Advanced CAD (ETD2350C)

Course Description

ETD2350C – Advanced CAD is a sophomore-level, combined lecture/laboratory course (designated by the "C" lab indicator in the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System) within the Engineering Technologies > Engineering Design Drafting taxonomy. Building directly on introductory CAD skills, the course provides an in-depth study of advanced AutoCAD features for 2D and 3D technical drafting. Students develop professional-level proficiency in managing complex drawing files, leveraging automation tools, and producing industry-standard engineering drawings. Lab time is integrated with lecture, and extra open-lab hours are typically available to support skill development.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

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

• Create, insert, and manage Blocks (including dynamic blocks) to promote drawing efficiency and standardization.
• Attach, bind, clip, and manage External References (XREFs) in multi-file drawing environments.
• Apply and edit Attributes to blocks for automated data extraction and title block population.
• Utilize advanced editing commands — Array (rectangular, polar, path), Mirror, Move, Copy, Stretch, and Offset — on complex geometry.
• Manage Layers, Linetypes, Lineweights, and Layer States to control drawing organization and output appearance.
• Configure and use Paper Space / Layout Tabs, including floating viewports, viewport scales, and plot styles.
• Apply advanced dimensioning techniques including dimension styles, geometric tolerancing, and annotative scaling.
• Produce drawings in Isometric mode and navigate AutoCAD's isometric drafting environment.
• Navigate the 3D coordinate system and construct basic 3D wireframe and solid models.
• Customize the AutoCAD user interface, including toolbars, workspaces, and system variables.
• Configure plotting and printing settings including CTB/STB plot style tables, page setups, and multi-sheet output.
• Apply Text Styles and Multiline Text (MTEXT) formatting consistent with ANSI/ASME drafting standards.

Optional Outcomes

Depending on institutional emphasis, students may also:

• Develop basic macro operations and script files to automate repetitive drafting tasks.
• Distinguish between raster and vector file formats and apply embedding vs. linking strategies for images.
• Produce 3D solid models using Boolean operations (Union, Subtract, Intersect) and modify solids with Extrude, Revolve, and Sweep.
• Apply basic rendering and visual styles to 3D models for conceptual presentation.
• Export drawings to DXF, DWG, and PDF formats for collaboration and file exchange.
• Utilize AutoCAD's Design Center and Tool Palettes to share and reuse drawing content across projects.
• Create and export STL files from 3D models for compatibility with 3D printing workflows.

Major Topics

Required Topics

The following content areas are covered across all Florida college offerings of ETD2350C:

• Blocks and Block Libraries — creating, inserting, editing, exploding, and purging blocks; WBLOCK; dynamic blocks
• External References (XREFs) — attaching, overlaying, binding, clipping, and managing reference paths
• Attributes — creating attribute definitions, editing attribute values, extracting attribute data to tables/spreadsheets
• Advanced Editing Commands — ARRAY (all types), MIRROR, MOVE, COPY, OFFSET, STRETCH, TRIM, EXTEND, FILLET, CHAMFER
• Layer Management — layer properties, layer states, layer filters, freeze/thaw, lock/unlock, viewport layer overrides
• Paper Space and Layouts — model space vs. paper space, creating and scaling floating viewports, plot style assignment
• Text and Annotation — text styles, DTEXT vs. MTEXT, annotative text, field text, table objects
• Dimensioning and Tolerancing — dimension styles, overrides, geometric dimensioning (GD&T basics), annotative dimensions
• Isometric Drafting — isometric snap/grid modes, isocircles, constructing isometric views of parts
• 3D Concepts and Modeling Introduction — UCS manipulation, wireframe geometry, basic solid modeling with extrusions and Boolean operations
• Plotting and Output — page setup manager, CTB/STB plot style tables, batch plotting, PDF output
• User Interface Customization — workspaces, ribbon panels, command aliases, system variables

Optional Topics

The following topics may be included based on available contact hours and program focus:

• Macros and Script Files — recording and writing basic AutoCAD scripts to automate repetitive command sequences
• Raster Images — attaching, scaling, and managing raster images; raster vs. vector distinctions; OLE linking vs. embedding
• Advanced 3D Solid Modeling — Revolve, Sweep, Loft, and Shell; editing solids with SOLIDEDIT; section views from 3D models
• Rendering and Visual Presentation — applying materials, lighting basics, and rendering a 3D scene
• Design Center and Tool Palettes — accessing and reusing blocks, hatch patterns, and drawing content across files
• File Exchange and Interoperability — DXF/DWG export, transmittal packages (eTransmit), PDF underlay, STL export for 3D printing
• Assembly Drawing Techniques — multi-view assembly drawings, balloons, parts lists, and bill of materials (BOM) tables

Resources & Tools

• Primary Software: Autodesk AutoCAD (current release) — available free to students via the Autodesk Education Community
• Hardware: College computer labs with AutoCAD-certified workstations; USB flash drive for file storage and backup
• Drafting Supplies: Architect's scale, engineer's scale (for interpreting printed drawings)
• Standards References: ANSI/ASME Y14.5 (Dimensioning and Tolerancing), ANSI/ASME Y14.100 (Engineering Drawing Practices)
• LMS: Canvas (used at most Florida colleges for assignment submission and course materials)
• Supplemental: Autodesk Knowledge Network (knowledge.autodesk.com); AutoCAD built-in Help and Tutorial system

Career Pathways

Completion of ETD2350C supports entry-level and intermediate roles in technical design and drafting industries. Common career pathways include:

• CAD Technician / CAD Operator — producing and revising technical drawings in engineering, architecture, or construction firms
• Drafting Technician / Design Drafter — mechanical, civil, structural, or electrical drafting specializations
• Engineering Design Technologist — supporting licensed engineers in design, documentation, and project coordination
• Architectural Drafter — creating construction documents and as-built drawings for architectural projects
• Civil Drafting Technician — producing site plans, roadway layouts, and utility drawings
• Manufacturing / Product Design Technician — supporting product development teams with detailed part and assembly drawings

This course also serves as a direct pathway into advanced CAD coursework including 3D parametric modeling (Inventor, SolidWorks, CREO), Civil 3D, and Architectural drafting sequences within the A.S. in Computer-Aided Drafting and Design.

Special Information

Certification Preparation: Content in this course aligns with preparation for the Autodesk Certified User (ACU) – AutoCAD and Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) – AutoCAD industry certifications offered by Autodesk. Topics such as blocks, XREFs, attributes, layouts, and plotting are directly tested on these exams. Students are encouraged to pursue Autodesk certification upon completing the course sequence.

Lab Format: ETD2350C carries a "C" lab indicator in the SCNS, denoting a combined lecture and laboratory course meeting in the same place at the same time. A lab fee is typically required at Florida colleges offering this course.

Program Context: This course is a core component of the A.S. in Computer-Aided Drafting and Design and may also apply toward College Credit Certificate (CCC) programs in AutoCAD Foundations or related drafting certificates at Florida colleges including Eastern Florida State College, Broward College, Gulf Coast State College, and others.