CAD - Computer Aided Design

From Teknikka Library

Overview

Most of the work that people do on their motorcycles does not require any heavy design work. However, the tools of the design industry can open up a whole new world of possibilities for the gearhead. There are a variety of tools that are available that can be used to move a design from your head, to paper and finally to object. Price varies from freeware & shareware up to modeling and manufacturing packages that can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

The first step in creating a design is to draw the idea out on paper. Think the item through in orthographic (top, front & side views) then make a perspective view. Refer to the Teknikka section on Concept Drawing for more help. Then go into a vector or raster image software to make a rendering. The most popular software for this is Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Think of this as a glorified version of a coloring book. With a little practice and the methods discussed in Concept Rendering you can quickly have renderings that many would consider a real object.

Once you have a good physical print of what you are seeing in your head you could either start building or take the next step up into 3D Modeling. If you are going to have someone else build your part or you are designing a mechanical part with vary much complexity, it may be a good idea to take the leap into this type of program. Essentially, you build the three dimensional part in the computer and create files that machine shops will be able to use to make your part. Modern modeling programs are a far cry from the well known Auto CAD software, so if you haven't used any 3D modeling programs in a while you may need to spend some time learning a new platform. Most software packages have student editions which are available at a significantly reduced price. As long as you aren't doing work for anyone other than yourself, these student editions will work just the same. In fact, PTC's Pro/E student edition contains all the additional modules that will allow you to do stress analysis or sheet metal designs.