dollars.  The software has come such a long way that car manufactures are starting to move away from full scale clay models and having the entire design process take place on the computer.  3D CAD software doesn't restrict you to only planar views, but rather allows you to view your model in any orientation as well as cut sections through any portion as well.  Most software today works with parts and assemblies.  From these you can make drawings, just as detailed as one could want.  The whole process can be done in reverse as well.  Programs such as SolidWorks have tools that allow you to take your existing AutoCAD drawings and turn them into either a Drawing or even a part.  Most CAD programs offer some form of interoperability through either Parsolid, IGES, or Step files.

That is an extremely basic overview of the two main types of CAD systems.

Program Information:

Each of the links below will take you directly to the manufacture's webpage devoted to the product.  This will eventually be changed to more personalized information.

Tutorials:

Here are several tutorials that I have made (unless noted) to teach the basics, or at least what I consider the basics, comments and suggestions are much appreciated.

More To Come!