Drawing, CAD, and CAM
The starting point for every project is a drawing
A drawing is a way to communicate your ideas and how you want to make them. Drawings are the “contract” between an engineer and the manufacturer. In EPIC, even simple tasks such as “cutting out a rectangle” or “quickly drilling a hole” still require a drawing. It is better to work out the problems on paper than making mistakes on expensive materials! Sometimes you can just bring in a hand sketch but most of the time you will need a CAD model and a drawing.
Getting started with CAD
As a professional, you will need to develop CAD models of your parts. While “learning CAD” can sound daunting, OnShape is a great way to get started. They have fantastic tutorials and the software runs through your web browser so no need to load software onto your computer and worry about compatibility.
Here are a couple of links to get started:
- Request a free BU.ONSHAPE account with this Google Form*
- Watch a short video on the basics of CAD
- Explore Onshape’s tutorial and learning center
- Never done CAD? Start here: Introduction To CAD
- Some CAD? Start here: Onshape Fundamentals
- Course on Onshape education enterprise accounts: Introduction to Education Enterprise
*BU.ONSHAPE accounts are available to any BU community member, ENG affiliation not required. This form is not managed by EPIC, if you have any issues requesting a BU.ONSHAPE account contact ENG staff Bryan Batista batista@bu.edu or Scott Morris semorris@bu.edu
CAD Drawings
Once you have your CAD model, you will need to create a drawing. A drawing gives all of the dimensions and material information so you can make the part.
CAD drawings are a powerful tool for communicating your design intentions if they include all of the necessary information. At EPIC, you should include the following in all of your drawings:
- Projected Views
- Dimensions
- Material
- Quantity
Hand Sketches
If you need to get started and don’t know CAD, hand sketches are an acceptable form of drawing. Ideally, include the material, dimension, tolerance(s), and quantity.
Drawings for Laser Cutting
Visit our Laser Cutters page
Drawings for Waterjet Cutting
Visit our Waterjet Cutter page
Solid Model Compatibility for CNC Manufacturing
In EPIC, we use the HSMWorks plug-in inside of SOLIDWORKS for CAM. It is practically identical to the CAM that comes with Autodesk Fusion 360. Modeling in either of these will allow you to do all of your CAM inside of the CAD software. If you choose to model in a different software, please make sure that you can save and open it inside of SOLIDWORKS for the easiest experience inside of EPIC.
Design Review
To schedule a design for manufacturing review meeting visit our Calendly page.