Use of ICT and CAD in graphics

Graphics – Use of ICT and CAD (IGCSE 0445 – Graphic Products Specialist)

1. Introduction

In modern Design & Technology, all graphic‑product drawings are produced with Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Computer‑Aided Design (CAD) software lets students create accurate, repeatable and easily modifiable drawings that meet the formal standards required by the Cambridge IGCSE 0445 syllabus.

2. What is ICT?

ICT is the use of computers, software and related technologies to store, retrieve, manipulate and transmit information. In the context of graphics it provides:

• Digital drawing and drafting tools.
• Instant editing, scaling and mirroring of geometry.
• Secure file storage, version control and easy sharing.
• Seamless integration with later design stages (3‑D modelling, CAM, CNC, 3‑D printing).

3. What is CAD?

CAD (Computer‑Aided Design) is specialised ICT software for producing precise 2‑D and 3‑D drawings.

• 2‑D CAD – flat drawings such as plans, elevations, sections, exploded views, development (net) drawings and schematic diagrams.
• 3‑D CAD – solid models that can be rotated, rendered and exported for rapid‑prototyping or CAM.

4. Formal Drawing Standards (BS 8888 / ISO 128)

All IGCSE graphic‑product drawings must comply with the British Standard BS 8888 (the UK implementation of ISO 128). The checklist below shows every element that must appear on every sheet.

5. Required Drawing Types (Syllabus 0445)

The following views are explicitly required for the Graphic‑Product specialist option. Some are “useful but not mandatory” – they can earn additional marks for presentation.

• Plan (development / net) – top‑down view or flattened pattern of a 3‑D shape.
• Orthographic elevations – front, side (and rear if required) views.
• Section(s) – cut through the object to reveal internal features; include enlarged detail windows where needed.
• Exploded view – parts separated along logical axes, labelled with reference numbers.
• Isometric view – 3‑D pictorial using the standard isometric axes (30°/30°/30°).
• Planometric / one‑point / two‑point perspective – optional for presentation; useful for showing how a product looks in use.
• Development (net) drawing – flat pattern for packaging or sheet‑metal parts.
• Free‑hand sketch – quick idea generation; not submitted for the exam but useful in the design cycle.

Checklist for a complete submission (example: a cardboard box)

6. Benefits of Using CAD in Graphics

1. Accuracy – dimensions entered numerically, eliminating manual measurement errors.
2. Speed – repetitive features can be copied, mirrored or arrayed instantly.
3. Flexibility – changes are made without redrawing the whole picture.
4. Documentation – drawings can be exported in standard formats (DXF, DWG, SVG, STL).
5. Presentation – realistic renders, exploded views and animations communicate ideas clearly.
6. CAM integration – CAD files can be directly fed to laser‑cutters, CNC routers or 3‑D printers.

7. Common CAD Software for IGCSE 0445

8. Mapping the Design Cycle to CAD Activities

Linking CAD use to each stage of the Cambridge design cycle helps students see why ICT is essential.

1. Brief & research – Create a CAD folder; import reference images, PDFs and market data as background layers.
2. Specification – Add a “Notes” layer containing material, finish, weight and functional requirements.
3. Idea generation (concept sketches) – Use the free‑hand sketch tool or a tablet to produce rapid concepts; keep them on a separate “Concepts” layer.
4. Development – Convert the chosen concept into accurate 2‑D orthographic drawings; use construction geometry, constraints and the geometrical‑construction tools listed above.
5. Evaluation – Overlay a “Evaluation” layer with check‑boxes, pros/cons and a comparison table; screenshots can be exported for the portfolio.
6. Realisation – Produce the final set of drawings, exploded view, isometric, development net and optional 3‑D render; export files for CAM or 3‑D printing.

9. CAD Workflow for Graphic‑Product Drawings

The workflow below integrates the design‑cycle steps and covers every drawing type required by the syllabus.

1. Plan the drawing set
   • Read the brief, list required views, decide scale, sketch a rough layout on paper.
2. Set up the CAD file
   • Choose units (mm) and set the drawing scale.
   • Create layers: Outline, Dimensions, Hatching, Notes, Construction, Cut/Fold.
   • Apply the line‑weight standards from BS 8888.
3. Produce orthographic views
   • Draw plan (or net), front elevation and side elevation using basic geometry tools.
   • Use construction lines, centre lines and constraints to keep geometry aligned.
4. Generate sections and detail windows
   • Insert a cutting plane, trim the model, hatch the cut area with the appropriate material pattern.
   • Create enlarged detail windows where small features need clarification; scale them correctly.
5. Create an exploded view
   • Copy each component onto a separate layer.
   • Offset parts along logical axes (e.g., X‑direction for side walls, Y‑direction for lid).
   • Label parts with reference numbers (A, B, C…) and add a parts list.
6. Produce an isometric (and optional perspective) view
   • Use the isometric drawing mode or rotate a 3‑D solid to the standard isometric angles.
   • Apply hidden‑line removal for a clean presentation.
7. Develop a 3‑D model (optional but valuable for presentation)
   • Extrude 2‑D profiles to the required thickness.
   • Apply material appearances (cardboard, metal, plastic) for realistic rendering.
   • Set up a simple scene with lighting and a neutral background.
8. Add dimensions, tolerances and annotations
   • Use the dimensioning tool; keep dimensions on the outer side of the object.
   • Insert notes for material, finish, special instructions, and any design constraints.
9. Apply hatching / colour coding
   • Standard hatch patterns on sections only; colour may be used on 3‑D renders but not on 2‑D exam sheets unless explicitly allowed.
10. Check and revise
    • Run the software’s error‑checking (overlapping lines, open profiles, non‑manifold edges).
    • Verify that every required view, dimension, note and title block is present.
11. Export for submission and CAM
    • 2‑D set: PDF (exam submission) + DXF/DWG (CAM).
    • 3‑D model: STL for 3‑D printing or STEP for CNC machining.
    • Save with version control, e.g., box_v01.dwg, box_v02.dwg.

10. Integration of CAD with CAM

Graphics often become the basis for manufacturing. Follow these guidelines for a smooth hand‑over.

• File formats
  • DXF/DWG – 2‑D vector data for laser cutters and CNC routers.
  • STL – triangulated mesh for 3‑D printers.
  • STEP or IGES – solid models for CNC milling.
• Laser‑cutting preparation
  • Assign a specific colour or layer for cut lines (e.g., red) and another for engrave/score lines (e.g., blue).
  • Ensure every cut profile is a closed loop – no gaps.
  • Include material thickness in a note for nesting optimisation.
• CNC routing preparation
  • Define tool‑paths (profile, pocket, drill) within the CAM module.
  • Check clearances and tool‑diameter against the design.
• 3‑D printing preparation
  • Confirm the model is watertight (no non‑manifold edges).
  • Orient the part to minimise support material.
  • Export at the required scale (normally 1:1).

11. Example: Packaging Box – Full Graphic Set

This example illustrates every drawing type required for a simple cardboard box.

1. Plan / Development (net) – 200 mm × 150 mm × 50 mm box unfolded; layers: Outline, Cut lines, Fold lines.
2. Front & side elevations – orthographic views showing flaps, die‑cut windows and material thickness.
3. Section – cut through the centre to display 3 mm wall thickness and internal reinforcement; appropriate hatch pattern applied.
4. Exploded view – base, side walls, lid and printed graphics separated; parts labelled A‑D.
5. Isometric view – 3‑D pictorial with hidden‑line removal.
6. Perspective view (optional) – one‑point perspective showing the box in use.
7. 3‑D render – cardboard texture, printed logo, simple lighting to illustrate the finished product.
8. CAM preparation
   • Export the net as DXF: cut lines on Layer 1, fold lines on Layer 2.
   • Export the 3‑D model as STL for a rapid‑prototype mock‑up.

12. File Management and Safety

• Save frequently; use Save As to create version numbers (e.g., box_v01.dwg, box_v02.dwg).
• Back‑up to a cloud service (Google Drive, OneDrive) or an external USB drive.
• Use the correct file extensions:
  • .dwg / .dxf – AutoCAD, DraftSight, etc.
  • .sldprt / .step – SolidWorks.
  • .stl – 3‑D printing.
  • .svg – Inkscape vector graphics.
• Apply password protection if the software offers it, especially for confidential designs.

13. Assessment Tips (IGCSE 0445)

• Read the brief carefully – note every required view, scale, line‑weight and hatch requirement.
• Title block must be complete and placed in the bottom‑right corner of every sheet.
• Maintain consistent line‑weights, colours (for layers) and hatch patterns throughout the whole drawing set.
• All dimensions should be legible, placed on the correct side of the object and include tolerances where required.
• Ensure every view follows third‑angle projection conventions.
• Proofread all text for spelling and technical accuracy before exporting.
• When submitting digitally, check that the PDF is a single‑page file for each view (or a combined PDF as instructed) and that the file size complies with exam limits.
• Use the checklist in section 5 to verify that no required view is missing.

14. Summary

ICT and CAD are indispensable for producing professional, standards‑compliant graphics in the IGCSE Graphic Products specialist option. Mastery of the formal drawing standards (BS 8888), a complete set of required views—including plans, elevations, sections, exploded views, isometric/perspective and development nets—plus the ability to prepare files for CAM equips students to meet every requirement of the Cambridge 0445 syllabus and to communicate design ideas clearly, accurately and efficiently.