Program length: 25 weeks (500 hours)
Become a CAD Designer and design things people use and enjoy. CAD Drafting, or “Computer Aided Design,” is essential to the design industry. All elements of design require an effective method of displaying the design information. CAD is the means to make design a reality. Since Ontario is the top CAD employer based province in Canada, jobs are often available for those who have completed a CAD program. A diploma in CAD drafting can lead to larger opportunities that will allow you to use your creative abilities, such as a career in mechanical design, product design, architecture and landscaping. At Leonardo College of Design we take our program one step further by considering green energy alternatives and applying them to environmental solutions during the design process.
» Design Interpretation
» Quality Control
» AutoCAD 1(2D)
» AutoCAD 2(3D)
» Ergonomics
» Eco-Design
» Eco-Materials
» Solid Works Level 1
» Solid Works Level 2
- Design, using CAD programs, complex 3D modeling of mechanical components and assemblies such as CNC machined parts, engines, windmills generators, etc.
- Design, using CAD programs, complex 3D modeling of industrial products such as cars, airplanes, mobile phones, furniture, toys, etc.
- Design, using CAD programs, 2D and 3D views of houses, buildings and other architectural elements
- Create, using CAD programs, rendered images and details drawings of the above mentioned products
- Develop Eco-design strategies and ergonomics awareness
- Work in a team in support of product developers, mechanical engineers, architects or industrial designers.
- Engineering and other scientific companies
- Electric power companies
- Machinery and equipment manufacturers
- Telecommunication companies
- Municipal governments
- Industrial design companies
- Architectural and construction companies
- Many successful CAD Technologists work independently and use their skills to explore their interests.
$32,000 to $61,000 per year (Approx $15.00/h to 29.00/h) depending on background and experience (2007 statistics).
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent) or Mature Student (19 years of age or older and out of school for at least 1 year) and basic knowledge of computers (test required). People under Employment Insurance, W.S.I.B. and other assistance programs are welcome.
Personal Computer with Windows operating system
Course title: Design Interpretation
Course length in hours: 60
This course covers the principles of how technical drawings are structured and the conventions that are used in creating and reading them. The course will focus on providing students with the skills required to interpret mechanical, industrial, and architectural drawings. Students will be encouraged to sketch, analyze and gather graphical information for visualizing objects and for developing problem solving skills. Students will be exposed to extensive hands-on activities using real industry prints and real mechanical components.
- Object Representation and Standards
- Title Block, Auxiliary Blocks and Dimensions
- Sectional and Auxiliary views
- Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD & T)
- Threads and Fasteners, Gears and Cams
- Architectural Drawings
Course title: Quality Control (Metrology)
Course length in hours: 40
This course covers all theoretical and practical aspects of measurement in the engineering field and is intended to give hands on practice to CAD designers. Students will become familiar with various measuring instruments and with ISO-ANSI standards through practical activities and techniques. Real industry drawings, mechanical parts and consumer products will be used to check the accuracy and functionality of components.
- Introduction to Measurement Systems
- External and Internal Measuring Instruments
- Angle Measurement
- Measuring GD&T
- Measurement of Threads
- ISO - ANSI Standards
Course title: AutoCAD 1 (2D)
Course length in hours: 100
This course covers the proper use of the AutoCAD Application. Students will learn how to create and edit professional 2D technical drawings for most design fields. The course follows a systematic teaching approach which includes step-by-step instructions along with clearly illustrated screen captures. Main topics will include Draw, and Editing commands, Dimensioning, Layering, Blocks, Symbol Libraries and External References. Focus is also placed on advanced Drawing Layouts with Title Blocks, Annotations and Attributes. Students will be exposed to practical activities such as taking measurements and designing floor plans.
- Creating 2-D geometry
- Editing Commands
- Managing Object properties
- Text and Dimensions
- Blocks and Attributes
- Page Setup and Plotting
Course title: AutoCAD 2 (3D)
Course length in hours: 80
Pre-requisites: Completion of AutoCAD 1
This Course builds on the knowledge of AutoCAD 1, introducing users who are proficient with 2D commands to the concept of 3D modeling. Students will study 3D primitives, conversion of objects from planar to solid, surfaces, element analysis and rendering procedures. By the end of the course students will create drawings with representation of orthographic and pictorial views of 3D parts and assemblies. The course will emphasize the versatility of AutoCAD by showing a range of options to achieve a particular result.
- Creating 3D models from Primitives
- Creating Models from 2D Profiles
- Creating Surfaces
- Creating Drawings from 3D Models
- Visualization Techniques
- Rendering
Course title: Ergonomics
Course length in hours: 20
Ergonomics is the applied science of product and environment design to best accommodate human factors. It aims to improve the comfort, practicality, efficiency, and safety of a person working with a machine or device. Anthropometry is the study of human body measurement and proportions. This course is an introduction to the concept of Ergonomics and Anthropometry in product design. Students will learn to consider the product environment, measures, shapes, movement and create products that will complement the physical dimension of people.
- Concepts of Ergonomics and Anthropometry
- Ergonomics and Space
- Analyzing Postures and Movements
- Accessories Analysis
- Body Anatomy and Risk Factors
- Apply Ergonomics Concepts to Design
Course title: Eco-Design
Course length in hours: 20
Eco-design is the incorporation of environmental considerations into the design and development of products. This course introduces the concept of designing products that meet requirements to minimize environmental impacts. Students will examine and discuss concepts, theories and practices across various fields of design and built environment including life cycle costs analysis and long term sustainability. This course explores all the social, ethical, political and technological aspects to achieve a greener world.
- Introduction to Alternative Green Products
- Social Aspect of Eco-Design
- Eco-Design Strategies
- Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
- Parameters to Follow when Eco-designing
- Marketing your Eco-Design
Course title: Eco-Materials
Course length in hours: 20
Prerequisites: Eco-Design course
Materials are always a key factor in the development of designs and both the source and solution to environmental problems. This course is an introduction to materials that minimize impacts to the environment. Students will learn to identify material properties and processes that will have a minimal impact on the environment including highly recyclable materials, re-usable materials, durable materials, natural materials and new-technology materials.
- Raw Materials
- Recyclable Materials
- Natural Materials
- Composites and Other Materials
- Analysis of Products’ Materials
- Choose Proper Materials in your Design Concept
Course title: Solid Works Level 1
Course length in hours: 80
The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with Solid Works, a parametric design application used commonly for mechanical/industrial solid modeling. The course begins with an overview of the sketching environment where students learn to create 2D objects such as lines and arcs. Definition is added to the sketch including dimensions and geometric relationships. Solids are then quickly created by converting the sketches into 3D models. These solids are arranged into assemblies where interference and motion can be studied. Professional technical drawings can then be generated in accordance with industry standards.
- Introduction to SolidWorks and Design Intent
- Defining Sketches by adding Relations and Dimensions
- Part Modeling
- Patterning
- Assembly Mating and Motion Simulation
- Drawing Documents for Parts and Assemblies
Course title: Solid Works Level 2
Course length in hours: 80
Pre-requisite: Solid Works 1
This course is an advanced continuation of Solid Works 1. It covers advanced modeling techniques and automation of the design process. Students will design complex 3D models, Surfaces, Sheet Metal parts, Moulds and Weldments through step-by-step lectures and hands on practice with real mechanical parts and industrial products as design samples. The course includes Finite Element Analysis simulation, a useful analysis tool applied for critical design decisions. Students will learn to create photo-real images of several design projects while applying the concept of eco-design as a focus in the design approach.
- Sweeps and Lofts for Complex Models
- Surfaces and Mold Making
- Sheet Metal Parts and Weldments
- Configurations and Design Tables
- Engineering Analysis and FEA report
- Rendering using PhotoWorks