Part

CAD
Fundamentals of Design,
Computers and Controllers

Chapter

FUNDAMENTALS OF CAD

1.1

INTRODUCTION

Computer aided design (CAD) can be defined as the use of computer systems to assist in the
creation, modification, analysis or optimization of a design.
The computer systems consist of the hardware and software to perform the specialized
design functions required by the particular user firm. The CAD hardware typically includes the
computer, one or more graphic display terminals, keyboards and other peripheral equipment. The
CAD software consists of the computer programs to implement computer graphics on the
system plus application programs to facilitate the engineering functions of the user company.
Examples of these application programs include stress-strain analysis of components, dynamic
response of mechanisms, heat transfer calculations and numerical control part programming.
The collection of application programs will vary from one user firm to the other because their
product lines, manufacturing processes and customer markets are different. These factors give
rise to differences in CAD system requirements.

1.2 THE CAD SYSTEMDEFINITION

Computer aided design involves any type of design activity, which makes use of the computer
to develop, analyze or modify an engineering design. Modern CAD systems are based on
interactive computer graphics (ICG). Interactive computer graphics denotes a user-oriented
system in which the computer is employed to create, transform and display data in the form of
pictures or symbols. The user in the computer graphics design system is the designer who
communicates data and commands to the computer through any of several input devices. The
computer communicates with the user via a cathode ray tube (CRT). The designer creates an
image on the CRT screen by entering commands to call the desired software subroutines stored
in the computer. In most systems, the image is constructed out of basic geometric elements
points, lines, circles and so on. It can be modified according to the commands of the designer,
enlarged, reduced in size, moved to another location on the screen, rotated and other
transformations. Through these various manipulations the required details of the image are
formulated.
3

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Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing

The typical ICG system is a combination of hardware and software. The hardware includes
a central processing unit, one or more workstations (including the graphics display terminals) and
peripheral devices such as printers, plotters and drafting equipment. The software consists of
the computer programs needed to implement graphics processing on the system. The software
would also typically include additional specialized application programs to accomplish the
particular engineering functions required by the user company.
The ICG system is one component of a computer aided design system. The other major
component is the human designer. Interactive computer graphics is a tool used by the designer
to solve a design problem. In effect, the ICG system magnifies the powers of the designer. This
has been referred to as the synergistic effect. The designer performs the portion of the design
process that is most suitable to human intellectual skills, the computer performs the task best
suited to its capabilities and the resulting system exceeds the sum of its components.

1.3

REASONS FOR IMPLEMENTING CAD

1. To increase the productivity of the designer: CAD helps the designer to visualize the product
and its component sub-assemblies and parts. This reduces the time required to synthesize,
analyze and document the design. This productivity improvement results not only into lower
design cost but also into shorter design project completion times.
2. To improve the quality of design: A CAD system permits a thorough engineering analysis
within a short time using various software and a larger number of design alternatives can be
investigated. Design errors are also reduced by the accuracy built into the system by means of
calculations and checks available with the system. These factors lead to improvement in the
quality and accuracy in the design.
3. To improve communications through documentation: The use of CAD system provides
better engineering drawings, more standardization in the drawings, better documentation of the
design, fewer drawing errors and greater legibility for the drawing.
4. To create a database for manufacturing: In the process of creating the documentation for
the product design (geometry and dimension of components, bill of materials, etc.) much of the
required database to manufacture is also created which can be applied for several computer
integrated manufacturing (CIM) applications like CNC programming, programming of robots,
process planning and so on.

1.4

DESIGN PROCESS

Design is the act of devising an original solution to a problem by a combination of principles,

resources and products in design. Design process is the pattern of activities that is followed by
the designer in arriving at the solution of a technological problem.
The design process is an iterative procedure as shown in Fig. 1.1. A preliminary design is
made based on the available information and is improved upon as more and more information is
generated. There have been several attempts to provide a formal description of the stages or
elements of the design process. The design progresses in a step-by-step manner from some

Fundamentals of CAD

START

Design
parameters

Idea

Is the design
usable?

No

Yes

Design
optimized

Analyze
STOP
Results

Evaluate

Amend
Fig. 1.1

Iterative design procedure.

statement of need through identification of the problem, a search for solutions and development
of the chosen solution to trial production and use. These descriptions of design are known as
models of the design process.
There are four models of the design process, which are iterative in nature. These models are
defined by Shigley, Pahl and Beitz, Ohsuga and Earle.

1.4.1

Shigley Model

The Shigley model is shown in Fig. 1.2. It involves six basic steps which are explained as follows:
1. Recognition of need: Recognition of need involves the realization by someone that a problem
exists for which some feasible solution is to be found. This might be the identification of some
defect in a current machine design activity by an engineer or the perception of a new product
marketing opportunity by a salesman.

Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing

Recognition of need
Definition of problem
Change the design
Yes
Can the design be improved

Synthesis
Analysis and optimization
Evaluation
Presentation

Fig. 1.2

No

No

Design impossible for the given

specifications

The design process by Shigley.

2. Definition of problem: Definition of a problem involves a thorough specification of the item

to be designed. This specification will generally include functional and physical characteristics,
cost, quality, performance, etc.
3. Synthesis: During the synthesis phase of the design process various preliminary ideas are
developed through research of similar products or designs in use.
4. Analysis and optimization: The resulting preliminary designs are then subjected to the
appropriate analysis to determine their suitability for the specified design constraints. If these
designs fail to satisfy the constraints, they are then redesigned or modified on the basis of the
feedback from the analysis. This iterative process is repeated until the proposed design meets the
specifications or until the designer is convinced that the design is not feasible. The components,
sub-assemblies or sub-systems are then synthesized into the final overall system in a similar
iterative manner.
5. Evaluation: The assessment or evaluation of the design against the specifications established
during the problem definition phase is then carried out. This often requires the fabrication and
testing of a prototype model to evaluate operating performance quality, reliability, etc.
6. Presentation: The final phase in the design process is the presentation of the design. This
includes documentation of the design through drawings, material specifications, assembly lists
and so on.

1.4.2

Pahl and Beitz Model

In this model, the design process is described by a flow diagram, as shown in Fig. 1.3 comprising
four main phases, which may be summarized as follows:
1. Clarification of the task: This phase involves the collection of information about the
requirements to be embodied in the solution, and also about the constraints on the design and
describing these in a specification.
2. Conceptual design: The conceptual design phase involves the establishment of the functions
to be included in the design, and identification and development of suitable solutions.

Fundamentals of CAD

Clarification
of the task

Task

Clarify the task

Elaborate the specification

Conceptual design

Identify essential problems

Establish function structures
Search for solution principles
Combine and firm up into concept variants
Evaluate against technical and economic criteria

Preliminary layout

Optimize and complete form designs

Check for errors and cost effectiveness
Prepare the preliminary parts list and production

Finalize details
Complete detail drawings and production documents
Check all documents

Detail design

Definitive layout

Documentation

Solution

Fig. 1.3

Steps of the design process according to Pahl and Beitz.

Optimization of the layout and forms

Develop preliminary layouts and form designs

Select best preliminary layouts
Refine and evaluate against technical and economic criteria

Embodiment design

Concept
Upgrade and improve

Information: Adapt the specification

Optimization of the principle

Specification

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Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing

3. Embodiment design: During this phase, the conceptual solution is developed in detail.
Problems are resolved and weak aspects are eliminated.
4. Detail design: In this phase, the dimensions, tolerances, material and form of individual
components of the design are specified in detail for subsequent manufacture.

1.4.3

Ohsuga Model

The Ohsuga model is shown in Fig. 1.4. The design is described in a series of stages, progressing
from requirements through conceptual design and preliminary design to detail design. However,
the various stages of the design process are generalized into a common form in which models
of the design are developed through a process of analysis and evaluation leading to modification
and refinement of the model. In the early stages of a design, the designer proposes a tentative
solution. This is evaluated from a number of viewpoints to establish the fitness of the proposed
design in relation to the given requirements. If the proposal is unsuitable then it is modified. The
Requirements

Build
model

Model 1

Modify and
refine

Analyze and
evaluate
(Conceptual
design)

Model 2

Modify and
refine

Analyze and
evaluate
(Preliminary
design)

Model n

Modify and
refine

Generate
information
for planning,
manufacture
and testing

Plan
manufacture
test

Analyze and
evaluate
(Detail design)

Fig. 1.4

The design process according to Ohsuga.

Product

Fundamentals of CAD

'

process is repeated until the design is at a point where it can be developed in more depth and
the preliminary design stage will start. In this stage, the design is refined, and the evaluation and
modification are repeated at a greater level of detail.

1.4.4

Earle Model

The steps in the design process, proposed by Earle (Fig. 1.5), are as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Problem identification
Preliminary ideas
Design refinement
Analysis
Decision
Implementation
1

2
Preliminary ideas

Problem
identification

6
Implementation

5
The design
process

Design
refinement

Decision

4
Analysis

Fig. 1.5

The design process by Earle.

1. Problem identification: Problem identification need to gather data of several types: Fixed
data, opinion surveys, historical records, personal observations, experimental data and physical
measurements and characteristics as shown in Fig. 1.6. Problem identification can be of two
general types: (i) Identification of a need or (ii) Identification of design criteria.
Background

Data

Economics

Problem
identification

Causes

Effects

Fig. 1.6

Needs

Problem identification needs.

Identification of a need is the beginning point of the process. It may be a defect or a

shortcoming in an existing product or a new product.



Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing

Identification of design criteria is that part of the problem where the designer conducts an
in-depth investigation of the specifications that must be met by a new design. Types of problem
identification are shown in Fig. 1.7.
Types of problem
identification

Design
criteria

Design need
Design
shortcoming

Features

Bad
condition

Numbers
Size-weight

Need for
solution

Price-cost

Market
potential

Fig. 1.7 Types of problem identification.

The problem identification requires the designer to analyze the requirements, limitations and
other background information without becoming involved with the solution to the problem. The
following steps should be used in problem identification (Fig. 1.8):
(a) Problem statement Write down the problem statement to begin the thinking process.
The statement should be complete and comprehensive, but concise.
(b) Problem requirements List the positive requirements that must be achieved in the
design.
(c) Problem limitations List negative factors that confine the problem specified
limitations.
Problem
identification

Write problem
statement

List requirements

Sketches

List limitations

Sketches
Effects

Fig. 1.8

Steps in problem identification.

Fundamentals of CAD



(d) Sketches Make sketches of physical characteristics of the problem. Add notes and
dimensions that would make these sketches more understandable.
(e) Gather data The data might be population trends of related designs, physical
characteristics, sales records and market studies. This data should be graphed for easy
interpretation.
2. Preliminary ideas: Preliminary ideas is the generation of as many ideas for solution as
possible (Fig. 1.9). These ideas should be sufficiently broad to allow for unique solutions that
could revolutionize present methods. All ideas should be recorded in written form with sketches.
A systematic approach should be used to gather preliminary ideas for the design problem.
The following sequence of steps is suggested
(a) Hold brainstorming session
(b) Prepare sketches and notes
(c) Research existing design
(d) Conduct surveys
Sketches

List ideas

New approach

Preliminary
ideas

Ideate

Brainstorm

Notes

Fig. 1.9 Generation of ideas.

Brainstorm is defined as the practice of a conference technique by which a group attempts

to find a solution for a specific problem by amassing all the ideas spontaneously contributed by
its members. The rules for brainstorming are:
(i) No criticism
(ii) Think wild
(iii) Quantify ideas
(iv) Seek combination and improvement
The organization steps of brainstorming session are:
(i) Select a panel of about 12 members with and without knowledge of the subject.
(ii) Prepare a one page note pertaining to the session and should be distributed to the
members about two days in advance.
(iii) The problem should be concisely defined.
(iv) A moderator and recorder should be appointed for the session.
(v) Hold the session by initiating the problem.
(vi) The recorder should reproduce the list of ideas gathered during the session for
distribution to the participants.

Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing

Sketching is the designers most important medium for developing preliminary ideas.
Computer graphics can be used for modifying and developing a number of ideas for
consideration. Preliminary ideas can be obtained through research of similar products and designs
from technical magazines, general magazines, manufacturers brochures, patents and consultants.
Survey methods are used to gather opinions and reactions to a preliminary design or
completed design, especially when a product is being designed for the general market. This could
be accomplished by personal interview, telephone interview and mail questionnaire.
3. Design refinement: Several of the better preliminary ideas are selected for further
refinement to determine their true merits. Rough sketches are converted to scale drawings that
will permit space analysis, critical measurements and the calculation of ideas and volumes
affecting the design. Consideration is given to spatial relationships, angles between planes, lengths
of structural members, intersection of surfaces and planes. The sequence for refinement of ideas
is shown in Fig. 1.10. The determination of physical properties of the proposed solutions is the
important concern of the designer. Descriptive geometry can be applied for this purpose.
Computer graphics is a powerful tool that can be used to refine the preliminary idea.
Scale drawings

Angles and lengths

Intersections

Design
refinement

Physical
properties

Weights and
volumes

Fig. 1.10

Shapes and
forms

Refinement of ideas.

4. Analysis: It involves the evaluation of the best designs to determine the comparative merits
of each with respect to cost, strength, function and market-appeal. The analysis phase of design
is shown in Fig. 1.11. The general areas of analysis are:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)

Functional analysis
Human engineering
Market and product analysis
Specification analysis
Strength analysis
Economic analysis
Model analysis

Engineering graphics and descriptive geometry are valuable tools for analysis. The analysis
of a designs functional characteristics can be performed using mathematics, graphics and
engineering disciplines. A product must be analyzed to determine its acceptance by the market
before it is released for production. Areas of product analysis are:

Fundamentals of CAD
Graphics

!

Science

Mathematics

Analysis

Engineering

Logic

Experience

Fig. 1.11 Analysis phase of design.

(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

Potential market evaluation

Market outlets
Advertising methods
Sales features

The physical specification of a product must be analyzed to finalize the design, e.g. sizes,
ranges and shipping specifications. Much of the engineering is devoted to the analysis of the
strength of design to support dead loads, withstand shocks and to endure repetitive usages of
variety of motions ranging from slow to fast. Before a product is released for production, a cost
analysis must be performed to determine the items production cost and the margin of profit that
can be realized from it.
Models are effective aids in analyzing a design in final stages of its development. The types
of models are:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

Conceptual models
Mock-up models
Prototype models
System layout models

5. Decision: At this stage, a single design is accepted as the solution of the design problem.
Graphics is a primary means of presenting the proposed design for a decision. The graphs must
compare costs of manufacturing, weights, operational characteristics and other data that would
be considered in arriving at the final decision. Figure 1.12 shows the decision phase of the design
process.
Combine

Accept

Reject

Decision

Continue

Fig. 1.12

Stop

Restudy

Decision phase of design process.

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Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing

6. Implementation: It is the presentation of the final design concept in a workable form,

primarily as working drawings and specifications that are used as the actual instruments for
fabrication of a product implementation phase of the design process as shown in Fig. 1.13.
Working drawings

Specifications

Implementation

Models

Details

Finished solution
Fig. 1.13

1.5

Implementation phase of design process.

APPLICATION OF COMPUTERS IN DESIGN

Engineering design has traditionally been accomplished on drawing boards with the design being
documented in the form of a detailed engineering drawing. This process is iterative in nature and
is time consuming. The computer can beneficially be used in the design process in CAD. The
design task is performed by a CAD system rather than a single designer working over a drawing
board. The various design related tasks, which are performed by the CAD system, can be
grouped into four functional areas:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Geometric modelling
Engineering analysis
Design review and evaluation
Automated drafting

These functional areas are discussed in the following sections. The CAD modified design
process is shown in Fig. 1.14.

1.5.1

Geometric Modelling

Geometric modelling is concerned with the computer compatible mathematical description of the
geometry of an object. The mathematical description allows the image of the object to be
displayed and manipulated on a graphics terminal through signals from the CPU of the CAD
system. The software that provides geometric modelling capabilities must be designed for
efficient use both by the computer and the human designer.
There are different methods of representing the object in geometric modelling. The
basic form uses wire frames to represent the object. In this form, the object is displayed by
interconnected lines. Wire-frame, geometric modelling is classified into three types. They are
depending on the three types are

Fundamentals of CAD

#

The design process

Recoginition of need

Definition of problem

Computer aided disign

Synthesis

Geometric modelling

Analysis and
optimization

Engineering analysis

Evaluation

Design review and

evaluation

Presentation

Automated drafting

Fig. 1.14

CAD modified design process.

1. 2D Two-dimensional representation is used for a flat object.

2. 2D This goes somewhat beyond the 2D capability by permitting a three-dimensional
object to be represented as long as it has no sidewall details.
3. 3D This allows for full three-dimensional modelling of a more complex geometry.
The most advanced method of geometric modelling is solid modelling in three dimensions.
This method typically uses solid geometry shapes called primitives to construct the object as
a matter of fact with the use of solid modelling software. A design can be directly conceived at
the graphic terminal itself using feature based approach.

1.5.2

Engineering Analysis

In the formulation of nearly any engineering design project, some type of analysis is required.
The analysis may involve stress-strain calculations, heat transfer calculations or computation of
natural frequencies, acceleration, velocity and displacement response or other parameters.
Analysis can be carried out using standard CAD software like finite element modelling and
analysis or by software developed internally in the design offices. Most CAD software suits
incorporate engineering analysis software to carry out finite element analysis and to determine
mass properties of the component.
The analysis of mass properties is the analysis feature of a CAD system that has probably
the widest application. It provides properties of a solid object being analyzed such as the surface
area, weight, volume, centre of gravity and moment of inertia for a plane surface (or a crosssectional of a solid object). The corresponding computations include the parameter area and
inertia properties.

$

Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing

Probably the most powerful analysis feature of a CAD system is the finite element method
with this technique. The object is divided into a large number of finite elements (usually
rectangular or triangular shapes), which form an interconnecting network of concentrated nodes.
By using a computer with significant computational capabilities, the entire object can be analyzed
for stress-strain, heat transfer and other characteristics by calculating the behaviour of each
node. By determining the interrelating behaviour of all the nodes in the system, the behaviour of
the entire object can be assessed.
Some CAD systems have the capability to define automatically the nodes and the network
structure for the given object. The user simply defines certain parameters for the finite-element
model and the CAD system proceeds with the computations.
The output of the finite-element analysis is often best presented by the system in graphical
format on the CRT screen for easy visualization by the user. For example, in stress-strain analysis
of an object, the output may be shown in the form of a deflected shape superimposed over the
un-stressed object. Colour graphics can also be used to accentuate the comparison before and
after the deflection of the object.
Checking the accuracy of the design can be accomplished conveniently on the graphics
terminal semiautomatic dimensioning and tolerance routines, which assign size specifications to
surfaces indicated by the user help to reduce the possibility of dimensioning errors. The designer
can zoom in on part design details and magnify the image on the graphics screen for close
scrutiny.

1.5.3

Design Review and Evaluation

A procedure called layering is often helpful in design review. For example, a good application
of layering involves over-layering the geometric image of the final shape of the machined part
on top of the image of the rough casting. This ensures that sufficient material is available on the
casting to accomplish the final machined dimensions. This procedure can be performed in stages
to check each successive step in the processing of the part.
Another related procedure for design review is interference checking. This involves the
analysis of an assembled structure in which the risk that the components of the assembly may
occupy the same space. This risk occurs in the design of large chemical plants, air-separation
cold boxes and other complicated piping structure.
One of the most interesting evaluation features available on some computer aided design
system is kinematics; the available kinematics packages provide the capability to animate the
motion of simple designed mechanisms such as hinged components and linkages. This capability
enhances the designers visualization of the operation of the mechanism and helps to ensure
against interference with other components without graphical kinematics on a CAD system. A
designer must often restart to the use of pin and cardboard models to represent the mechanism.

1.5.4

Automated Drafting

Automated drafting involves the creation of hardcopy engineering drawings directly from the
CAD database. In some early computer aided design departments, automation of the drafting
represented the principal justification for investing in the CAD system. Indeed, CAD systems can
increase productivity in the drafting function by roughly five times over manual drafting.

Fundamentals of CAD

%

Some of the graphics features of computer aided design systems lend themselves especially
well to the drafting process. These features include automatic dimensioning generation of
crosshatched areas, scaling of the drawing and capability to develop sectional views and enlarged
views of particular part details, the ability to rotate the part or to perform other transformations
of the image (e.g., oblique isometric or perspective views).

1.6

BENEFITS OF COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN

There are many benefits of computer aided design, only some of which can be easily measured.
Some of the benefits are intangible which are reflected in improved work quality and more
pertinent and usable information. Some of the benefits are tangible which are discussed
hereinafter.
1. Productivity improvement in design: CAD helps in increased design productivity by
reducing the time for developing conceptual design, analysis and drafting. It is also possible to
reduce the manpower requirements for a given project. Productivity improvement in computer
aided design process is dependent on factors such as
Complexity of the drawing
Degree of repetitiveness of features in the designed parts
Degree of symmetry in the parts
Extensive use of library of user defined shapes and commonly used entities
2. Shorter lead times: Interactive CAD is inherently faster than traditional manual design
process. CAD tools reduce the number of iterations. It speeds up the task of preparing reports
and bill of materials using a CAD system. A finished set of component drawings and
documentation can be prepared in a relatively short time. Shorter lead times in design result in
reduction of the elapsed time between receipt of customer order and delivery of the finished
product. The enhanced productivity of the designers working in CAD environment will reduce
the importance of design, engineering analysis and drafting as critical time elements in the overall manufacturing lead time.
3. Design analysis: The design analysis routines available in a CAD system help to optimize the
design into an appropriate logical work pattern. The use of design analysis softwares such as
finite element analysis and kinematics analysis reduces the time and improves the design
accuracy. Instead of having feedback sessions between design and analysis groups, the designer
can perform the analysis while working on a CAD workstation. This enhances the concentration
of designers, since the process is interactive in nature. Calculation of mass properties can be
made almost instantaneously.
4. Fewer design errors: Interactive CAD systems have inherent capability for avoiding errors
in design, drafting and documentation. These errors occur during manual handling. Errors are
avoided because interactive CAD systems perform time consuming and repetitive functions such
as multiple symbol placements.
5. Flexibility in design: Interactive CAD systems apart from generating designs with repetitive
accuracy offers the advantage of easy modification of design to satisfy customers specific
requirements.

&

Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing

6. Standardization of design, drafting and documentation: The single database and operating
system used in CAD provide a common basis for design, analysis and drafting process with
interactive CAD systems, drawings are standardized as they are drawn. It is also possible to
reuse previous modules in developing a range of products.
7. Drawings are more understandable: With the increase in the use of 3D views and solid
modelling, it has become easier to comprehend the features of the component readily. One does
not have to reconstruct mentally the solid shape from 2D objects. Many software packages allow
3D view generation from a 2D model. This has several advantages from the manufacturing point
of view.
8. Improved procedures for engineering changes: Control and implementation of engineering
changes can be significantly improved with computer-aided design. Original drawings and
reports are stored in the database of the CAD system and are easily accessible. Revision
information can be retained and new drawings with changes can be created without destroying
previous features.
9. Benefits in manufacturing: The benefits of computer aided design can be used as a basis
for a number of downstream manufacturing operations. Some of the manufacturing benefits are:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)

1.7

Tool and fixture design for manufacturing

Computer aided process planning
Computer aided inspection
Preparation of numerical control programs for manufacturing of components on
computer numerical control machines
Preparation of assembly lists and bill of materials for production
Coding and classification of components
Production planning and control
Assembly sequence planning

CREATING THE MANUFACTURING DATABASE

The important reason for using a CAD system is that it offers the opportunity to develop the
database needed to manufacture the product. In the conventional manufacturing cycle,
engineering drawings were prepared by design draftsmen and then used by manufacturing
engineers to develop the process plan (i.e., route sheets). The activities involved in designing the
product were separated from the activities associated with process planning. Basically a two-step
procedure was employed. This was both time consuming and involved duplication of effort by
design and manufacturing engineers. In an integrated CAD/CAM system, a direct link is
established between product design and manufacturing. It is the goal of CAD/CAM not only to
automate certain phases of design and certain phases of manufacturing but also to automate the
transition from design to manufacturing. Computer based systems have been developed which
create much of the data and documentation required to plan and manage the manufacturing
operations for the product.
The manufacturing database is an integrated CAD/CAM database. It includes all the data on
the product generated during design, i.e., geometry data, bill of material and assembly lists,

Fundamentals of CAD

'

material specifications, etc. as well as additional data required for manufacturing, much of which
is based on the product design. Figure 1.15 shows how the CAD/CAM database is related to
design and manufacturing.

ICG

CAD

CAM

Geometric
modelling

Tool and fixture

design

Engineering
analysis

Numerical control
programming

Data
base

Design review and

evaluation
Automated
drafting

Fig. 1.15

Computer aided
process planning

Production

Production
planning and
scheduling

Relationship of CAD/CAM database to CAD and CAM.

REVIEW QUESTIONS
1.1 What is computer aided design? Discuss the various design related tasks performed by
CAD.
1.2 Discuss the reasons for implementing CAD.
1.3 What are the advantages to be gained by implementation of CAD?
1.4 What is the design process? Explain briefly the four models for the design process.
1.5 What are the functions that get benefited by the use of computers in design?
1.6 Differentiate between the Pahl and Beitz model for the design process.
1.7 Explain the various steps for the design process as outlined by Shigley.
1.8 Describe the six steps proposed by Earle for the design process.
1.9 How computer aided design differs from conventional design?
1.10 What are the applications of computers for design?