CAD Specialist Mechanical Design and Engineering Flashcards

In mechanical CAD, what is 'interference detection' used for in assembly design?

Answer: Identifying where parts overlap or physically intersect within an assembly

Interference detection checks whether any components in an assembly physically overlap, which would indicate a design error before manufacturing.

What is the difference between 'first-angle' and 'third-angle' projection in engineering drawings?

Answer: They differ in which quadrant the object is placed, resulting in different view arrangements on the drawing

First-angle projection (used in Europe) places views on the opposite side of the object, while third-angle projection (used in the US) places views adjacent to the face being shown.

What is a 'tolerance stack-up' analysis in mechanical design?

Answer: Calculating the cumulative effect of individual part tolerances on a critical assembly dimension

Tolerance stack-up analysis determines how individual part tolerances accumulate and affect a key assembly gap, clearance, or interference dimension.

In Autodesk Inventor, what is 'iLogic' used for?

Answer: Automating design rules, configurations, and model parameters using rules-based logic

iLogic in Inventor allows users to create rules-based automation that drives parameters, suppresses features, and configures models based on conditions.

What is a 'design table' (configuration table) in SolidWorks or similar CAD tools?

Answer: A spreadsheet-driven method to create multiple part configurations from one model

A design table is an embedded Excel spreadsheet that drives multiple configurations of a part or assembly by changing dimensions and feature states.

In mechanical engineering drawings, what does the symbol 'Ø' preceding a dimension indicate?

Answer: The dimension refers to a diameter

The Ø symbol (phi) before a dimension value indicates that the dimension is a diameter, typically for cylindrical or circular features.