1. Can a CAD drawing be done from a physical model?
A CAD drawing can be generated from a physical model by measuring it by hand or by using a 3D digitizer. There are many forms of digitizers with widely different capabilities and costs. The digitizer will record a large number of points in space defining the object, but to be useful this information has to be converted into some form that can be viewed, printed or modified. Converting to a CAD 'solid' is called reconstruction or modelling and can require very specialised software and a competent operator to interpret the design intent. (what service, if any, can Bandacorp offer?)
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2. Can a CAD drawing be modified easily?
Yes. Large or small elements of digital information can be changed easily and the whole drawing reprinted. A physical drawing may be adjusted by using an eraser, but often it will have to be completely redrawn.
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3. Can a CAD drawing be turned into a 3D Model?
In principle yes, but the question needs more definition. A 2D CAD drawing would have to be modified or even redrawn to turn it into a 3D computer model, but the same 2D drawing could be used by skilled modelmakers to make a 3D physical model. A 3D CAD file would be able to generate images of the 3D computer model and also can be used for making a prototype using automated processes like 3D printing
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4. Can any CAD drawing be turned directly into a 3D Computer Model?
No. 2-dimensional CAD drawings would need to be re-drawn in a 3D programme to generate a 3D computer model. However, most CAD software available nowadays has a 3D capability so converting the drawing to 3D, by the addition of the z-axis is usually straightforward
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5. Doesn't CAD cost more than hand drawing?
Possibly. It really depends very much upon the complexity of the drawing and what you want to do with the output. A simple pencil or ink drawing can be very quick to set up and execute. However, the minute you need to make a small change you probably have to completely redraw the paper-based drawing, doubling the cost. Then the CAD drawing suddenly becomes cheaper. Modifications are easy and reprinting involves the touch of a button.
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6. Doesn't CAD take longer than hand drawing?
Possibly. It depends very much upon the complexity of the drawing. A simple pencil or ink drawing can be very quick to set up and execute. However, the minute you need to make a small change and completely redraw the paper-based drawing, the CAD drawing comes into its own. Paper based modifications will mean doing the drawing all over again. Whereas CAD modifications are quick and easy and reprinting involves the touch of a button.
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7. Do I have a choice of which software is used for my drawing?
Probably. Your choice would be limited to the programmes used and their suitability for the job. The choice of programme usually would be based upon the nature of the object being drawn, the required output and the purpose of the finished file. Currently we use AutoCAD, Solidworks, ……?
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8. Do I have to use an AutoCAD drawing for a Patent drawing?
No. However, all jurisdictions have different but equally strict rules for Patent Drawings most of them related to making the drawings easy to read and understand, easy to file, and easy to reproduce. There are strict rules about how text is to be shown and how the object may be portrayed so it is a good idea to use a professional drawing office with experience of this kind of drawing. Usually such an office as ours will have a template set up in a CAD package like AutoCAD, making the creation of drawings to Patent Office requirements easy and sure. However, drawings are acceptable when hand drawn using drafting instruments.
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9. Don't I need special software to read a CAD drawing on my computer?
Yes and No. If you want to manipulate and alter a CAD drawing, yes you need a copy of the software used for the drawing. However, if you want to just read a CAD drawing, most CAD software and many open source providers offer "reader only" versions of their software, which frequently are free-ware and can readily be found on the web. Some freeware is available that will let you edit CAD files but they are not a substitute for the real programme.
However, the output of the CAD conversion or drawing can include a bit map image, usually a .tif or a .jpg, which can be read by almost any computer and can be inserted into Word files for instance. In this case you do not need any "CAD software" to read the drawing, but you cannot manipulate it functionally in any way.
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10. How can spending money on a CAD drawing save me money?
Although a CAD drawing might initially be more expensive than a hand drawing, it has the advantage of being easily amended or completely changed without the need for total re-drawing. This should make it cheaper even in the short term. Also a CAD drawing can readily be stored, recovered, copied and transmitted electronically almost for free, while keeping the 'original' completely undamaged and safe.
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11.How do I know that an agency won't go and make my invention?
Reputation is everything. Most are professional organisations and may have been in business for years. Most intend to stay in this business for the future.
You can check. The ease of finding people's comments about a business - both good, and bad comments - on the web, allows you to keep an eye on companies who provide services.
Further than that you should execute a Non-Disclosure Agreement before someone starts work. However, you should understand that if they are working in different countries such an agreement might be difficult to enforce.
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12. How do I tell the draftsman what the item is so he can draw it?
They can work with anything, but of course the more information and the clearer the information that you send the quicker, cheaper and more accurately your ideas can be interpreted and a valid CAD drawing made for you. Hand-drawn sketches with dimensions indicated would be a start. If the object or a model exists, then photographs, preferably with many views and indications on the photographs of dimensions, will help very much.
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13.If some of the design detail isn't decided yet, can a CAD drawing still be done for me?
Within reason yes that should be possible. Some CAD software, Solidworks for example, allows fundamental parameters to be adjusted at any time so even the overall size of the item could be changed after the drawing is completed.
The drawing could be developed as you finalise the details but this will require more drafting time than if it were decided by you in advance.
We could also help you decide some of the details if you used our Product Development Service.
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14. Is it worth using CAD if my drawing or item is very simple?
Maybe not. It really depends very much upon the complexity of the drawing and what you want to do with the output. A simple pencil or ink drawing can be very quick to set up and execute. However, the minute you need to make a small change you probably have to completely redraw the paper-based drawing, doubling the time and cost. Then the CAD drawing suddenly becomes cheaper. Modifications are easy and storage, reproduction and transmission involve just the touch of a button.
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15. What's so special about CAD drawings?
All the things that you can do with the information when it has been recorded electronically.
A paper drawing really only tells you what you can see on the paper. If you want to change the paper drawing you often have to completely redraw it. If you want more information or another view, you have to work it out and draw all over again.
An electronic drawing can be adjusted as many times as you need, without having to start again each time. It can be printed or copied inexpensively and it can be transmitted directly by e-mail. If you want, the drawing can be done in a 'solid-modelling' programme and then you can generate photo-realistic rendered images of your idea, you can view them from any position, and you can also calculate some of the physical properties of the object, such as its surface area, its weight, centre of gravity and even map stress lines in it.
And after all that, you can change the drawing a little and render or calculate it all over again.
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16. What can I do in advance that will make the CAD drawing cheaper?
No, it cannot be renewed. Nor can one pick up the rights to an expired patent. Once a patent expires, the invention is in the public domain. Return to FAQs
17. What does CAD mean?
Computer Aided Design (previously sometimes called Computer Aided Drafting). The manipulation of points, lines, vectors, surfaces and sometimes solids by a computer programme to aid in the construction and description of real or virtual 2D or 3D objects. The programmes must include information about the materials, physical properties, dimensions and tolerances, and must be able to display or produce some usable output, in the form of visualisations or 2-dimensional graphic representations.
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18. What do I have to have ready before I ask someone to make a drawing?
Money!
Seriously though - Prepare detailed sketches and notes, with all relevant information like materials, shapes, weights, dimensions and so on, in advance, so that the draftsman does not have to guess or work out a detail, and so that the time spent on generating the drawing can be minimised.
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19. What happens if I make a mistake telling you about my product - wrong drawing?
Then we would have to amend the drawing when you give us the updated information. The advantage of using CAD is that alterations are much easier than when using paper, and may take only a few minutes! However, if extra time has to be spent, you would be asked to pay for that over and above the agreed sum for the drawing.
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20. What happens if the drafting agency make a mistake doing the drawing?
Then they would have to amend the drawing when you point out the error. The advantage of using CAD is that alterations are much easier than when using paper, and may take only a few minutes! If they made the mistake they should correct it at no charge to you, but almost certainly they would not entertain any other liability claims.
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21. What is 3D modelling?
The process of producing a 3D model, whether a physical reality or a virtual object. Most CAD programmes can generate 3D models with more or less ability to manipulate the model and its "physical' properties, and to generate two dimensional images that illustrate the form, texture and surface finish of the model.
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22. What is AutoCAD?
It is a 2D and 3D Computer Aided Design software. It was released in 1982 and was the first CAD software available for use on Personal Computers. This means that it is likely that more people have the skills for AutoCAD than for any other CAD software. In a sense this makes it almost an industry standard, but there are many more CAD programmes on the market that have features for particular uses and budgets.
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23. What is CAD/CAM?
Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing implies the integration of a Design programme (CAD) and a programme for Computer Aided Manufacturing. CAM usually refers to the process of controlling CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines that are used for cutting materials - particularly metals. They do not remove the need for highly trained machinists and generally cannot readily be applied to the output of PC-based CAD programmes, being highly specialised and complex programmes.
However, there are small, table top CNC machines which can be run directly from CAD programmes for PC's.
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24. What is the difference between Computer Aided Drafting & Computer Aided Design?
CAD used to be known as Computer Aided Drafting because all they were really were Engineering Drawing programmes. Then they began to be capable of 3D modelling and high quality renderings and they became more of a design tool than just a drawing tool. When mathematical and structural analysis programmes like Finite Element Analysis became more readily available they truly became design tools.
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25. Who pays if the drafter make a mistake?
Actually no-one pays. However, the drafting agency should immediately amend the drawing at their expense, when you point out the error. The advantage of using CAD is that alterations are much easier than when using paper, and may take only a few minutes! If they made the mistake they should correct it at no charge to you, but almost certainly they would not entertain any other liability claims.
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26. Why CAD?
Because CAD let's you do so much more with a drawing than just look at an image on some paper.
An electronic drawing can be adjusted as many times as you need, without having to start again each time. It can be printed or copied inexpensively and it can be transmitted directly by e-mail. If you want, the drawing can be done in a 'solid-modelling' programme and then you can generate photo-realistic rendered images of your idea, you can view them from any position, and you can also calculate some of the physical properties of the object, such as its surface area, its weight, centre of gravity and even map stress lines in it.
And after all that, you can change the drawing a little and render or calculate it all over again.
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27. Why can't I do my own CAD drawings?
Well you can, but you need learn a little about the CAD programmes before you can get something useful done. The programmes are very powerful and have many features. If you really want to become proficient you need to spend quite a lot of time learning what you can do with a CAD programme. It may be a more efficient use of your time and money to get a practiced professional to do the drawing quickly leaving you free to do what you do best.
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28. Why does everyone seem to use AutoCAD?
AutoCAD was the first PC based CAD package available, so very many people have learned how to use it over the years.
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29. Why would I use a drawing done in CAD rather than a hand drawing?
Because of the ease of amending, copying and distributing a CAD drawing, compared to a paper drawing. I principle a CAD drawing is easier to execute, although the page set up may take longer
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29. Will there be hidden costs? I have limited resources and can't afford to go over budget. How can I be sure that I will have what I want for the cost that is agreed?
Because of the ease of amending, copying and distributing a CAD drawing, compared to a paper drawing. I principle a CAD drawing is easier to execute, although the page set up may take longer
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31. Where can I see an example of a Patent drawing?
There is a great grouping of patent tools, including a page on reading Patent Drawings here: http://www.patent-research.bandacorp.com/Read_A_Patent_Drawings.html
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