Chapter 7 Computer-Aided Drafting and Design
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design data, is calculated by the program for
manufacturing. The data is used to cut the
material and make the part, Figure 7-36.
Advanced Rendering and
Animation Programs
Most CAD modeling programs typically
include rendering capability. In CAD terms,
a rendering is a highly realistic representation
of a model with lighting, shadows, and other
visual effects applied. Renderings are common
in mechanical and architectural drafting,
because a mechanical assembly or an interior
room can be shown in great detail to a potential
client.
In high-end CAD applications, advanced
rendering programs are used to create very
realistic displays. See Figure  7-37. These
programs provide lighting, materials, and
environmental effects to greatly enhance the
appearance of a model. A model set up for
Advanced CAD Systems
Some CAD modeling software is specifi cally
designed for linking mechanical designs to
manufacturing. There are also advanced CAD
modeling programs used to create photorealistic
renderings and animations. The following
sections discuss some of the features provided
by advanced CAD software packages and
systems.
CAD/CAM
Computer-aided design/computer-aided
manufacturing (CAD/CAM) combines CAD
with automated manufacturing operations.
In this type of manufacturing, computer
numerical control (CNC) machines control
the manufacturing processes. Computer data
that is input to the machine is used to control
the movement of machine tools. After a part is
drawn in the CAD program, the mathematical
shape and size description of the part, or
Courtesy of Mastercam/CNC Software, Inc.
Figure 7-36. CAD/CAM programs use CAD-generated drawings to supply tool data for manufacturing processes.
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.