Virtual/Digital Modelling

Question 1

Advantages of using 3D CAD to prototype

Answer 1

Modified and developed more quickly than with traditional drawing or modelling techniques.
Create a simulation of how a product will be manufactured by CAM equipment.
Errors spotted before waste occurs and to identify how long manufacture will take.

Question 2

Advantages of CAD

Answer 2

Advantages of CAD:
Faster to draw and edit designs
Higher level of accuracy
Photo-realistic models that can be viewed from any angle
Ability to work collaboratively in teams across different locations
Simulate manufacture and eliminate problems before waste occurs
Can be used to directly control CAM equipment

Question 3

Disadvantages of CAD

Answer 3

Disadvantages of CAD:
Initial set up costs are high (cost of software and staff training)
Software must be updated regularly, which can be expensive
Requires specialist equipment (PC), so not easy to do in all locations
Not always suitable for quick sketches.

Question 4

CADRapid Prototyping

Answer 4

3D model of the drawing. Wide range of materials tested

Rapid prototyping is a fast and accurate way of producing 3D models, which required much less skill than traditional modelling methods.

Question 5

Virtual Modelling

Answer 5

Virtual modelling can be used to test products before they are manufactured.
By creating 3D CAD models, the product or component can be put into a virtual model of where it may be used.
For example an engine component can be ‘connected’ to other parts of the engine to check that it will fit and can be accessed for maintenance.
Virtual modelling can be used to simulate a manufacturing process in order to check that the part can be machined correctly

Question 6

Types of Virtual Modelling

Answer 6

-Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) - simulates fluids or gases around a product. CFD allows potential issues to be found and addressed before any manufacturing takes place, which save both time and money.

-Finite Element Analysis (FEA) - FEA software to simulate things such as vibration or shock loads on products or components that they have drawn. This can highlight any weak points which might need further development before manufacture, this saves both time and money.