Introduction

Engineering Drawing and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) are essential skills for modern engineers. Engineering drawing serves as the universal language of engineering, enabling professionals to communicate ideas, specifications, and designs effectively. CAD software has revolutionized the way engineers create, modify, analyze, and optimize designs, making it easier to visualize and manufacture products. This course is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of engineering drawing principles and hands-on experience with industry-standard CAD tools. The course will cover the fundamentals of technical drawing, 3D modeling, dimensioning, tolerancing, and assembly design. Participants will also learn to use CAD software to draft, analyze, and refine engineering designs, preparing them for real-world applications in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, and construction.

Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will:

1. Master the principles of engineering drawing, including various types of technical drawings such as orthographic, isometric, and sectional views.
2. Understand the essential concepts of dimensioning, tolerancing, and symbol usage in technical drawings.
3. Develop proficiency in using CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Fusion 360) to create 2D and 3D models, assemblies, and technical drawings.
4. Create accurate and detailed engineering drawings and blueprints.
5. Analyze design constraints and optimize designs using CAD tools.
6. Collaborate in teams to develop and refine engineering designs and document specifications.
7. Understand best practices in design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) using CAD tools.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Mechanical Engineers, Civil Engineers, Aerospace Engineers, and Industrial Designers who wish to enhance their design and drafting skills.
• Engineering Technicians and Draftspersons looking to improve their proficiency in CAD tools and engineering drawing techniques.
• Students pursuing degrees in engineering, architecture, or related fields who need to learn the basics of CAD and technical drawing.
• Product Designers and Manufacturing Engineers involved in creating and refining engineering designs for real-world applications.
• Anyone seeking to enter the field of design engineering and gain hands-on experience with industry-standard CAD software.

Course Outline

Day 1: Fundamentals of Engineering Drawing

• Module 1.1: Introduction to Engineering Drawing

  • Importance of technical drawings in engineering and manufacturing.
  • Overview of drawing standards (ANSI, ISO) and their global application.
  • Types of engineering drawings: orthographic, isometric, axonometric, and sectional views.

• Module 1.2: Line Types and Symbols

  • Understanding line conventions: continuous, dashed, chain, and center lines.
  • Symbol usage in technical drawings: surface finish, welding symbols, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
  • Title blocks, revision blocks, and drawing scales.

• Module 1.3: Hands-On Session

  • Drawing basic shapes and objects using manual drafting techniques.
  • Introduction to standardized dimensions and creating a simple 2D engineering drawing by hand.

Day 2: Dimensioning, Tolerancing, and Projections

• Module 2.1: Dimensioning Techniques

  • Linear dimensions, angular dimensions, and radial dimensions.
  • Dimensioning systems: aligned vs. unidirectional, fractional vs. decimal dimensions.
  • Tolerance: linear tolerance, geometric tolerance, and the significance of fit and clearance.

• Module 2.2: Projection Methods

  • Orthographic projection and the creation of front, top, and side views.
  • Sectional views and broken-out views for internal details.
  • Auxiliary views and their use in showing inclined surfaces.

• Module 2.3: Hands-On Session

  • Create an engineering drawing with proper dimensioning and tolerancing using manual techniques.
  • Analyze real-world engineering drawings and identify dimensioning conventions.

Day 3: Introduction to CAD and 2D Drafting Techniques

• Module 3.1: Introduction to CAD Software

  • Overview of industry-standard CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Fusion 360).
  • Key functions of CAD tools: drawing, modifying, and organizing designs.
  • Setting up the workspace and configuring units in CAD software.

• Module 3.2: 2D Drafting in CAD

  • Basic 2D drawing commands: line, circle, arc, and polyline.
  • Layers, blocks, and annotative objects in CAD.
  • Proper use of dimensioning tools and adding notes to drawings.

• Module 3.3: Hands-On Session

  • Create a simple 2D technical drawing in CAD software.
  • Apply dimensioning and annotations to the drawing.

Day 4: 3D Modeling and Assembly Design

• Module 4.1: Introduction to 3D Modeling

  • Solid modeling basics: extrude, revolve, and sweep commands.
  • Creating basic 3D shapes and combining them to form complex models.
  • Parametric design and the use of constraints in CAD models.

• Module 4.2: Assembly Design

  • Assembling individual components into a complete assembly.
  • Mates and constraints in assemblies: understanding fixed, coincident, and tangential mates.
  • Basic principles of design for assembly (DFA).

• Module 4.3: Hands-On Session

  • Create a 3D model of a mechanical part (e.g., bracket, gear).
  • Assemble multiple parts and check for interferences using assembly constraints.

Day 5: Advanced CAD Techniques and Best Practices

• Module 5.1: Advanced CAD Features

  • Surface modeling: creating complex curved surfaces.
  • Rendering and visualization of CAD models using photorealistic settings.
  • Design optimization tools in CAD: stress analysis, weight reduction, and material selection.

• Module 5.2: Finalizing Designs and Documentation

  • Generating technical drawings from 3D models.
  • Creating bills of materials (BOMs) and assembly instructions.
  • Best practices for design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA).

• Module 5.3: Hands-On Session

  • Final project: Complete a 3D model, assemble it, and generate a detailed technical drawing.
  • Perform design validation using CAD tools to identify potential manufacturing issues.

Prerequisites

• Basic knowledge of engineering concepts and design principles.
• Familiarity with mathematics and basic geometry.
• No prior experience with CAD is required, but familiarity with drawing or design concepts is helpful.

Course Takeaways

✅ Hands-on experience with industry-standard CAD software.
✅ In-depth understanding of engineering drawing standards, including dimensioning, tolerancing, and symbol usage.
✅ Proficiency in 2D drafting and 3D modeling, including the creation of technical drawings and assemblies.
✅ Practical skills for applying CAD tools in real-world engineering and design challenges.
✅ Knowledge of best practices in design for manufacturability and design for assembly.