Advanced CADD

Course Description

ETD1340C – Advanced CADD is a 3-credit, combined lecture/laboratory course (designated by the "C" lab indicator in the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System) in the Engineering Technologies > Engineering Design Drafting taxonomy. The course provides experienced CADD students the opportunity to approach detailed and intricate drafting and design problems from a computer perspective. Students apply advanced software tools and industry-standard techniques to produce complex 2D and 3D drawings, custom drawing environments, and project documentation sets. The course is offered at Florida colleges including Valencia College, Gulf Coast State College, and Florida State College at Jacksonville.

Learning Outcomes

Required Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Create and manage advanced 2D drawings using industry-standard CADD software (e.g., AutoCAD), including complex geometric constructions, advanced editing commands, and efficient layer management.
• Develop and use block definitions, including attributed blocks, to automate and standardize drawing components.
• Extract attribute data from drawings and generate parts lists, bill of materials, and other tabular outputs.
• Create and apply custom text fonts, linetypes, and hatch patterns to meet project-specific drafting standards.
• Produce 3D drawings, including wireframe, surface, and solid models, and apply rotations, viewpoints, and visual styles for design communication.
• Apply ANSI/ASME drafting standards for dimensions, tolerances, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), symbols, and notes on complex drawings.
• Create complete detail and assembly drawings with proper title blocks, revision blocks, and drawing notes consistent with industry practice.
• Use external references (Xrefs) to manage and coordinate multi-file drawing projects.
• Demonstrate proficiency in plot/print configuration, including plot styles, paper space layouts, viewports, and scale management for formal drawing output.

Optional Learning Outcomes

Depending on institutional emphasis and available software, students may also:

• Utilize parametric modeling software (e.g., SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, or Fusion 360) to create feature-based 3D part models and assemblies.
• Perform basic kinematic or motion studies on mechanical assemblies to verify design feasibility.
• Export 3D solid model geometry to STL format for rapid prototyping or 3D printing applications.
• Create custom slide libraries and script files to automate repetitive CADD operations.
• Develop sheet metal part models including bend allowances, flat patterns, and related manufacturing drawings.
• Apply Building Information Modeling (BIM) concepts using software such as Autodesk Revit for architectural/civil design contexts.
• Complete a capstone design project that integrates multiple advanced CADD competencies into a professional-quality drawing set.

Major Topics

Required Topics

The following content areas are covered at all Florida institutions offering ETD1340C:

• Advanced 2D Drawing Techniques: Complex object creation and editing, advanced dimensioning, geometric tolerancing, multiline styles, and advanced inquiry commands.
• Block Creation and Management: Defining, inserting, and editing blocks; dynamic blocks; block libraries; write block (WBLOCK) operations.
• Attributed Blocks and Data Extraction: Creating blocks with attributes, editing attribute definitions, extracting attribute data to spreadsheets and tables.
• Custom Drawing Environment: Custom menus, tool palettes, linetypes, hatch patterns, and text/shape fonts; template file creation and management.
• External References (Xrefs): Attaching, overlaying, binding, clipping, and managing external drawing references for multi-discipline project coordination.
• Paper Space, Layouts, and Plotting: Model space vs. paper space workflows; multiple viewports; plot style tables (CTB/STB); scale management; professional plot output.
• 3D Drawing Fundamentals: Coordinate systems (WCS/UCS), 3D viewpoints and visual styles, wireframe and surface modeling basics, solid primitives.
• 3D Solid Modeling with Boolean Operations: Creating solids using extrude, revolve, sweep, and loft; Boolean union, subtract, and intersect operations; editing solid faces and edges.
• Assembly and Detail Drawings: Multi-view drawing sets, section views, auxiliary views, bill of materials, and parts lists for mechanical or architectural assemblies.
• ANSI/ASME Standards Application: Proper use of applicable ANSI/ASME Y14.5 dimensioning and tolerancing standards on advanced drawings.

Optional Topics

The following topics may be covered depending on institutional resources and program focus:

• Parametric Feature-Based Modeling: Introduction to constraint-based, history-driven 3D modeling using software such as SolidWorks, Inventor, or Fusion 360; sketches, features, and design intent.
• Advanced Assembly Modeling: Bottom-up and top-down assembly strategies, assembly constraints/mates, interference detection, and large assembly management techniques.
• Sheet Metal Design: Creating sheet metal parts with bend features, flat pattern development, and associated manufacturing drawings.
• Rapid Prototyping and 3D Printing Integration: Exporting STL files from CADD models; introduction to 3D printer setup and preparation; design for additive manufacturing considerations.
• Rendering and Visualization: Applying materials, lighting, and camera settings; producing photorealistic renderings for design presentation.
• Scripting and Automation: Writing AutoCAD script files; introduction to AutoLISP or macros to automate repetitive drafting tasks.
• Civil/Architectural Applications: Introduction to AutoCAD Civil 3D or Revit for site plans, floor plans, elevations, and BIM-based documentation (where applicable to program track).

Resources & Tools

• Primary Software: Autodesk AutoCAD (current academic version) — required at all offering institutions; parametric modeling software (SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, or Fusion 360) may be required based on institutional track.
• Hardware: CADD laboratory workstations with sufficient GPU and RAM for 3D modeling; large-format plotter or laser printer for formal drawing output.
• Reference Standards: ASME Y14.5 Dimensioning and Tolerancing; ASME Y14.100 Engineering Drawing Practices; applicable industry-specific standards.
• Textbook/Reference: AutoCAD instructor-selected textbook aligned with current software version (e.g., Autodesk Official Training Guides or comparable publisher resources).
• Online Resources: Autodesk Knowledge Network; Autodesk Education Community (free student software licenses); FloridaShines student resources.
• Lab Fee: A special laboratory fee (typically $59–$66) is assessed to cover software licensing, printing, and consumable materials.

Career Pathways

Completion of ETD1340C supports entry into the following occupational areas and credentials within Florida's Engineering Design Drafting pathway:

• Drafting and Design Technician — mechanical, civil, architectural, or electrical drafting firms
• CAD Operator / CADD Technician — engineering consulting, construction, and manufacturing companies
• Product Design Technician — consumer products, industrial equipment, and aerospace manufacturing
• BIM Technician — architectural and construction firms using Building Information Modeling workflows
• Manufacturing Engineering Technician — creating production drawings, tooling designs, and process documentation

This course is a core component of Florida college Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) A.S. degree programs and Technical Certificate (T.C.) programs, such as the Advanced Computer-Aided Technical Design T.C. offered at FSCJ. Graduates may pursue further education through A.S.-to-B.S. articulation agreements in Engineering Technology at Florida universities.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

• Autodesk Certified User (ACU) – AutoCAD: Course content aligns with the competencies tested on the Autodesk Certified User exam. Students are encouraged to pursue this industry-recognized credential upon course completion.
• Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) – AutoCAD: Advanced students may prepare for the professional-level Autodesk certification using skills developed in this course combined with prior coursework.
• Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA): At institutions with a SolidWorks parametric modeling component, coursework may align with CSWA exam objectives.

Additional Notes

• The "C" lab indicator in the course number (ETD1340C) denotes a combined lecture and laboratory course meeting in the same location; students should expect significant hands-on lab time each week.
• Some offerings are available in a mixed-mode (hybrid) format, combining on-campus laboratory sessions with online instructional components.
• Students completing this course may be eligible for college credit articulation toward an associate degree through agreements between Florida technical colleges and state colleges.