Comprehensive definitions for CAD, CAM, engineering, and manufacturing terms.
Creating CAD models that combine multiple parts with defined relationships (mates/constraints). Assemblies verify fit and enable motion simulation.
A view projected perpendicular to an angled surface to show its true shape. Used when principal views don't adequately represent angled features.
A metal combined with other elements to improve properties. Common examples: steel (iron+carbon), brass (copper+zinc), aluminum alloys.
Autodesk's flagship CAD software, originally for 2D drafting but now includes 3D capabilities. Industry standard for 2D documentation.
Leading simulation software for FEA, CFD, and multiphysics analysis. Industry standard for engineering simulation.
Building parts layer by layer from digital models. Includes 3D printing, SLS, DMLS, and other technologies. Opposite of subtractive manufacturing.
Operations that combine or subtract solid bodies: Union (add), Subtract (cut), and Intersect (common volume). Fundamental to solid modeling workflows.
Bill of Materials - A comprehensive list of parts, components, and materials needed to manufacture a product. Includes quantities, part numbers, and descriptions.
Computer-Aided Design - Software used to create, modify, and optimize designs digitally. CAD systems are used across engineering, architecture, and manufacturing to create precise 2D drawings and 3D models.
Computer-Aided Manufacturing - Software that uses CAD models to generate toolpaths and instructions for CNC machines. CAM bridges the gap between design and manufacturing.
Computer-Aided Engineering - Software tools for engineering analysis including FEA, CFD, and motion simulation. CAE helps validate designs before physical prototyping.
Computer Numerical Control - Machine tools controlled by computer programs (G-code). CNC enables automated, precise manufacturing of complex parts.
Computational Fluid Dynamics - Simulation of fluid flow, heat transfer, and related phenomena. Used for aerodynamics, cooling, and flow optimization.
Computer-Aided Three-dimensional Interactive Application - Enterprise CAD/PLM software by Dassault Systèmes, standard in automotive and aerospace.
PTC's parametric 3D CAD software, formerly Pro/ENGINEER. Strong in complex mechanical assemblies and manufacturing integration.
A modeling approach that manipulates geometry directly without parametric history. Useful for editing imported geometry or quick design exploration.
An enlarged view of a specific area of a drawing to show small features or complex geometry more clearly. Typically shown at increased scale.
A theoretically perfect reference feature from which measurements are made. Datums establish the coordinate system for GD&T specifications.
AutoCAD's native file format for 2D and 3D CAD data. Widely used for 2D drafting and as an exchange format.
Drawing Exchange Format - An open CAD format for 2D drawing exchange. Commonly used for CNC cutting machines and legacy systems.
Manufacturing process forcing molten metal under pressure into a mold cavity. Used for high-volume metal parts with good surface finish.
Design for Manufacturing - The practice of designing products for ease of manufacturing. Reduces costs and improves quality by considering production early.
Design for Assembly - The practice of designing products for ease of assembly. Reduces assembly time, errors, and costs.
Electrical Discharge Machining - Process using electrical sparks to erode material. Used for hard metals and complex shapes. Types: wire EDM, sinker EDM.
Engineering Change Order - A formal document authorizing changes to a design or manufacturing process. Part of change control procedures.
The history of modeling operations in parametric CAD, showing how the model was built. Also called History Tree or Model Tree.
The GD&T symbol that specifies geometric tolerance requirements. Contains the characteristic symbol, tolerance value, modifiers, and datum references.
A GD&T form control specifying that a surface must lie within a tolerance zone between two parallel planes. No datum required.
Final machining operations that achieve required surface finish and dimensional accuracy. Uses lighter cuts and finer feeds than roughing.
Cutting parameters: spindle speed (RPM), feed rate (distance/time), and depth of cut. Critical for tool life, surface finish, and cycle time.
A custom workholding device designed to locate and hold specific parts for machining, assembly, or inspection. Improves repeatability and efficiency.
Finite Element Analysis - Computational method that divides geometry into small elements to simulate structural, thermal, or other physical behavior.
Ratio of material strength to applied stress. FOS > 1 indicates the design can handle more than expected loads. Typical values: 1.5-4 depending on application.
Autodesk's cloud-based CAD/CAM/CAE platform combining design, simulation, and manufacturing in one tool. Popular with startups and makers.
Detailed inspection of the first production parts to verify they meet all specifications. Required before full production begins.
Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing - A symbolic language per ASME Y14.5 for specifying allowable variation in part geometry. More precise than traditional tolerancing.
The programming language that controls CNC machines. G-codes command motion and operations; M-codes control auxiliary functions.
Controlled heating and cooling of metals to change properties: hardening, annealing, tempering. Critical for achieving required mechanical properties.
Resistance to indentation, measured by scales like Rockwell (HRC), Brinell (HB), or Vickers (HV). Affects machinability and wear resistance.
A 3D pictorial view where all three axes are equally foreshortened at 30° angles. Provides depth perception while maintaining measurable dimensions.
Initial Graphics Exchange Specification - An older neutral CAD format (.igs/.iges) for 2D/3D data exchange. Being replaced by STEP.
Autodesk's 3D mechanical CAD software for product design and engineering. Competes with SolidWorks in the mid-market.
Manufacturing process that injects molten plastic into a mold to create parts. Used for high-volume plastic component production.
Relationships between parts in an assembly that control relative position and motion. Common types include coincident, parallel, concentric, and distance.
Maximum Material Condition - The condition where a feature contains the maximum amount of material (largest shaft, smallest hole). Used with bonus tolerance.
The network of elements created to represent geometry in FEA. Mesh quality significantly affects analysis accuracy and computation time.
FEA study determining natural frequencies and mode shapes of a structure. Critical for avoiding resonance and vibration problems.
Leading CAM software for CNC programming, supporting milling, turning, wire EDM, and other processes.
Product Lifecycle Management - Systems that manage product data and processes from concept through disposal. PLM integrates CAD data with enterprise systems.
Product Data Management - Systems that manage CAD files, revisions, and associated data. PDM provides version control and access management for engineering documents.
A modeling approach where features are defined by parameters and relationships. Changing a parameter automatically updates related geometry, enabling design iteration.
A GD&T orientation control specifying that a surface or axis must be perpendicular to a datum within a tolerance zone.
A GD&T location control specifying the allowable deviation of a feature's location from its true position relative to datums.
A GD&T control specifying allowable variation from a true profile. Can control form, orientation, and location depending on datum references.
Software that converts CAM toolpaths into machine-specific G-code. Each CNC machine type requires its own post processor.
A geometric modeling kernel and file format (.x_t/.x_b) used by many CAD systems including SolidWorks, NX, and Solid Edge.
Production Part Approval Process - A standardized process (from AIAG) for approving new or revised parts in automotive. Ensures supplier capability.
An area on drawings tracking changes: revision letter/number, description, date, and approval. Essential for configuration management.
A GD&T control measuring surface variation relative to a datum axis during rotation. Controls both form and location.
Initial machining operations that quickly remove bulk material, leaving stock for finishing. Prioritizes material removal rate over surface quality.
Creating CAD models from existing physical parts, often using 3D scanning. Used for legacy parts, competitive analysis, and documentation.
Creating 3D geometry using surfaces rather than solid features. Essential for complex shapes like automotive exteriors and consumer product styling.
Creating 3D geometry as enclosed solid volumes with defined mass properties. The standard approach for mechanical design and manufacturing.
A drawing view showing internal features as if the part were cut by a plane. Reveals hidden geometry and simplifies complex internal details.
The texture of a machined surface, measured in Ra (roughness average) or RMS. Specified in microinches or micrometers.
FEA study calculating internal forces (stress) and deformation (strain) under applied loads. Used to verify structural adequacy.
Standard for the Exchange of Product Data - A neutral CAD format (.stp/.step) for exchanging 3D models between different CAD systems.
Stereolithography file format representing 3D surfaces as triangular facets. Standard format for 3D printing and rapid prototyping.
A parametric 3D CAD software by Dassault Systèmes, popular for mechanical design, especially in SMB manufacturing and consumer products.
High-end CAD/CAM/CAE software by Siemens, used in automotive, aerospace, and complex mechanical design.
Manufacturing processes for forming sheet metal: cutting, bending, punching, welding. Used for enclosures, brackets, and structural parts.
A bordered area on a drawing containing identification information: part name/number, material, scale, tolerances, revision level, and approvals.
The path a cutting tool follows during machining. CAM software generates toolpaths to efficiently remove material while achieving required quality.
The cumulative effect of individual tolerances in an assembly. Stack analysis ensures assembled dimensions remain within acceptable limits.