COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course introduces computer-aided design using AutoCAD and additive manufacturing using 3D printing technologies. Students will design, model, and fabricate physical prototypes from digital drawings.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students should be able to:

1. Create 2D engineering drawings using AutoCAD.
2. Develop basic 3D models for engineering applications.
3. Prepare and optimize models for 3D printing.
4. Operate 3D printers and produce functional prototypes.

CONTENT OUTLINE

UNIT ONE:  INTRODUCTION TO CAD & ENGINEERING DRAWING                                                                         HOURS: 6

INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES

Students should be able to:

• Explain CAD concepts and applications
• Navigate AutoCAD interface and tools
• Apply basic drawing commands

CONTENT

• Introduction to CAD systems
• Interface of AutoCAD (workspace, commands)
• Drawing tools (line, circle, arc, rectangle)
• Coordinate systems and precision drawing
• File management and templates

UNIT TWO:   2D DRAFTING & ANNOTATION       HOURS: 8

INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES

Students should be able to:

2.1 Create detailed 2D engineering drawings

2.2 Apply dimensions and annotations

2.3 Organize drawings using layers

CONTENT

• Orthographic projection
• Dimensioning techniques
• Text and annotation
• Layer management
• Plotting and printing drawings

UNIT THREE:  INTRODUCTION TO 3D MODELLING IN AUTOCAD                                                                               HOURS:  8

INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES

Students should be able to:

3.1 Create basic 3D objects

3.2 Modify and edit 3D models

3.3 Visualize designs using rendering tools

CONTENT

• 3D workspace and navigation
• Solid modeling (extrude, revolve, sweep)
• Editing tools (union, subtract, fillet)
• Visualization and shading

UNIT FOUR: INTRODUCTION TO 3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY                                                                              HOURS: 6

INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES

Students should be able to:

4.1 Explain 3D printing processes

4.2 Identify types of printers and materials

• Prepare models for printing

CONTENT

• Additive manufacturing principles
• Types of 3D printing (FDM, SLA, resin)
• Materials (PLA, ABS, PETG)
• File formats (STL, OBJ)
• Slicing software basics

UNIT FIVE:  PRACTICAL 3D PRINTING & PROTOTYPING PROJECT                                                                                       HOURS: 8

INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES

Students should be able to:

5.1 Set up and operate a 3D printer

5.2 Print and troubleshoot models

5.3 Develop a final prototype project

CONTENT

• Printer setup and calibration
• Printing workflow (design → slice → print)
• Troubleshooting (warping, layer shift)
• Post-processing techniques
• Final project: Design and print a functional object

METHODS OF DELIVERY

• Lectures and demonstrations
• Hands-on CAD lab sessions
• 3D printing practical sessions

• Group and individual projects

METHODS OF EVALUATION

• Course Work – 60%
• Assignments – 25%                                                  
• 3D Model Design – 15%
• Final Prototype Project – 20%
• Final Examination – 40%

 SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

• CAD drawing files
• Project portfolio
• Attendance records
• Practical assessment logs

RECOMMENDED TEXTS

• Tickoo, S. – AutoCAD for Engineers and Designers
• Gibson, I. – Additive Manufacturing Technologies
• Autodesk Official Tutorials (AutoCAD)

CERTIFICATION OUTCOME

Participants will receive:

• Certificate in AutoCAD & 3D Printing (Basic to Intermediate)
• Portfolio of designs and printed prototypes

GRADING SCALE