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Computer Aided Drafting

Computer Aided Drafting

Degree Type: Associate of Applied Science Degree, AAS, Certificate, CER

Pathway: Technical and Professional Studies

More Options: Classroom Based

Program Length: 4 Semesters

Location: Centennial, Downtown Studio

Transferability: Non-transferable

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computer aided drafting student

Why choose computer aided drafting at ppsc?

PPSC's Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) program prepares you to enter the workforce as a skilled CAD technician. You'll be equipped with a solid foundation for drafting positions in manufacturing, engineering, and other areas requiring production-ready drawings and 3-dimensional or 3D printed models.

You will learn to prepare 2D and 3D projects for fabrication using the latest releases of multiple CAD software. In addition, you will acquire skills in subject matter of design principles, industry standards, fabrication materials, manufacturing applications, tolerance methods and analysis, problem-solving techniques and general organizational skills.

Career Options

Computer Aided Drafting professionals possess a unique combination of artistic, design, mechanical and mathematical aptitude. Some careers in CAD include:
  • Modeling Design
  • Installation Drafter
  • Layout Designer
  • Mechanical Designer
computer aided drafting student

 

CAD Classes You Might Take

Students who study Computer Aided Drafting will:

  • Learn to prepare 2D and 3D drawings for fabrication using the latest release of AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CREO (formerly Pro Engineer) and MasterCAM.
  • Understand print reading, problem-solving techniques, methods of simulation and testing, 3D printing, use of research tools.
  • Gain general organizational skills and applications in geometry and trigonometry.

All of our learning outcomes are skill based and expected to help students with practical application.

class 1

Focuses on the interpretation of mechanical shop and working drawings. Examines drawing formats, view selection, hardware, symbols, dimensioning, and tolerancing systems utilizing the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) standard.

class 2

Provides the training to develop skillsets on how to produce technical drawings utilizing the latest technologies. Course will develop skills in hand lettering/sketching techniques and the use of a Computer Aided Design (CAD) based drawing system. Course covers how to develop technical drawings demonstrating multi-view orthographic projections, auxiliary views, section views, and beginning dimensioning concepts based on ANSI/ASME standards.

class 3

Introduces basic Pro/engineer software and its operations such as part creation, assembly creation and drawing creation. Pro/engineer is a 3D Parametric Solid Modeling program.

view in catalog

 

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes (PLO) are competencies with which students will be proficient at the completion of an academic program. Program Learning Outcomes link with course learning outcomes and competencies.

 

Upon completion of the program Computer Aided Drafting program Mechanical emphasis, you should be able to:

  • Develop and produce a technical engineering assembly drawing applying current industry standards for manufacturing.
  • Analyze part function and relationship to each other including tolerance of parts for assemblies while calculating and applying mating part conditions for a guaranteed assembly fit.
  •  Develop and produce rapid prototypes using additive manufacturing technology and appropriate 3D printing material.

Upon completion of the program Computer Aided Drafting program Robotics & Automation emphasis, you should be able to:

  • Interpret and produce industrial 2D working drawings and 3D models based on industry standards. 
  • Use the SolidWorks software package to create advanced models, parts, assemblies, and related documents (e.g., bill of materials, parts lists).
  • Produce parts and assemblies using additive manufacturing with 3D printing. 
  • Construct, test, and troubleshoot electronic and digital circuits.
  • Solder electronic components on circuit boards.
  • Program, maintain, and troubleshoot robotic system.
  • Explain the architecture, hardware, programming languages, and input and output capabilities of microcontrollers.
  • Program a microcontroller to execute code.
  • Construct, test, and evaluate basic industrial control systems in robotic and automation technology.

Upon completion of the program Computer Aided Drafting program HVAC emphasis, you should be able to:

  •  Interpret and produce industrial 2D working drawings and 3D models based on industry standards. 
  • Use the SolidWorks software package to create advanced models, parts, assemblies, and related documents (e.g., bill of materials, parts lists).
  • Explain basic theory and components of refrigeration systems.
  • Calculate current, voltage, and power in AC and DC circuits.
  • Apply computations of circuit analysis and troubleshooting with basic test equipment. 
  • Discuss basics of gas heating systems, operation of gas valves and burners, to include gas pipe system design.
  • Apply basic code requirements for heating systems.
  • Examine the operation of hot water heating systems, to include installation, maintenance, and repair.

Upon completion of the Advanced CAD Technical Skills Certificate, you should be able to:

  • Produce 2D printed/plotted drawings with AutoCAD software.
  • Interpret working drawings for various industries.
  • Produce industrial working drawings and models based on industry standards.
  • Reverse engineer assemblies to create working drawings in 2D plan and 3D models.

Upon completion of the Advanced SolidWorks Skills Certificate, you should be able to:

  • Use the SolidWorks software package to create advanced models, parts, assemblies, and related documents (e.g. bill of materials, parts lists)
  • Construct, modify, and manage complex parts in 3D space as well as to produce 2D drawings from the 3D models.

Upon completion of the Basic CAD Skills Certificate, you should be able to:

  • Produce 2D printed/plotted drawings with AutoCAD software.
  • Interpret working drawings for various industries. 

Upon completion of the CAD-Quality Assurance Certificate, you should be able to:

  • Apply geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GDT) in machining/drafting.
  • Interpret working drawings for various industries.
  • Use common measuring instruments (e.g., Vernier, micrometer) found in manufacturing environments.

Upon completion of the CAD Skills for Interiors Certificate, you should be able to:

  • Design interior projects to include floor plans, dimensions, elevations, sections, details, lighting, special features and finishes.
  • Create 2D design plans and 3D visualization models and presentations for interior design applications using AutoCAD and SketchUp software.
  • Produce construction documents using Autodesk AutoCAD software.
  • Apply various software modification techniques to produce drawings with enhanced lighting, materials, and finishes.
  • Develop digital presentation skills such as lighting, accessories, and reflectivity using various drafting software.

Upon completion of the Modeling Design Certificate, you should be able to: 

  • Produce 2D drawings form 3D solid models.
  • Use the SolidWorks and Creo software packages to create advanced models, parts, assemblies, and related documents (e.g., bill of materials, parts lists).
  • Produce parts and assemblies using additive manufacturing/3D printing. 

Upon completion of the Professional CAD - Architecture Certificate, you should be able to:

  • Produce construction documents (e.g., topographic site plans, elevations, 3D models, templates, and presentations) using Autodesk Revit Architecture software. 
  • Produce professional sets of construction drawings for residential and commercial structures.

Upon completion of the Professional CAD - Interior Design Certificate, you should be able to:

  • Design innovative interior projects to include floor plans, dimensions, elevations, sections, details, specification sheets, lighting, special features and finishes.
  • Produce construction documents (e.g., floor plans, elevations, sections, details, 3D models, templates, and presentations) using Autodesk Revit Architecture software.
  • Create 3D visualization models and presentations for interior design applications using advanced Autodesk Revit software.
  • Apply materials, lighting, and cameras to generate walk-through presentations.
  • Produce presentation quality renderings of 3D interior design and spaces.

Upon completion of the Professional CAD - Mechanical Certificate, you should be able to:

  • Produce 2D and 3D printed/plotted drawings with AutoCAD software.
  • Interpret working drawings for various industries. 
  • Produce industrial 2D working drawings and 3D models base on industry standards. 
  • Produce 2D drawings from 3D models. 

Upon completion of the Revit Skills Certificate, you should be able to:

  • Produce construction documents (e.g., topographic site plans, elevations, 3D models, templates, and presentations) using Autodesk Revit Architecture software.
  • Create 3D visualization models and presentations for interior design applications using advanced Autodesk Revit software.

Upon completion of the Professional CAD Robotics Certificate, you should be able to:

  • Produce 2D printed/plotted drawings with AutoCAD software.
  • Interpret and produce industrial 2D working drawings and 3D models based on industry standards. 
  • Use the SolidWorks software package to create advanced models, parts, assemblies, and related documents (e.g., bill of materials, parts lists).
  • Produce parts and assemblies using additive manufacturing with 3D printing.
  • Construct, test, and troubleshoot electronic and digital circuits.
  • Solder electronic components on circuit boards.
  • Program, maintain, and troubleshoot robotic system.
  • Explain the architecture, hardware, programming languages, and input and output capabilities of microcontrollers.
  • Program a microcontroller to execute code.​​​​​​
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1st semester plan

math & english requirements