Information for the subject
Introduction to CAD systems
for Computer Science Engineering Students
Lecturer: Mrs. Óvári Dr. habil. Balajti Zsuzsanna Associate Professor
1. Course Objectives
The primary objective of this subject is to introduce students to the theoretical and practical world of Computer-Aided Design (CAD), bridging the gap between traditional engineering drawing and modern digital product development. The course aims to develop a parametric mindset, through which students master the logic of 3D solid modeling, from part-level design to the assembly of complex mechanical structures. A key goal of the subject is for students to acquire proficiency in using a specific software (Creo Parametric) and to understand the underlying principles of geometric modeling.
2. Course Syllabus
The course syllabus ranges from theoretical basic concepts to complex engineering applications, structured around the following key focal points: Basic Concepts and Digital Environment: The history and evolution of CAD systems, hardware and software components, and the parametric design environment. Sketching and Constraints: Creation of 2D parametric profiles, application of geometric and dimensional constraints, which form the foundations of 3D solid models. Part Modeling: Feature-based design. Generation of extruded, revolved, and swept bodies; application of holes, patterns, and other engineering features (fillets, chamfers). Theory of Geometric Modeling: Mathematical background of wireframe, surface, and solid modeling; comparison of parametric and direct modeling strategies. Assemblies: Defining constraint relationships between parts. Visualization and Illustration: Lighting models, shading techniques, and photorealistic rendering to support product presentation.
3. Course Completion Requirements
Students attend the course with a transcript entry of 2 hours of lectures and 2 hours of practical sessions per week. The semester concludes with a signature and a practical grade.
3.1. Conditions for Course Recognition and Obtaining the Signature
- Completion of one (1) midterm test with at least a "pass" (grade 2) result.
- Completion of two (2) computer-based drawing assignments with at least a "pass" (grade 2) result.
- Regular and active participation in classes.
In accordance with Section 48 (5) of the Academic and Examination Rules (HKR), if unexcused absences exceed 40% for lectures (6 sessions) or 30% for practicals (4 sessions), the department will initiate the final refusal of the signature. Following a "final refusal of signature" entry, the student cannot make up for the absences and must re-enroll in and attend the course again to obtain the signature.
3.2. Duration, Timing, and Evaluation of Tasks to be Completed During the Semester
During the semester, students must complete one (1) midterm test (60 minutes) and two (2) drawing assignments (2x60 minutes). A "pass" grade for the midterm test requires 50% of the maximum score; the distribution of other grades is approximately linear. A drawing assignment is "excellent" (5) if it is flawless and aesthetically pleasing; it is "fail" (1) if more than 50% of the required features are missing. Other grades are distributed linearly based on the level of completion.
3.2.1. Conditions for Retaking Assignments
Students who failed to achieve at least a "pass" grade on the midterm test and/or the drawing assignments have one opportunity to retake them during the semester.
3.2.2. Calculation of the Practical Grade
The practical grade is the average of the grades received for the midterm test and the drawing assignments.
Literature
- Lee, Kunwoo: Principles of CAD/CAM/CAE Systems, Addison-Wesley 1999.
- Lajos, Sándor: 2D Sketches, e-excercise book
- Lajos, Sándor: 3D Models, e-excercise book
- Creo Parametric Primer, tutorial
COURSE SCHEDULE
| Week | Lecture | Practical Session |
| 1. | Basic concepts of CAD systems. Architecture of CAD systems, hardware and software components. | Basics of using Creo Parametric: GUI elements, menus, toolbars, graphics area, model tree. Creating and modifying basic elements. Defining and modifying dimensions. Geometric constraints. |
| 2. | Mapping 3D objects to a 2D plane. Orthographic projections. | Creating 2D profiles. Drafting sample tasks together with the instructor, followed by independent work. |
| 3. | Coordinate systems. Coordinate and point transformations. | Creating 2D profiles. Drafting complex sample tasks together with the instructor, followed by independent work. |
| 4. | Representing 3D shapes on a plane. Computerized drafting systems. | 1st Drawing Assignment (Assessment). |
| 5. | Geometric modeling systems. Wireframe, surface, and solid models. | Creating and modifying extruded bodies. Modeling sample tasks with the instructor, then independently. |
| 6. | Creation, modification, and storage of models. | Creating and modifying holes and patterns. Modeling sample tasks with the instructor, then independently. |
| 7. | Model visualization and visibility algorithms. Lighting, shading, and photorealistic rendering. | Creating and modifying revolved bodies. Modeling sample tasks with the instructor, then independently. |
| 8. | Break | Break |
| 9. | Break | Break |
| 10. | Parametric and direct modeling. Presentation of various parametric and direct modeling systems. | Creating and modifying swept bodies (translational features). Modeling sample tasks with the instructor, then independently. |
| 11. | Description, characteristics, and definition of curves and surfaces in modeling systems. | Creating assemblies. Completing sample tasks with the instructor, then independently. |
| 12. | Rapid Prototyping (RP). | Creating photorealistic images. Completing sample tasks with the instructor, then independently. |
| 13. | Midterm Test | 2nd Drawing Assignment (Assessment). |
| 14. | Retake Midterm Test | Retake of Drawing Assignments. |