Superior products, whether aeronautical, automotive or architectural in nature begin with a fundamental knowledge of basic mechanical design. No single professional begins a project expecting the craftsperson on the factory floor or out on the construction site wondering whether we were paying attention to simple construction details. Whatever discipline one chooses, the architectural or engineering professional should understand how to manufacturer or assemble components using the principles that have passed on through the centuries. Making extruded or cast shapes made from aluminum, iron or plastic, the originator in many cases has to follow similar rules. Transmitting mechanical power from one component to another, we will use screw threads, gears and springs. Then holding our assemblies together, we return to basic fastening methods to guarantee the safety of the grouping of parts. Therefore, the departmental supervisor will most likely expect us to maintain a lifelong awareness of fundamental mechanical design.

This textbook will not present every element for creating each industrial mechanism, but will start to acquaint us with the basic tools required to operate satisfactorily in the field. If you desire to follow along a path narrowing on one method, such as die-casting, this text is still a great start. In the Computer Aided Mechanical Design series of text, the authors will continue to challenge your understanding and help you to achieve a classical solution. As we venture towards problems yet to be solved, your invention will many times result as an evolution of understanding from where we have came.

Meet or exceed the World Class CAD Challenges and you will build the confidence to communicate constructon principles with the best.