Drafters design products like computer parts, hand tools, toys, cars, and airplanes. Also, structures such as houses, hospitals, stadiums, or schools—if it must be manufactured, built, or handcrafted—a blueprint or technical drawing must be generated before any construction or manufacturing can begin. Some drafters work with civil engineers to survey a landscape and create infrastructure such as bridges, highways, dams, airports, or railways. People provide ideas or specific plans for a product or structure and CAD technicians create the blueprint. Sometimes drafters will be involved in the surveying, measuring, or data collection about a product or structure before the plan is designed. With CAD systems, drafters store drawings electronically so that they can be viewed, printed, or programmed directly into automated manufacturing systems. At Salina Tech can gain the skills you need to become a successful drafter in just nine months! Come in today to check out our new plotter that makes 3-D models.
CAREER opportunities: Ag-Related Industries (Manufacturing, Designers), Construction Companies, Civil Engineering Firms, City, County and State Engineering Offices, Labs or Fields, Electrical Specialist Engineering, Recreational Industries,
Mechanical Engineering Firms, Architectural Engineering Firms.
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Tool Lists
First Semester
CAD 125 Drafting Technology, 4 credits.
Basic concepts and skills of mechanical drawing, use and knowledge of drafting tools, supplies, and equipment are covered. Mechanical drafting fundamentals will be presented, along with an explanation of standard drafting practices are taught. Topics covered will include drafting equipment, media, sketching, lettering and lines, geometric construction, multi-views, auxiliary views, sections, pictorials, and dimensioning. Practical and realistic math problems associated with drafting topics will also be covered.
CAD 170 Computer Aided Drafting I, 3 credits.
Computer Aided Drafting I explores the fundamentals of computer- aided drafting (CAD) with emphasis placed on drawing set-up, creating and modifying geometry, storing and retrieving predefined shapes; placing, rotating, and scaling objects; adding text and dimensions; using layers and coordinate systems; as well as using computer input and output devices.
CAD 171 Computer Aided Drafting II, 3 credits. (Prerequisite: CAD 170)
Computer Aided Drafting II emphasizes advanced CAD techniques, including CAD system customization. The student will be introduced to advanced applications used to customize and program a CAD system. Skills learned include, but are not limited to, menu and toolbar customization, use of accelerators, aliases and scripts, importing and exporting files, attribute data, and introduction to data base links.
CAD 123 Parametric Modeling, 3 credits. (Prerequisite: CAD 125, CAD 170, CAD 171)
Creation of 2D parametric profiles that will be transformed into 3D models will be taught. Models will be used to create drawings that are similar to those used in the industry. Presentation drawings of these models will be included within this course curriculum.
CAD 150 CAD MATH, 3 credits.
Students learn how to interpret mathematical symbols and notations, simplify expressions, factor polynomials, solve equations (including absolute value, quadratic and systems of linear equations), perform operations on radical expressions, write equations of lines and evaluate functions.
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Second Semester
CAD 120 Descriptive Geometry, 3 credits. (Prerequisite: CAD 125, CAD 170, CAD 171)
The descriptive geometry branch of geometry is concerned with the two-dimensional representation of three-dimensional objects. By means of such representations, geometrical problems in three-dimensions may be solved in the plane. The graphical analysis of points, lines, and planes that are used in the development of Euclidean plan geometry problems will be covered. Terms, definitions, and axioms will be discussed during the scope of this course. Algebraic functions will be applied to specific problems to compute and determine measurement results. Students will use critical thinking, problem-solving, mathematical calculations, and appropriate technology to solve spatial problems. This course will use hands-on activities to reinforce descriptive geometry theorems.
CAD 130 Architectural Drafting I, 7 credits. (Prerequisite: CAD 125, or previous AutoCAD experience)
This course prepares students in the area of architectural drafting for an entry level position under an architect or engineer. Students develop a complete set of residential floor plans using latest AutoCAD software.
CAD 131 Architectural Drafting II, 7 credits. (Prerequisite: CAD 125, or previous AutoCAD experience)
This course builds on the foundation of Architectural Drafting I. Students develop a complete set of commercial floor plans using the latest AutoCAD software.
CAD 140 Structural Steel Detailing, 3 credits. (Prerequisite: CAD 125, or previous AutoCAD experience)
This course prepares the student in the area of structural steel drafting for an entry level position. Students cover proper symbols and terminology.
CAD 145 Civil Drafting, 6 credits. (Prerequisite: CAD 125, or previous AutoCAD experience)
Students learn to identify and draw different types of maps, identify different types of surveys, calculate leveling fields, global positioning systems, map symbols, and legal descriptions.
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