Mechanical designers work with engineers using computer design software to create from sketches and even field work, technical drawings for equipment, foundations, and facilities.

Design Engineering Glossary

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A

B

C

D

• Dynamic assembly  -  An assembly model in which parts are linked to their individual part files so the software can update the assembly when individual part files are modified.

E

• Exploded  -  An assembly in which parts are moved out of position along a axis so that each individual part is visible.

• Export  -  To save data from one application in a file format that can be read by another software application.

F

• Flange  -  A flattened collor or rim around a cylindrical part to allow for attachment.

G

H

• Hard copy  -  Printed or plotted materials.

• Hatch line  -  A series of parallel lines drawn on a diagonal to indicate a surface created by a cut.

• Hidden line  -  A type of line that represents an edge that is not directly visible because it is behind or beneath another surface.

I

• Interface  -  The portion of a system or device used to interact with or control it.

• Intersection  -  The point at which two points or surfaces meet, or the area shared bt overlapping surfaces.

J

K

L

• Limit tolerance  -  A tolerance that states the maximum and minimum allowable dimension, not the basic dimension value.

M

• Machining scale  -  A steel ruler with its smallest divisions 0.01 inch apart.

N

O

• Offset  -  The distance from an existing object at which a new object will be created.

• Overdimensioning  -  Showing the same dimension more than one way in the drawing.

P

• Part drawings  -  Individual drawings prepared for each part that will be manufactured or modified for the project.

• Parting line  -  A line on a molded part where the two mold halves come togeather.

Q

R

S

• Solid modeling  -  A type of 3D modeling that represents the volume of an object, not just its lines and surfaces.

• Static assembly  -  An assembly that does not update when individual part files change.

• Storyboard  -  Pictures that dipict the sequence and composition of key events in an animation.

• Subassembly  -  A group of parts that fit togeather to create one functional unit.

• Surface modeling  -  A three-dimensional modeling that defines only surfaces and edges.

• System variables  -  Settings that control the default operation of a CAD package.

T

• Template  -  A drawing with certain settins that can be used repeatedly as the basis for starting a new drawing.

U

• Update  -  To regenerate the model or drawing using any new dimension values or changed perameters.

• User coordinate system  -  A coordinate system defined by the user to assist in creating CAD geometry.

V

• Vanishing point  -  A location where the projections converge in a perspective drawing.

• Vertex  -  A point where two or more curves, edges, or lines meet.

W

• Working drawing  -  Drawings that convey all the information needed to manufacture and assemble a design.

X

Y

Z

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