CAD Software & Technology Applications Flashcards

What is the purpose of a 'block' in CAD drafting?

Answer: A named reusable symbol or group of objects inserted as a single unit

A block is a named collection of objects combined into a single unit that can be inserted multiple times, scaled, rotated, and updated globally throughout a drawing.

In parametric CAD modeling, what is a 'constraint'?

Answer: A rule that controls the geometric relationship or dimension of sketch elements

Constraints in parametric modeling are rules applied to geometry that define relationships (geometric constraints) or sizes (dimensional constraints), allowing the model to update when parameters change.

Which plotting setting in CAD determines how drawing colors translate to printed line weights?

Answer: CTB or STB (plot style table)

Plot style tables (CTB for color-dependent, STB for named styles) map drawing colors or object styles to specific lineweights, colors, and screening values on the printed output.

What distinguishes a '2.5D' CAD drawing from a true 3D model?

Answer: It represents objects with extruded flat shapes without full volumetric geometry

2.5D drawings add height (Z-axis extrusion) to flat 2D shapes but lack true 3D geometry like curved surfaces or compound angles, making them simpler than full solid models.

In CAD, what is the primary purpose of using 'paper space' versus 'model space'?

Answer: Model space is for drawing at full scale; paper space is for composing multi-view layouts for plotting

Model space is where geometry is drawn at full real-world scale, while paper space is used to arrange viewports, add title blocks, and set up the drawing sheet for printing.

What does 'associative dimensioning' mean in CAD software?

Answer: Dimensions that automatically update when the associated geometry is modified

Associative dimensions are linked to the geometry they measure, so if the object is moved, stretched, or resized, the dimension value updates automatically to reflect the change.

Which rendering technique in 3D CAD software calculates how light bounces between surfaces to produce realistic illumination?

Answer: Ray tracing / global illumination

Ray tracing and global illumination algorithms simulate realistic lighting by calculating how photons bounce and interact between surfaces, producing shadows, reflections, and color bleeding.