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INTECH will be the venue for a series of courses run by Techsoft. When attending any theTechSoft courses you will have the chance to browse exhibits, talk to Intech Staff and see what INTECH has to offer you.  

 

This full day course provides an opportunity to broaden your knowledge of CAD/CAM and understand how it can be integrated into your teaching. It will show by practical demonstration how 2D Design V2 and SolidWorks can be used to develop a variety of innovative projects for the KS3 – KS5 curriculum. Although not level or area-specific, the day will have relevance to all material areas in Design and Technology including Product Design, Engineering, Graphics and Textiles. Projects will be produced using the full-range of TechSoft machines including print-and-cut technique for graphics, laser image transfer, laser cutting and engraving, milling, rapid prototyping and knife-cutting. This is not a detailed training day on how to use machines and software (as such), but a chance to get some feel for the range of CAD/CAM technologies available, and some inspiration as to how they can support designing and making at a practical level.

 

SolidWorks is a world-class 3D CAD system which has already established itself as a market leader for commercial 3D design and engineering. Its friendly interface, intuitive routines and comprehensive tutorials mean it has the power to revolutionize the accessibility and utility of 3D design in schools. This course is aimed at beginners and will demonstrate;

 

·         Familiarity with the interface and drawing page.

·         Using Help features.

·         Developing a modelling strategy.

·         Using Sketch Tools and Feature Tools to extrude, sweep, revolve and loft base features for your model.

·         Applying secondary features such as extruded cuts, chamfers and fillets.

·         Editing models.

·         Creating orthographic drawings from models.

·         Producing assemblies from individual parts.

·         Importing 2D Design drawings into SolidWorks for ‘3D Treatment’.

 

These twilight courses are (at the moment) by demonstration and not hands-on but all delegates will receive a free SolidWorks Student Design Kit to take away.

2D Design has been the standard for 2D CAD in education for many years and all the familiar ‘technical drawing’ tools within it are as relevant today as ever they were. The course provides an excellent way for Design & Technology teachers to sharpen their knowledge and explore how the new tools in V2 can be used to create stunning graphics, alongside or to enhance, conventional geometric drawings. New features will be demonstrated through the activity of creating a product and a presentation sheet. Delegates will then have a hands-on opportunity to produce their own. A step-by-step guide will be provided which delegates may use for future reference.

 

First Steps with CAD/CAM
This course provides an excellent way for new users to become familiar with 2D Design and how to exploit it as simple to use, versatile and precise drawing and graphics tool. There will be tips for managing and trouble-shooting pupils’ work and some ‘golden rules’ when teaching to avoid pitfalls and to help pupils develop good habits with CAD.

Delegates will be led through three projects that will exploit knife cutting-machines, milling machines and a laser cutter and will gain both a pupil’s and teacher’s-eye view of the projects. Implications for incorporating such projects into all areas of the KS3 curriculum will be explored. The course focuses on basic CAD/CAM skills and inclusion for all pupils as part of their D&T entitlement.

 

The main focus of this course is to inspire Textile teachers, and to give them an opportunity to see first-hand how CAD/CAM  techniques can enhance students’ work. The course uses 2D Design throughout which will allow prior learning in other areas of the Technology curriculum to be built upon. The software will be used to create designs which can be used in a number of processes;

 

·         Knife-cutting for heat-applied vinyl logos, etc.

·         Computerised embroidery.

·         Laser cutting for intricate appliqué designs in delicate fabrics or to cut accessories such as bespoke buttons, Leather patches, logos, swing labels, etc.

·         Laser engraving eg., photo-engraving denim, embossing fabric, lace effects.

·         Laser image transfer (heat-pressed images onto fabrics).

·         Machining print-blocks.

 

No previous knowledge of 2D Design or CAD/CAM is required and some of the machines used are quite probably already in the department! On the full day course, delegates will have time and the opportunity to complete at least one project of their own. 

 

3D CAD with Rapid Prototyping has already revolutionised product design and is now being heralded as about to transform the way we obtain industrial components and household goods. With simple, affordable 3D Printing the time may be near when this technology will be commonplace in the home. No more waiting for the latest gadget or part to be shipped – just download the file and print it yourself. 

This course will show how SolidWorks can be used to create a component and test it for fit, appearance, strength and carbon footprint before it leaves the desktop. 3D machining (Subtractive Rapid Prototyping) will be demonstrated and parts will be produced by 3D Printing using the latest HP Designjet 3D technology.

The course aims to be a technology update, to be thought-provoking and to provide an insight into how students could use 3D techniques in their work.