DESIGN DRAFTING

DESIGN DRAFTING SERVICE
We at Australian Design and Drafting Services, possess the relevant resources, experience and capabilities to provide a one-stop shop platform to the clients be it Concept drawing, producing drawings for mechanical projects, providing manufacturing drawings in either 2D or 3D format of various mechanical assemblies or 2D to 3D drawings Conversions, addition of geometric dimensions, annotations, other tolerance related information, Bill of Material to any type and format of mechanical engineering drawings. Belonging to same field, we realize the potential of parametric modeling in terms of providing flexibility when designing and managing any product.We provide design drafting service.
It is crucial to have a team on board who understands clearly the concepts of designing and manufacturing any product and thereby producing product specific CAD drawings. Our professional and dedicated team of highly qualified Mechanical engineers possess the relevant knowledge of prototyping and manufacturing industries. We provide client specific customised design and drafting services. Whether you require 2D Drafting services or a simple 2D to 3D or vice versa CAD Conversion Service, we have cost-effective solutions for all your design drafting needs.

by James Hartley

Now that you have a basic idea about how 3D scanning and modelling work, let’s really get started. Before you can have a 3D model, 3D data capture is how you get there — you must have 3D data to create that model. Let’s start there…

3D data capture: what are the ways 3D data can be collected?

There are multiple ways to collect 3D data but two of the most common methods (and the two most frequently used by ASTCAD) are laser scanning and digitising.

During laser scanning, a laser line is passed over the surface of an object in order to record three-dimensional information. The surface data is captured by a camera sensor mounted in the laser scanner which records accurate dense 3D points in space, allowing for very accurate data without ever touching the object.

Laser scanners can be broken down further into types such as laser line, patch, and spherical. The FARO ScanArm, the FARO LS, the Surphaser, Konica Minolta Vivid 9i and Range 7 are some examples of laser scanners that we often use at Direct Dimensions.

3D Scanning Data Collection

The second major method is digitising, which is a contact-based form of 3D data collection. This is generally done by touching a probe to various points on the surface of the object to record 3D information. Using a point or ball probe allows the user to collect individual 3D data points of an object in space rather than large swathes of points at a time, like laser scanning. This method of data collection is generally more accurate for defining the geometric form of an object rather than organic freeform shapes. Digitising is especially useful for industrial reverse engineering applications when precision is the most important factor. Stationary CMM’s (coordinate measurement machine), portable CMM arms, and the FARO Laser Tracker are all examples of digitizers that we often use at Direct Dimensions.

Other methods of collecting 3D data include white light scanning, CT scanning and photo image-based systems. These technologies are being utilised more frequently in the field of 3D scanning and new applications are being discovered every day.

To be digitised or laser scanned?

A general “rule” is that scanning is better for organic shapes and digitising is most accurate for geometric shapes. In general, laser scanning is also used for higher-volume work (larger objects like cars, planes, and buildings). Laser scanning is also a great option for people who need 3D data of an object but would prefer that the object not be touched, such as for documentation of important artifacts.

Digitising is often used for our engineering projects and first article inspections, in instances where precise measurements are required for geometrically-shaped subjects. This includes objects that have defined lines and planes and curved shapes, like spheres and cylinders.

This doesn’t mean that you can never laser scan a part with many geometric features or that you can’t digitise a plane (an entire plane can be digitised, believe us – we’ve done it!) or even a sculpture. These are just rules of thumb.

Utilising multiple methods of Data Collection

There are projects when it is more cost and time effective to use multiple methods of data collection. A good example is a cast part with geometric machined features. You might need a 3D model of the entire part but really need incredible accuracy on the machined features while the freeform cast surface itself is not as important. In such a case it can be much more effective to laser scan the entire part and then digitise the geometric features. The data can be combined during the modelling phase (more on that in the following chapters).

Additional Scanning Information

Because you are trying to collect the most accurate data possible, there are a few more things to keep in mind before you run out and start scanning everything in sight.

Bright light sources in the area, including the sun, can really mess up your scan data. At Direct Dimensions, if we are laser scanning an object outdoors we prefer to do it at night if able. Light can reflect off of your scanning object and create “noisy” data. This brings us to:
Very reflective materials generally do not scan well. This can be avoided with a light coating of white powder spray (or anything that dulls the reflectivity). There are also some scanner manufacturers who are actively working to solve this problem.
Fixturing: whether you are laser scanning or digitising, it important that your scan object will not move while you are collecting data. The tiniest motion will cause inaccurate data.
If you need hard to reach/impossible to see internal data, you should consider CT scanning or destructive slicing, both can be great ways to augment your data. (more on those later).

Moving on to 3D modelling

Now that you have a good idea of what you need to collect data, you are ready to learn all about the various ways the data can be modelled. Chapters three through five will cover, 3D Modelling, Reverse Engineering, and Inspection Analysis.

Contact ASTCAD for more information.

What are the methods of data collection?

Data collection methods vary depending on the type of data being collected, the research objectives, and the resources available. Here are some common methods:
Surveys and Questionnaires: Surveys involve asking a series of questions to a sample of respondents. They can be conducted through paper forms, online platforms, telephone interviews, or face-to-face interviews.
Interviews: Interviews involve direct interaction between the researcher and the respondent. They can be structured (with a predetermined set of questions), semi-structured (with some flexibility in questioning), or unstructured (open-ended discussions).
Observation: This method involves systematically observing and recording behaviors, events, or activities as they occur in their natural setting. Observations can be participant (the researcher actively participates) or non-participant (the researcher remains separate from the activity).
Experiments: Experiments involve manipulating one or more variables to observe the effect on another variable. They are often conducted in controlled environments to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
Secondary Data Analysis: Researchers analyze data that were collected by others for a different purpose. This can include sources like government statistics, organizational records, or previously conducted research.
Focus Groups: Focus groups involve bringing together a small group of individuals to discuss a specific topic guided by a moderator. This method allows for in-depth exploration of attitudes, opinions, and perceptions.
Document Analysis: Researchers analyze documents such as texts, reports, articles, and historical records to extract relevant information.
Ethnography: Ethnographic research involves immersing oneself in the culture or context being studied to gain a deep understanding of the behaviors, beliefs, and social dynamics.
Diaries and Logs: Participants record their activities, thoughts, or experiences over a specified period, providing insights into their daily lives or specific events.
Social Media Monitoring: Researchers analyze data from social media platforms to understand trends, opinions, and behaviors of individuals or groups.

What is data collection format?

The data collection format refers to the structure or template used to gather and organize data during the data collection process. The format outlines how data will be collected, recorded, and stored, ensuring consistency and accuracy. Depending on the research methodology and objectives, data collection formats can vary widely. Here are some common formats:

Structured Surveys and Questionnaires: These formats consist of predefined questions with fixed response options. Respondents are typically asked to select their answers from multiple-choice options, Likert scales, or yes/no responses. Structured formats are efficient for collecting quantitative data and facilitating analysis.

Semi-Structured Interviews: In semi-structured interviews, researchers have a predetermined set of questions but also allow flexibility for probing and exploring topics in more depth. The format provides a balance between standardization and flexibility, allowing for richer qualitative data collection.

Unstructured Interviews: Unstructured interviews have no predetermined set of questions, allowing for open-ended discussions and free-flowing conversation. Researchers rely on active listening and follow-up inquiries to delve into topics of interest. Unstructured formats are suitable for exploratory research or when a deep understanding of participants’ perspectives is desired.

Observation Protocols: Observation protocols outline the specific behaviors, events, or phenomena to be observed and recorded during observational studies. They include guidelines for documenting observations, such as timestamps, descriptions, and contextual details. Observation protocols ensure consistency and objectivity in data collection.

Experimental Designs: Experimental formats include protocols for manipulating independent variables, measuring dependent variables, and controlling extraneous variables during experimental research. They specify procedures for randomization, treatment administration, data collection, and statistical analysis.

Focus Group Guides: Focus group guides outline the topics, questions, and discussion prompts to be covered during focus group sessions. They structure the flow of the discussion and ensure that all relevant issues are addressed. Focus group guides may include opening questions, transition points, and closing reflections.

Data Collection Instruments: Data collection instruments encompass various tools and materials used to collect data, such as surveys, questionnaires, interview guides, observation forms, checklists, and rating scales. They may include instructions for administration, response options, and data recording procedures.

Digital Data Collection Tools: With advancements in technology, digital data collection formats have become increasingly common. These include online surveys, mobile data collection apps, electronic diaries, and sensor-based data collection systems. Digital formats offer advantages such as real-time data capture, automated data processing, and remote data collection capabilities.

James Hartley

Senior Mechanical Engineer · BEng (Mechanical), UQ · Member, Engineers Australia · ASTCAD, Brisbane

James has 14 years of hands-on experience delivering CAD design, structural drafting, and engineering documentation across Australia’s mining, oil & gas, and manufacturing sectors. He specialises in SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, and AutoCAD for complex multi-discipline projects.

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by James Hartley

With passing time, we meet many people who find our work interesting as we use 3D scanning technologies. Treat this page as free 3D scanning training. We at ASTCAD offer easy 3D scanning that helps the user to discover the ways to provide cutting-edge technologies.

3D Scanning topics we use here:

Chapter 1: The 3D Scanning Basics and Digital Modelling

Chapter 2: Different Methods for Data Collection

Chapter 3: Digital Modelling – Converting Raw Point Clouds into CAD Formats

Chapter 4: Reverse Engineering – To Design-Intent CAD Models

Chapter 5: Inspection / Analysis – To Compare with CAD

Chapter 6: Downstream the Main Applications for 3D Data Basics

Chapter 7: Digital Model Formats – Several Flavours of 3D CAD

Chapter 8: Using 3D Data for Visualisation

Chapter 9: Rapid Prototyping – To Make Physical Objects from Scan Data

Chapter 10: The Future – To Scan Desktop and other Manufacturing

3D scanning training: the basics

WHAT IS 3D MODEL, AND HOW DO YOU GET IT?

A 3D model comes with a digital representation of a physical object. If your object wants digital form, then use the direct dimensions that take physical objects and use advanced 3D scanning equipment to capture and transform them into 3D digital models.

We have an excellent team that processes the raw data gathered during a 3D scan into a digital model. We use different methods for collecting this data, including laser scanning and other digitising. A 3D model is incredibly versatile. Therefore, connect to know the 3D scanning basic.

Why do i need a 3D model?

3D models are mainly used for several purposes, including animation or visualisation. One can make changes in design to form a new product. They perform a dimensional and comparative analysis of an object or even an FEA and CFD analysis. The team help to archive the purposes by accurately recording the state or form of an object.

They are used to repair the damage done to an object digitally. It reproduces the object in its proper form. They practice rapid prototyping and milling technologies. There are no limits on what can be done when something has been captured in 3D. In short, the technologies allow the physical object to be recreated into a 3D digital format.

When? where? how large? what are the limitations?

We capture objects indoors or outdoors, during the day or at night, using the technologies. As the sky is the limit, we know how large the technology can capture the smallest objects. Few of our equipment is portable, so we can come to your facility and encourage you to ship your items to our lab. On the large side, the Direct Dimensions scan the entire aeroplanes, historical monuments, stubs and ships, and tracts of land with large interior spaces like buildings.

We’ve scanned the mid-size objects such as spacesuits, countless consumer products and other artwork. We’ve done tiny, finely-detailed items, including coins, medical devices, and other dental appliances. Along with this, we capture fingerprints and skin textures. The bottom line offers the tools to scan it, and it’s most likely to use them.

WHAT’S NEXT? Now that we all understand the basics, we can scan and use the 3D data by learning more about the various methods for data collection! Looking for any 3D scanning work? Do contact us for more information.

What are 3D modeling services?

3D modeling services involve the creation of three-dimensional digital representations of objects, characters, environments, or concepts. These services are typically offered by professionals or companies specializing in computer-generated imagery (CGI) and design. Here are some key aspects of 3D modeling services:

Modeling: This is the core process of creating a 3D model using specialized software. Modelers manipulate digital vertices, edges, and polygons to sculpt and shape objects in three-dimensional space. They can create anything from simple geometric shapes to intricate characters or realistic environments.

Texturing: Texturing involves adding surface details and colors to 3D models to make them appear realistic or stylized. Texture artists apply images or procedural techniques to simulate materials such as wood, metal, fabric, or skin.

Rendering: Rendering is the process of generating 2D images or animations from 3D models. Rendering software calculates lighting, shadows, reflections, and other visual effects to produce the final output. High-quality rendering can make a 3D model look lifelike and immersive.

Who needs 3D services?

Many industries and individuals can benefit from 3D services. Here are some examples:

Architecture and Real Estate: Architects use 3D modeling to visualize and plan buildings before construction. Real estate agents use 3D virtual tours to showcase properties to potential buyers.
Manufacturing: Manufacturers use 3D printing for prototyping and rapid product development. It allows them to iterate designs quickly and reduce time to market.
Entertainment: The film, animation, and gaming industries heavily rely on 3D graphics for creating immersive worlds, characters, and special effects.
Healthcare: Surgeons use 3D printing to create patient-specific models for surgical planning and training. Dentists use it for creating dental implants and orthodontic devices.
Education: 3D models and simulations enhance learning experiences in various fields, from biology to engineering. They help students visualize complex concepts in a more tangible way.
Marketing and Advertising: Marketers use 3D rendering for creating product visualizations and advertisements. It allows them to showcase products from different angles and in various environments.
Fashion and Retail: Fashion designers use 3D modeling to create digital prototypes of clothing and accessories, reducing the need for physical samples. Online retailers use 3D product visualization to improve the shopping experience.
Engineering and Construction: Engineers use 3D modeling for designing machinery, infrastructure, and industrial plants. Construction companies use Building Information Modeling (BIM) for better project management and coordination.
Gaming and Virtual Reality (VR): Game developers use 3D modeling and animation to create immersive gaming experiences. VR applications also heavily rely on 3D graphics for creating realistic virtual environments.
Cultural Heritage Preservation: Museums and cultural institutions use 3D scanning and modeling to preserve and digitize artifacts and historical sites.

James Hartley

Senior Mechanical Engineer · BEng (Mechanical), UQ · Member, Engineers Australia · ASTCAD, Brisbane

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by James Hartley

AutoCAD accuracy improves with every release. The new release of AutoCAD 2016 features certain significant improvements. These improvements include a more comprehensive canvas, richer design context, and intelligent tools such as Smart Dimensioning, Coordination Model, Enhanced PDFs, and Stunning Visual Experience.

Autocad New feature Visual Accuracy

AutoCAD software tools are known worldwide for providing 2D and 3D design features, documentation and collaboration processes for any design task. Furthermore, the software tools enable designers to share their work with one another by using TrustedDWG® technology.

The purpose of this article is to:

Look briefly at the new features present in the newest AutoCAD release,
Identify significant changes between the newest and previous software releases,
Determine the impact of Visual Accuracy and other major benefits which the newest release of AutoCAD provides.

What New Features are Present in the Autocad 2016 Newest Release?

With Smart Dimensioning, appropriate measurements are created automatically, based on the drawing context. Bypassing the cursor over a selected object, the designer gets a preview of the dimension before creating it. For example, by selecting and holding a cursor over the cross-section of a duct, modified inner and outer diameters can be previewed before they are created.
The Coordination Model makes it possible to attach and view Navisworks® and BIM 360 Glue models directly inside AutoCAD. This makes it possible to import architectural design data created by Navisworks or to import a building design project into AutoCAD. The ability to merge design data between AutoCAD and BIM models provides the framework for KBE (Knowledge-Based Engineering), and for maintaining concurrency and synergy between product design teams.
The Enhanced PDFs feature makes it possible to quickly create smarter, smaller and powerful PDF files which are text searchable.
The Visual Experience feature enables the engineer to see design details with certain visual enhancements such as Line Fading. True curves are used instead of line segments for image rendering. For example, a circle is created as a continuous curve rather than several straight line segments. Instead of performing several Undo operations, a Command preview enables the designer to see the results of a command before committing to it. Large selection sets are easier to copy or move.
The designer is able to customise his/her design environment and systems settings and to prevent unwanted changes from being made.

In What Areas Are There Significant Software Changes?

The following list highlights significant software changes between AutoCAD 2016 (newest release) and previous versions of AutoCAD.

In terms of User Interaction, AutoCAD 2016 provides:

The Help Find tool, Improved graphics, Command preview, and resizable viewports are improved in AutoCAD 2016 and AutoCAD 2015.
The Move/Copy feature has been boosted in AutoCAD 2016 over previous versions.

In terms of the Design Interface, AutoCAD 2016 provides:

Center of polygon object snap
High-fidelity lines and curves
Coordination model
Point cloud dynamic UCS (Unified Computing System) and geometry extraction

In terms of Documentation, AutoCAD 2016 provides:

Revision Cloud enhancements
Smart dimensioning
PDF enhancements and optimised file output
The searchable text and hyperlink support in exported PDFs
Simplified, powerful rendering
Overriding of Xref (External Reference File in a cloud system) layer properties

What Major Benefits does the Newest Release of Autocad Provide?

The previous section of this article mentioned significant software improvements between AutoCAD 2016 and previous versions. It may be informative to look more closely at what some of these software improvements mean.

Coordination Models enable design data from Navisworks and BIM360 models (NWC, NWD) to be attached directly into AutoCAD. This feature supports the collaborative and synergistic product development model available in BIM. This feature also supports KBE (Knowledge-Based Engineering) and Expert Systems, which is important for retaining in-house design expertise and knowledge.

Smart dimensioning speeds up design work, because many “Undo” commands can be avoided by using the Preview feature in the new software release. Instead of establishing a dimension for an object and undoing it in order to create a new dimension, the object can be selected with the cursor, previewed or “hovered over”, before establishing the dimension.

The “Snap to geometric centre” feature enables the designer to snap to the centre of closed regular or irregular polylines.

Improvements to the drawing canvas dramatically improve the visual accuracy seen on screen. Although the human visual system can interpret a series of jagged line segments as an integrated smooth curve, it is much better to represent smooth curves and arcs with true curves. Doing so creates graphic objects with true fidelity and visual acuity, and creates a much better viewing experience.

A number of preset rendering options have been introduced, such as “Coffee-Break Quality”. Image-based lighting has been introduced to improve visual rendering.

The “UI finder” utility makes it easy to find just about anything in AutoCAD’s UI, including entries on the application menu and the status bar.

PDF enhancements create smaller files (about half the size of previous PDFs). The PDFs are generated quicker, and they permit text search and selection, even with multibyte and Unicode characters. Furthermore, SHX fonts (which have the source text added as a comment) are supported. Hyperlinks are maintained, whether they are embedded URLs or links between drawing content.

The System Variable Monitor (Sysvar) protects the design engineer from having his established or preset environment from being altered. In a multi-tasking environment, it is likely that an impolite application may alter sysvar settings, but fail to reset them to their previous settings after the application has completed its tasks.

Conclusion

Although this article sounds as if it is focused on sales or marketing, its purpose is to keep the CAD engineer aware of improved software features (such as improved visual accuracy in AutoCAD 2016) which become available in new CAD software releases.

The CAD engineer works in a fast-paced environment in which technological progress should be expected. In order to stay current and not to become obsolete, it is necessary for the CAD engineer to be aware of improved capabilities in new software releases.

Australian Design & Drafting Services provide excellent Autocad service for CAD Design and Drafting. Contact Us for more info

James Hartley

Senior Mechanical Engineer · BEng (Mechanical), UQ · Member, Engineers Australia · ASTCAD, Brisbane

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by Claire Sutton

CAD, Drafting, CAD drafting, CAD software

A modern CAD design office makes this possible — imagine being able to walk through your new home or office building, go into every room, try out different colours on the walls or make changes to the design – before it’s even built. It sounds pretty amazing, and it is. That is the world of CAD (Computer-Aided Design) drafting.

Not too long ago you would find the designer or architect bent over a drafting table using a pencil, ruler and eraser, slowly drafting every detail by hand. Today’s designers use sleek, super-fast computers and CAD software systems that can quickly and perfectly create, edit, then display finished projects in breathtaking 3-D computer renderings.

There are other software systems with similar acronyms, but they are essentially the same application with subtle differences in function. Two of these other systems, CADD (Computer-Aided Design and Drafting) and CAID (Computer-Aided Industrial Design) are the most commonly used.

From the minute you get up in the morning, almost everything you will see or touch or use during the day had its beginnings as a CAD drafting project on a computer somewhere. Your car and every part in it, your electronics, furniture, your home and office, even your deodorant jar and the packages your food comes in were more than likely drafted using CAD.

The History of CAD and the Design Office

Like most great inventions, CAD drafting had humble beginnings, but the potential was immediately apparent. Software companies and thousands of dedicated developers and programmers saw that potential and have worked tirelessly for over 30 years now to develop and bring CAD drafting programs to where they are today. The results have been no less than spectacular.

The initial developments that led to today’s CAD programs were first carried out in the early 1960’s and 1970’s in the aerospace and automotive industries. Both industries were independently developing the first CAD systems. Most people agree that the real breakout point was the development of SKETCHPAD at MIT in 1963. The main feature of SKETCHPAD was that it allowed the designer to work with the program by drawing on the monitor with a light pen. This was essentially the first GUI (Graphical User Interface) and is the most

The first programs were only available to large corporations in the automotive, aerospace and electronics industries. These were the only companies that could afford the expensive computers and computing power needed to do the calculations needed to run the programs. The leaders in developing these first programs were GM, Lockheed and Renault.

The first CAD programs in the 1970’s were only capable of creating 2D drawings similar to the hand-drafted drawings of the time. But even those first simple programs were changing the face of manufacturing and construction design. The programs quickly evolved over the years as computer processing speed and power and graphics capabilities increased. In the 1980’s the next major step toward modern CAD was achieved with the advent of the ability to do 3D solid modelling.

In 1981 two solid modelling packages were released- Romulus by (ShapeData) and Uni-Solid by (Unigraphics). In 1982 John Walker founded Autodesk which developed one of the most famous 2D CAD programs, AutoCAD. In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s the solid modelling kernels for rendering 3D designs were integrated into the new CAD programs for the first time. As computing prices came down, so did the potential and the promise of CAD drafting for smaller companies. This now made it possible for any company to afford a high-quality CAD design program. The 1990’s saw the release of some of the most popular mid-range packages. SolidWorks was released in 1995, SolidEdge was released in 1996, and IronCAD was released in 1998.
Different Types of CAD SystemsMost CAD computer workstations are Windows-based PCs with some running on Unix and a few on Linux machines. Usually no special hardware is needed except for a high-end OpenGL Graphics card for renderings. Also, more is always better when it comes to computing power. A machine with dual-processors and massive amounts of RAM is needed for maximum performance on complex projects.

CAD systems can be separated into three different types: 2D drafting systems like AutoCAD LT (also known as Autocad “Light”); 3D solid feature modelers like Architectural Desktop, Chief Architect, ArchiCAD, Alibre Design, VariCAD SolidWorks and SolidEdge; and high-end 3D hybrid systems like Pro/ENGINEER and NX (Unigraphics).

The human interface is usually a mouse but a trackball or pen and tablet can also be used. The model can be manipulated and viewed from different perspectives and angles. On some systems you can even use stereoscopic glasses for viewing in true 3D.Today there are many low-end 2D systems available and even a number of free and open source programs. All these programs provide an ease of design not possible with hand drafting on a traditional drawing sheet. For example, in 2D drafting a wall in a house would be drawn as 2 parallel lines spaced a certain distance apart, say, 6 inches. To insert a door into the wall, you would follow a process similar to manual drafting- you would first erase part of the wall, then draw in the lines representing a door. In 2D, each line is inserted manually into the design. The end design has no mass properties and you can’t add features such as holes, etc. directly.

With a basic (low-end) 3D modelling program, to draw that same wall you would not have to draw individual lines- instead, you would click on an icon for the ‘draw wall’ command and use your mouse (or trackball) to specify the length and location. To insert a door, you simply specify the size and location of the door- the software automatically erases that portion of the wall where the door goes. Over the course of designing an entire house or building, tools such as these can save countless hours. You can then use the solid model to generate views of the project from any viewpoint or angle- something that 2D programs cannot do.

3D parametric solid modelling represents the high end of CAD. With 3D parametric solid modelling programs such as Alibre Design, Solid Works and Solid Edge, the designer must use what is called ‘design intent’. This means that the design has to be thought of as a real world representation of the object. You are able or unable to make changes to the object the same way you would make them to a real world object. Therefore, parametric solids require the designer to think ahead and consider his actions carefully.

The top-end systems include the ability to add more organic aesthetics and features to the design, such as photorealistic colours and surface textures. Surface modelling combined with solid modelling is used to create most day-to-day products for consumers.The CAD designer should be forward-looking as he designs and the objective should be to make future work on the design as easy as possible. This means the designer needs to have a firm understanding of the system being used. A little extra attention and careful planning in design now can save a lot of grief later.

In the late 1980’s the advent of affordable CAD programs that ran on desktop computers led to downsizing in the drafting departments of many small- to mid-sized companies. Typically one CAD operator could replace three to five drafters using traditional drafting techniques. Also many engineers opted to do their own drafting work which eliminated the need for dedicated drafters.This phenomenon was also reflected in other areas of the typical office. As word processors, databases, spreadsheets, etc. became the norm, many jobs were eliminated as multiple functions across several jobs could now be done by one person on a single computer.

The adoption of the CAD studio, or as it is also called ‘paper-less studio’, in design schools was met with major resistance. Teachers were afraid that designing and sketching on a computer screen could not duplicate the artistry of traditional sketching on a drafting pad. Also, many teachers were worried that students would be hired, not for their design skills, but for their software and computer skills. Today CAD is recognised as an essential design tool and is taught across the board in architecture schools.It is interesting to note that not all architects have joined the CAD bandwagon. Australian architect Glenn Murcutt, winner of the 2002 Pritzker Architecture Prize, has a small office with minimal CAD capability.

Different CAD Industries

CAD drafting is now used in all phases of design across all industries. Specific industries have developed specialised applications of CAD systems. Below are some of the main industries using CAD and their related CAD applications.
The AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) Industry

Residential and Commercial Architecture & Design
Landscape Architecture
Structural Engineering
Construction
Civil Engineering
Mapping and Surveying
Highways and Roads
Water and Sewer Systems
Factory Layout
Industrial Plant Design

Aerospace
Automotive
Machinery
Consumer Goods
Shipbuilding
Biomechanical Systems

Electronic and Electrical (ECAD)
Digital Circuit Design

Fashion Design
Computer Graphic Animation (CGA)

CAD Drafting Today

One of the major advantages – and one of the biggest payoffs – of CAD drafting today, is the reduction in design time and therefore the amount of money it can save on a project. In manufacturing, CAD drafting helps keep design costs down which translates into cost savings for the consumer.

In residential or commercial design the amount of time saved can be enormous. As an example, let’s say you are looking for a designer or architect to design your home. The designer can create a design: (a) from scratch based on your idea or concept; (b) from photos of actual houses; or (c) based on a previous design which can be easily modified in CAD.

CAD design companies will typically have many different home or building designs available to choose from. It is easy for a client to look through the designs then select one they like. They can use the design as-is or easily customise it to their own tastes. Clients can even take design elements from different projects and combine them to create an entirely new home or building. The possibilities are endless.

Making small changes to a CAD design- for instance, moving walls, windows or even whole rooms- typically takes minutes or hours, not days. This would have been a huge and very expensive task in the days before CAD drafting.

There are many CAD design companies that can serve your residential or commercial design needs and many of them offer complete project management as well as design and drafting of the project.

CAD drafting will no doubt continue to evolve and become more powerful, and remain, next to the computer, as one of the most important technological developments of our age. ASTCAD provide excellent service for CAD Design and Drafting. Contact Us for more info

Claire Sutton

Architectural CAD Specialist & Technical Writer · BArch (Hons), QUT · ASTCAD, Brisbane

Claire has 10 years of experience in Revit BIM modelling, architectural documentation, and CAD conversion projects across Southeast Queensland and NSW. She has delivered NCC-compliant documentation for residential, commercial, and industrial facilities.

How CAD Technology benefits from Dynamic Modelling

Alexander Pope, in the 17^th century, coined the phrase “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing”. This phrase holds true in many cases, because a small amount of knowledge could lead to overconfidence. An overconfident person is likely to make decisions hastily without taking all facts into account.

What does this phrase have to do with Computer Aided Design? A CAD engineer who is trained primarily to use CAD software tools, but who lacks sound theoretical training, fits this phrase in many respects. Such a CAD engineer who has successfully solved many routine design problems with CAD tools could become overconfident in his/her design skills.

The time will come when this overconfident engineer, who lacks adequate theoretical training, models a non-routine problem incorrectly and misinterprets the results. Consequently, an incorrect design for a product is implemented. Unless the design error is caught and fixed, the launched product will be an accident waiting to happen. Failure of a poorly-designed product could cost a company a lot of time, money, and loss of reputation.

Many CAD and engineering organisations are aware of such dangers, and they include Dynamic Modelling into their product design cycles. Doing so provides “checks and balances” before a design materializes into a product.

This article examines the roles that Dynamic Modelling plays in CAD-driven product design.

Specifically, the article tries to answer these questions:

What is Dynamic Modelling, and is it needed for all product designs?
Are all CAD engineers qualified to perform CAD enabled dynamic modelling?
What are the benefits of Dynamic Modelling?
How is Dynamic Modelling being used?

What Is Dynamic Modelling and Is It Needed for all Product Designs?

Dynamic modelling simulates the behaviour of an object over time. In engineering, dynamic models are described in terms of causal loops or feedback and control systems.

The causal loop captures the structural makeup or components that comprise a complex system or product, and the interactions between them. Computer models are built to simulate how the system responds to time-varying states and external loads, and how the system responds over time.

Dynamic modelling is not restricted to time-variant behaviour of physical structures, but it is also used for artificial intelligence, economics, psychology, political science, and many other disciplines.

Not all products require dynamic modelling. For example, stationary objects such as statues are not subjected often to time varying externals loads such as wind forces or earthquakes. Therefore, static models suffice for determining their structural integrity.

Examples of good candidates for dynamic modelling are:

Bridges, which experience variable loadings, wind forces, and perhaps earthquakes.
Offshore oil production platforms, which are subjected to ocean waves, wind, and current loadings.
Automobiles, which are subjected to shock loadings and aerodynamic forces.
Buildings and structures in earthquake-prone areas, because they endure seismic loadings.

Are all CAD Engineers Qualified to Perform CAD Enabled Modelling?

Not all CAD engineers have the skills to perform dynamic modelling adequately. CAD software tools which provide its capabilities will incorporate them as FEA, CFD, and other software packages. The CAD engineer who has not taken advanced courses in Solid Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, Feedback and Control Systems, Vibration Analysis, Random Mechanics, and similar courses may lack sufficient theoretical skills to adequately model and interpret non-routine design problems with CAD software.

Dynamic modelling which is performed incorrectly could produce design errors with disastrous consequences, if the errors:

Are not detected and corrected by peers,
Are not detected during design reviews,
Are not detected during the prototyping and testing phase.

Once a poorly designed product is launched, the consequences could mean applying fixes in the field, having a product recall, or withdrawing a product. None of these options is desirable, because it creates customer dissatisfaction, possible lawsuits, loss of income, and loss of reputation.

What are the Benefits of Dynamic Modelling?

If properly performed, Dynamic Modelling can reveal design flaws that may not show up readily during the prototyping and testing phases of the product design cycle.

Unique benefits that dynamic modelling provides include:

Identifying interactions between subsystems of a complex product which may be too expensive to create during physical prototyping and testing,
Identifying potential failure modes which should be tested in physical prototypes, before hard tooling,
Simulating dynamic loadings which may be difficult to create during actual testing,
Identifying functional limitations on the use of a product.

Although some complex systems may be difficult to model accurately, it provides extra product performance data from virtual prototypes. Testing and validation of data obtained from virtual prototypes within physical prototypes should create a robust and reliable design.

How is Dynamic Modelling being used?

A few examples should clarify the benefits that Dynamic Modelling brings to CAD design work.

Engineers at NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) are building a horizontal smokestack computer model called the Scale-Model Smokestack Simulator. The Dynamic Model will predict the amount of carbon dioxide coming out of smokestacks with 1% accuracy, compared with current measurement accuracy of 10 to 20%. This Dynamic Model will make it easier to address the problem of CO2 emissions which the EPA is concerned about.
The University of Le Havre uses Dynamic Modelling to efficiently calculate optimised mould measurements for a ship hull.
SolidWorks provides modelling software within their CAD offerings for all types of industrial robot movements. The software also translates code from one robot to another, and can import models from major CAD systems.
It is being used extensively to study the impact of Self Driving vehicles on traffic flow.

Conclusions

When it is used effectively and correctly, creates virtual product prototypes that can identify failure modes and functional limitations of a design at an early stage.

When dynamic modelling is used together with Additive Manufacturing (or 3D printing) for physical product prototyping, the design cycle could be significantly shortened. Consequently, reliable and cost effective products will be launched, and the cost saving will benefit both the product manufacturer and the consumer.

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James Hartley

Senior Mechanical Engineer · BEng (Mechanical), UQ · Member, Engineers Australia · ASTCAD, Brisbane

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by James Hartley

3D printing music history is being written right now. Digital preservation of works for books, and arts, were stored while talking about music, pictures and movies. One advantage of storing information in digitised format is it transports electronically. It comes with backup copies for data placed in many remote locations. Another benefit it includes is the fidelity of the information preserved indefinitely.

Unfortunately, it’s likely to provide significant amounts of movies, music, and works of art that are lost forever. It comes with using reliable methods for preserving music that wasn’t available previously. For example, much music is stored on wax discs played on phonographs or other old movies. However, original recordings come with digitised, natural degradation of wax recordings and tapes made with large amounts of music and films unrecoverable.

Though old movies and music are digitally remastered, using true fidelity of the multimedia data that are lost quickly. Works of art come with longevity and are preserved in several forms. Some artifacts remain as carvings on stone and wood, some artifacts remain as statues, and some artifacts remain as stylus-based ink recordings on papyri, scrolls, paper, and other media. Except for stone carvings and statues, which could be considered to a reasonable extent as naturally non-destructible, recordings on wood-based products such as papyri, scrolls and paper degrade quickly in high humidity environments. Recordings on wood-based media need low humidity or vacuum storage conditions to survive over long periods.

Using lost objects for cultural and historical value forever takes natural or artificial disasters. It needs to preserve musical data that asks, “How does 3D printing impact the music industry?” To answer this query, it helps to address the topics like:

What methods to use historically to store music?
What modern methods are utilised for storing music?
How useful is it to support 3D Printing for the music industry?

Before 3D printing: what music preservation methods were used historically with store music?

It’s a traditional method used to store music that relies on writing music on sheets of paper. Let’s say classical orchestral works by Mozart, Bach, Beethoven and others are published as sheet music.

The method used to store music cannot offer good longevity and permanence using a medium for storing music over time and storing music that can easily be lost due to fire or floods.

It adds improvements with storing music that utilise an audio format together with physical recording media.

Over the last 100 years, musical storage relies on the below methods:

A few years ago, audio data came in the form of sound waves that transcribe to glass, paper, and wax cylinders as mechanical analogue signals recorded as lateral grooves. Also, the stylus motion adds grooves used to render the recorded audio data. The products in this era cover the Edison phonograph, the Dictaphone and the phonograph disk.

1900 and 1948 came with many improvements that utilised magnetization and electrical amplification for analogue signals with high fidelity audio. The products cover magnetic tape, audio cassettes, and vinyl phonograph discs.

They are moving on with 1948 and 1970, the powerful audio signal process techniques that utilised Dolby noise reduction covering stereophonic rendition. The products in this era come with 4-track and 8-track stereo, the microcassette, minicassette and compact cassette.

After 1970, the digital processing tech used advanced products that utilise audio formats, including MPEG, MLP, and other audio formats found in products that provide CDs, DVDs, HD DVDs, and various Blu-ray technology.

What modern methods are utilised for storing music?

The music library grows at an alarming rate, where the compression methods develop to store the volume of audio data used in the cloud by making it available to users and using them as web streaming technology.

Well-known competitors in this audio storage and streaming marketplace include the following:

Apple’s iTunes stores over 43 million songs using downloaded on iPad, iPhones, iPods or other Apple-based products. The audio formats offer Apple style, adding conversion software that primarily uses services that do not use web streaming.

The Amazon Cloud Player uses services that are similar to Apple iTunes. It uses Amazon Player that utilises a compression than iTunes. Being lossy means the original music that’s not rendered with true fidelity. The portions of the audio signal dropped when rendering so that the human ear cannot easily detect the difference between the actual and rendered sound.

Google Play Music offers free access to over 30 million songs. The services are free and are considered a bargain compared with the other paid services. Both Google and Amazon services utilise web streaming with ease.

How useful is 3D printing for the music industry?

A fantastic benefit includes 3D Printing, which brings musical recordings stored in digital format recalled and reprinted at will. For sentimental reasons, some people like to play music available on phonographs. Using 3D Printing, both old and modern music can be stored in digital form, retrieving 3D printed used on improved durable media. More sophisticated materials are available for 3D printers, and high-quality audio recordings are used to get outstanding audio fidelity and rendition. Apart from this printing musical recordings, the 3D printers are used primarily to print musical instruments like drums, guitars, pianos and saxophones. The list covers musical instruments that grow as 3D printing materials like:

To summarise, 3D Printing makes it possible to:

Store music digitally with reproduce it faithfully
Print a variety of musical instruments.

We at Australian Design & Drafting Services company offer excellent service used for 3D Printing and Prototype Design. Contact Us to get more information.

Who uses 3D printing services?

A wide range of individuals and industries use 3D printing services for various purposes:

Prototyping: Many product designers, engineers, and inventors use 3D printing services to create prototypes of their designs before mass production. This allows them to test the functionality, form, and fit of their products before investing in expensive tooling.

Manufacturing: Some businesses utilize 3D printing services for small-scale manufacturing of customized or niche products. This can include items like jewelry, dental implants, prosthetics, and aerospace components.

Architecture and Construction: Architects and construction professionals use 3D printing services to create scale models of buildings and structures for design visualization and client presentations. Some are even exploring the use of 3D printing for constructing building components.
Medical: The medical industry leverages 3D printing services for various applications, including creating patient-specific implants, prosthetics, surgical guides, and anatomical models for surgical planning and education.

Education and Research: Universities, research institutions, and educational programs use 3D printing services for teaching purposes and conducting research across a wide range of disciplines, from engineering to biology.

Hobbyists and Makers: Individuals who enjoy DIY projects, crafting, and tinkering use 3D printing services to bring their ideas to life. They may create anything from custom phone cases to cosplay props.

Art and Design: Artists and designers use 3D printing services to explore new forms of expression and create intricate sculptures, jewelry, and other art pieces that would be difficult or impossible to make using traditional methods.

Automotive: Automotive companies use 3D printing services for rapid prototyping of car parts, creating custom components, and even producing limited edition or concept vehicles.

Fashion: Fashion designers and enthusiasts use 3D printing services to create unique clothing, accessories, and footwear, pushing the boundaries of traditional fashion design.

Consumer Products: Some consumers utilize 3D printing services to create custom household items, gadgets, toys, and personalized gifts.

What is the scope of 3D printing?

The scope of 3D printing is continuously expanding across various industries and applications. Here’s a broad overview:

Prototyping: This was one of the earliest and still most common uses of 3D printing. It allows for rapid prototyping of products and designs, saving time and money in the development process.
Manufacturing: 3D printing is increasingly being used for manufacturing final products, especially in industries where customization or small batch production is beneficial, such as aerospace, automotive, and healthcare.
Healthcare: In healthcare, 3D printing is revolutionizing patient care through the creation of custom prosthetics, implants, surgical tools, and even tissue and organ scaffolds for regenerative medicine.
Education: 3D printing is being integrated into educational curricula at various levels, from elementary schools to universities, to teach students about design, engineering, and manufacturing processes.
Architecture and Construction: Architects and construction firms are using 3D printing to create detailed models, prototypes, and even full-scale structures, offering new possibilities in design and construction.
Automotive: The automotive industry employs 3D printing for rapid prototyping, tooling, and even manufacturing of certain parts, offering flexibility and reducing lead times.
Fashion and Design: Designers and artists are exploring 3D printing for creating intricate and unique fashion pieces, accessories, and home decor items that would be difficult or impossible to produce using traditional methods.
Consumer Goods: Some companies are exploring 3D printing for producing consumer goods, such as customized jewelry, electronics accessories, and household items.
Food Industry: While still in its early stages, 3D printing is being experimented with in the food industry to create novel food products, personalized nutrition, and intricate culinary designs.
Space Exploration: NASA and other space agencies are researching and using 3D printing to manufacture components and tools in space, reducing the need for transporting materials from Earth and enabling long-term space missions.
Defense and Military: 3D printing is utilized in defense for prototyping, creating custom equipment, and repairing parts on-demand, offering greater agility and cost-effectiveness.

James Hartley

Senior Mechanical Engineer · BEng (Mechanical), UQ · Member, Engineers Australia · ASTCAD, Brisbane

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by James Hartley

When sharing 3D CAD models between different software packages, engineers and drafters in Australia face the STEP vs IGES choice almost always reach for one of two neutral file formats: IGES or STEP. Both solve the same core problem — proprietary CAD files (SolidWorks .sldprt, Inventor .ipt, CATIA .CATPart) can’t be opened natively in competing software — but they do it differently, and the choice matters.

IGES vs STEP: Quick Comparison

	IGES	STEP
Full name	Initial Graphics Exchange Specification	Standard for the Exchange of Product Data
File extensions	.igs, .iges	.stp, .step
Developed	1970s (US DoD / Boeing)	1980s–1990s (ISO 10303)
Standard	ASME Y14.26M	ISO 10303
Geometry types	Surfaces, curves, wireframes, basic solids	Solids, surfaces, curves, assemblies
Tolerances	❌ Not supported	✅ Yes (PMI / GD&T)
Material data	❌ Not supported	✅ Yes
Assembly structure	Limited	Full hierarchy preserved
File size	Smaller	Larger (more data carried)
Software support	All major CAD systems	All major CAD systems
Recommended for	Legacy workflows, surface data only	Most modern engineering exchange

What Is IGES?

IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification) is the older of the two formats, developed in the late 1970s when the US Department of Defence needed a way to share CAD data between different defence contractors. Boeing and the US Air Force led the project — imagine coordinating an aircraft carrier or missile system across hundreds of suppliers all using incompatible CAD software.

IGES encodes geometry — curves, surfaces, wireframes — as a text-based file. It handles: basic 3D surface and solid geometry, 2D curves and wireframe elements, drawing annotation data (lines, text), and limited assembly structure. What it does not carry: GD&T / tolerance data, material properties, feature history, or robust assembly hierarchies. IGES essentially freezes the geometry as a snapshot — there’s no parametric history and no downstream data beyond shape.

When to use IGES

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