Topic study hub
Digital design and manufacture
Official AQA section 3.1.7.
13
Objectives
10
Flashcards
10
Questions
90 min
Study time
AqaA LevelDesign And Technology Product DesignTechnical principles
Choose a revision tool
Start revising Digital design and manufacture
Syllabus checklist
What you need to know
13 objective pages available
Digital design and manufacture13 objectives
- Computer aided design (CAD).
- Students should be aware of, and be able to describe, the following: • the advantages and disadvantages of using CAD compared to a manually generated alternative.
- the use of CAD to develop and present ideas for products, including:.
- the use of 2D CAD for working drawings.
- the use of 3D CAD to produce presentation drawings • how CAD is used in industrial applications. Use of datum points and geometry when setting out design drawings.
- The use of tolerances in dimensioning. Computer aided manufacture (CAM).
- Students should be aware of, and be able to describe, how CAM is used in the manufacture of products. Specific processes to include: • laser cutting • routing • milling • turning • plotter cutting. Calculating speeds and times for machining. Virtual modelling.
- Students should be aware of, and be able to describe, how virtual modelling/testing is used in industry prior to product production. Specific processes to include: • simulation • computational fluid dynamics (CFD) as used for testing aerodynamics and wind resistance, and flow of liquids within/ around products • finite element analysis (FEA) as used in component stress analysis. Interpretation of data from CFD or FEA testing. Rapid prototyping processes.
- Students should be aware of, and be able to describe, rapid prototyping processes, including 3D printing.
- Students should understand, and be able to explain, the benefits to designers and manufacturers. Calculating volumes of 3D printed products, calculating time/speed for 3D printing. Electronic data interchange.
- Students should be aware of, and able to describe,.
- the use of electronic point of sales (EPOS) for marketing purposes and the collection of market research data, including: • the maintenance of stock levels • the capture of customer data, eg contact details. Production, planning and control (PPC) networking.
- Students should be aware of, and able to describe, the role of PCC systems in the planning and control of all aspects of manufacturing, including: • availability of materials • scheduling of machines and people • coordinating suppliers and customers.
Key terms
3D PrintingParametric DesignPrototypingIterative DesignRenderingTechnical DrawingVector Graphics3D CADDatum PointToleranceComputer Aided Manufacture (CAM)CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing)
Exam tips
- Practice with CAD software: Familiarize yourself with different CAD tools and their features to enhance your design skills.
- Use examples in your answers: When discussing CAD advantages and disadvantages, include specific examples or scenarios to illustrate your points.
Common mistakes
- Misunderstanding CAD capabilities: Recognize that CAD encompasses both 2D and 3D modeling, and is essential for modern product design.
- Confusing CAD with CAM: Remember that CAD is focused on design, while CAM is about the manufacturing process that follows.
Practice preview
Continue by objective
Objectives are grouped by subtopic so students can jump straight to the exact skill they want to revise.
Related topics