Computer aided design

Using CAD to develop equipment for the UK's Armed Forces

Synopsis

This lesson provides an engaging context to introduce students to the processes of computer aided design and manufacture (CAD/CAM). Students examine the reasons behind using CAD/CAM to develop selected products before identifying the advantages and disadvantages of its use. Students are given an opportunity to practice their CAD skills by responding to a design brief to produce Identification Tags for the British Army. The lesson is supported by instructional worksheets, and demonstrates the importance of the use of CAD/CAM in supplying the UK military forces with the best equipment to support their diverse roles.

MOD Topic

Using CAD to develop equipment for the UK's Armed Forces

Curriculum Checklist

1.1a, b, c, d; 1.3a, b, c; 1.4b, c;
2a, c, f, h;
3b, e, j, l, n, p, q;
4c, f, g;

Curriculum Links

• PE
• Citizenship
• Numeracy

Prior Knowledge

No prior knowledge required

Learning Outcomes

Lower ability students will:

• Know that there is a difference between products manufactured by hand and those manufactured by machine.
• Understand some of the advantages and disadvantages of CAD/CAM.
• Know that a design brief is needed before using CAD.
• Know that the finished product. must be evaluated against the design brief.
• To know that the British Armed Forces may need a piece of equipment to do several tasks and that this might lead to difficulties in creating a definitive design brief.
• To be aware that the use of CAD/CAM helps to produce the best equipment available and that the MOD contracts suppliers to ensure the best quality equipment is supplied to the UK's Armed Forces.

Average ability students will:

• Be able to identify several differences between products manufactured by hand and products manufactured by machine.
• Understand some of the advantages and disadvantages of CAD/CAM. Be aware that the purpose of the product may determine how it is designed.
• Understand how to fulfill a design brief using CAD.
• Understand the need to evaluate the success of a product against a design brief and identify some areas for improvement.
• Understand that the British Armed Forces perform diverse roles and consequently their equipment has a range of design requirements. Be able to identify some of the design considerations.
• Know that the use of CAD/CAM helps to produce the best equipment available and that the MOD contracts many suppliers to ensure the best quality equipment is supplied to the UK's Armed Forces.

Higher ability students will:

• Understand the different characteristics of products designed and manufactured using computers and those manufactured by hand.
• Understand and be able to name the advantages and disadvantages of CAD/CAM. Understand that the quality of the design may be determined by the product
• Have a good understanding of how to fulfill a design brief using CAD and be aware of limitations.
• Be able to evaluate the success of a product against a design brief and identify areas for improvement.
• Understand that the British Armed Forces perform diverse roles and consequently their equipment has a range of design requirements. Be able to identify the main design considerations..
• Understand that the use of CAD/CAM helps to produce the best equipment available and that the MOD contracts many suppliers to ensure the best quality equipment is supplied to the UK's Armed Forces.

Lesson code

DT3