HNC CAD: 2D CAD Concepts -




Welcome to the 2D CAD Concepts module.

This module is designed to provide you with an understanding of the processes used when generating details through the use of a Computer Aided Draughting program.
This module is split up into 3 levels,
• Firstly -
  An introduction to the environment within which drawing takes place.
  A description and explanation of the basic drawing elements provided and how they are used.
  A description and explanation of the basic tools provided to position accurately.
• Secondly -
  The use of tools that allow editing and modification.
  The use of tools to increase drawing efficiency.
  Drawing Procedures.
• Thirdly -
  Communication between remote and/or different CAD systems.
  Management of drawing standards and archives .
  
There will be formative progress tests. These are only to inform you of your progress. No record of your attempts or results are collected or stored.

It is important that the concepts given here are practised. To this end, any exercises will generally be based on objects you are likely to find in and around the home or in common public areas. Exercises will stay clear of technologies that are not commonly understood as there is sufficient difficulty in understanding the concepts of 2D CAD, without introducing other un-necessary technical complexities.

There is a saying
I HEAR and I forget
I SEE and I remember
I DO and I understand

You must back up any information you have heared or read with action in the form of practise. The more you practise, the more you come to understand the concepts you have read.

It is not necessary to use a specific CAD program to be successful in this module, although for ease of delivery, all examples are based around the AutoCAD draughting system and its menu and command implementation.

AutoCAD is an expensive CAD system, however, students are able to take advantage of very good educational deals. More information about current offers can be found in the student information section.

This HNC CAD course has a number of Modules based around Computer Aided Draughting (2D CAD Concepts, 2D CAD Practise, Customisation and Programming, 3D CAD Concepts and 3D CAD Practise).

It has been necessary to use one CAD system to reduce workload and costs and AutoCAD has been chosen because of its overall power, acceptance in industry and its student licensing schemes.

The 2D CAD element of the HNC has been split into two modules to reinforce the importance of applying CAD techniques with understanding. I hope you will find it informative and that it provides you with a good introductory knowledge of how CAD systems work and is beneficial in giving you the power to produce accurate, reliable and efficient drawings.