GLOSSARY of Terms for IED
GLOSSARY of Terms for IED
35mm Slide: A standard slide format from 35mm film.
A.A.S.: Associate in Applied Sciences degree
Adaptive Part: Parts created in place and parts placed from
part files can both be defined as adaptive. Adaptive parts have
under constrained features that resize according to their
placement in an assembly. Features designated as adaptive in
the part file can change size and shape when constrained to
fixed geometry in an assembly.
Absolute Coordinates: A method of plotting points whereby
distances are measured from the origin.
Absorption: Ability of a substance to reduce the intensity of
light radiation by converting the energy into another form.
Acute Angle: An angle less than 90 degrees.
Adaptive Design: An existing part can be defined adaptive
within the assembly, thus allowing its features to resize and
change shape when one constrains them to other components.
Adaptive Feature: A feature that can resize when
constrained to other features. Features are usually
constrained to a specified size, unless they are designated as
adaptive: a part that is not constrained to a specified size or
shape.
Additive: Creating a three-dimensional shape by adding
additional shapes/mass to the model. Aesthetic: Designing
products with an artistic flair and its forms and effects to
influence consumers’ choice when purchasing products.
Aligned Dimensioning: Dimensioning technique that requires all
numerals, figures, and notes be aligned with the dimension lines
so that they may be read from the bottom and from the right
side of the sheet.
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Allowance: The difference between the maximum and minimum
material conditions.
Analysis: The detailed examination of something in order to
understand it better or draw conclusions from it.
Angle: The figure formed by the intersection of two lines at a
point.
Angle Constraint: The angle constraint positions, edges, or
planar faces on two components at a specified angle to define a
pivot point. Removes one degree of angular rotation.
Angular Dimensioning Method: Dimensioning method used for
angular surfaces in which one linear dimension is given to locate
one of the endpoints of the angle, and an angular measurement
is also given.
Annotated Sketch: A detailed sketch that is labeled with
critical dimensions, notes and symbols.
Annotate: A note added to a text or document to clarify or
explain further.
Annotating: Process of adding notes and dimensions to a model
or drawing.
ANSI (American National Standards Institute): Establishes
the standards for drafting in the United States.
Arc: A part of a circle.
Architecture: The science and art of planning for the building
structures.
Artifact: An artifact is an historical object, relic,
manufactured article, or a work of art.
Artistic: Work done skillfully and tastefully.
Assembly Browser: The browser presents the content of an
assembly in a hierarchy. Components are listed in the order in
which they are placed in the assembly.
Assembly Constraint: Removes the degrees of freedom
between two selected components, positioning them relative to
one another.
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Assembly Model: A model made up of two or more components
that have been constrained together.
Automation: An apparatus that works or moves by responding
to preset controls or computerized instruction.
Auxiliary View: A view that is used to show the detail of a
surface when it is not parallel to one of the principle planes of
projection. The auxiliary projection plane is parallel to the
inclined surface of the object, and represents features on the
surface in true shape and true size.
AVI (Advanced Visual Interface): A standard file format for
audio/visual clips.
Axis: Primary direction in a coordinate system.
Axonometric: A drawing only partially to scale, used to
describe a method of drawing a three-dimensional object so
that the vertical and horizontal axes are drawn to scale, but
the curves and diagonals appear distorted.
Balance: Balance is a Principle of Design. Pleasing harmony of
various elements in a product, print media, or art form.
Bar Graph: A graph that uses lines or bars that are horizontal
or vertical to represent a quantity.
Base Component: The first component placed in an assembly
should be a fundamental part or sub-assembly, such as a frame
or base plate, on which the rest of the assembly is built.
Bisector: A plane, line, or ray that cuts an angle into two equal
parts.
Blister Pack: Type of package that has a thin material backing
and a vacuum sealed piece of clear plastic covering the
product.
Brainstorming: A method of generating creative ideas
spontaneously, usually for problem-solving, and especially in an
intensive group discussion that does not allow time for
reflection.
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Browser Editing: A function within Autodesk Inventor which
allows one to edit the history of the design.
Browser Hierarchy: In Autodesk Inventor, the browser
contents correspond to the current assembly file. The
hierarchy beneath the top-level assembly can expand to show
the parts and sub-assemblies placed in the assembly. If
additional detail is available below an entry in the assembly
browser, it is indicated by a plus sign. For a sub-assembly,
parts and other sub-assemblies are listed. For a part, features
are listed. Just click the plus sign to expand the entry. There
is no limit to the levels of nesting in the browser. One can use
the scroll bars on the side and bottom of the browser window
to view additional detail.
B.S.: Bachelor of Science degree
Career: A profession or occupation that one trains for and
pursues as a life work.
Career Clusters: Groups of occupational titles in related
fields.
Cartesian Coordinate System: A rectangular coordinate
system created by three perpendicular axes labeled X, Y, and
Z.
Center Line: A line consisting of a long dash followed by a
short dash, that is used to show and locate the centers of arcs
and circles, and to describe the center axis of a cylindrical
form.
Center Point: The origin of a circle or arc.
Centroid: A three-dimensional point defining the geometric
center of a solid.
Certification Exam: An examination that certifies one for a
certain discipline.
Chain Dimensioning: Method of dimensioning from one feature
to the next. Also known as point-to-point dimensioning.
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Chamfer: A slight surface angle used on the sharp edges of a
product.
Chart: A diagram that shows the relationship between two or
more numerical quantities, such as the age and average height
of an individual.
Chord: A straight line with opposite ends that terminate on
the circumference of a circle.
Chronological: List of events or items in their order of
occurrence. Circle: A closed curve with coplanar points at the
same distance
from the center point.
Circumference: The distance around the outside of the circle.
Circumscribed: A shape drawn around a circle.
Clearance Fit: An allowable gap between two mating points.
Closed Loop System: A control system that uses feedback to
maintain a desired output.
Coincident: Two points fixed together.
Collinear: Lines or points belonging to the same line or an
extension of that line.
Collision Detection: The checking for interference among
components. If interference is detected, an interference solid
is temporarily created to illustrate where the interference
occurs. One can then modify components to eliminate the
interference; also, one can use the information from the
interference analysis to modify components to eliminate the
interference.
Color: The aspect of objects and light sources that may be
described in terms of hue, lightness, and saturation for
objects and hue, brightness, and saturation for light sources.
Complementary Angle: Two angles added together equaling 90
degrees.
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Component Finder: In very large assemblies, it is easy to lose
track of objects. The component finder function can quickly
locate parts both in the browser and the graphics window.
Component: A part of a total manufactured item. Components
can be an individual piece or a sub-assembly of the total
product.
Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM): This is a process
in which computers are utilized in all phases of manufacturing.
All departments in a manufacturing environment have control
of information related to a project between itself and other
departments immediately upstream or downstream in the
process flow. As an example, the use of computers to design
parts and produce computer numerical control code to control
machine operations, and the storage of large quantities of data
related to a part or product increases production and
decreases cost is a small portion of this area.
Computer Numerical Control (CNC): A numerical control
method in which one computer is linked with a machine tool to
perform a machining operation. Numerical code, controlling the
X, Y, and Z axes of a machine, are generated by a computer to
represent a contour of an object. A piece of raw material is
inserted into a machine and the machine is activated. The
numerical code guides the precise path of cutter to generate
an exact copy of the original design without flaw.
Concentric: Arcs and circles sharing the same centers.
Concurrent Engineering: The process of involving all branches
of manufacturing in the initial design pf a product. This
method of design shortens the manufacturing cycle because all
departmental needs have been considered and there is no need
for redesign at any stage of manufacture.
Constrained Move: A constrained move honors previously
applied constraints. That is, the selected component and parts
constrained move together in their constrained positions. A
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grounded component remains grounded at the new location.
Components constrained to the grounded component remain in
their constrained positions at the new location.
Constraint: Rules that govern the position and relationships
among sketch geometry or the relationships between parts in
an assembly.
Contour: An outline, especially of something curved or
irregular.
Converge: In a perspective drawing, the effect when parallel
lines appear to come together in the distance.
Coordinate Dimensioning Method: Dimensioning method used
for angular surfaces in which two linear dimensions are given to
locate the endpoints of the angle.
Coordinate System: Fixed system that incorporates an origin
and associated axes to define the position of objects in space.
Coplanar: Belonging to the same plane.
Copy: One can copy and paste features within a part file or
between open part files using the Windows clipboard. One can
paste only in the part modeling environment. Copying and
pasting is similar to creating and placing a design element with
these differences. The paste command allows dependent
features to be copied as well. Newly copied features are fully
independent, unlike design elements. If pattern features are
copied and pasted, then the parent feature is also pasted.
Core Subjects: Required courses that form the bas of one’s
discipline.
Cost Analysis: A process of collecting data in a manufacturing
environment to determine the cost of manufacturing a product.
This includes the design phase, purchasing equipment and
materials, production of the product, packaging, etc.
Counterbore: An enlarged drilled area used to accept the head
of a bolt so that the head of the bolt is recessed below the
surface of the material.
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Countersink: Used to recess the tapered head of a fastener
below the surface of the material.
Create: This function allows the creation of in-place parts in
assembly.
Creativity: Creativity is a Principle of Design. Being
imaginative or inventive.
Cutting Plane Line: A broken line that is used to indicate
where an object has been sectioned. The orientation of the
arrows on a cutting plane line indicates the direction in which
the section is being viewed.
Dark: Devoid, or partially devoid, of light. Not reflecting.
Datum Dimensioning: Common dimensioning method where
each feature dimension originates from a common axis,
surface, or center plane.
Defects: The non-conforming parts or components produced
during manufacturing, which includes the cost of raw materials,
scrapped materials and parts, rework materials and labor, and
labor idled by defect-caused production slowdowns.
Degrees of Freedom: Each component in an assembly has six
degrees of freedom. It can move along X, Y, and Z axes
(translational freedom) and it can rotate around the X, Y, and
Z axes (rotational freedom). When you place a constraint
between two pieces of geometry, you remove one or more
degrees of freedom. Movement is still possible in the
unconstrained directions.
Density: The mass per unit volume of an object.
Design Elements: The factors, including lines, form, color,
light, shadow, space, textures, etc., that define the product.
These take into considerations the aesthetics and function in
the development of a product.
Design for Manufacture (DFM): Keeping available
manufacturing methods and techniques in mind when designing
a product or part.
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Design Principles: Ten underlying considerations that lead to
an interesting design.
Design View: A design view preserves an assembly display
configuration which you can recall by name when you next work
on the assembly. One advantage of using a design view is that
you can turn off visibility of components you do not need to
see and then save that view with a design view name. When you
reload the design view, only the components you need are
displayed.
Detail: Shape or feature on a model.
Detail View: A view that magnifies, or scales up, a feature on
the drawing object that is small relative to the total size of
the part.
Dimetric: A drawing projected so that the plane of projection
of a three-dimensional drawing is at an equal angle to two of
the three axes of the object.
Diagonal: A line that is slanting or oblique.
Diameter: The straight distance from one outside curved
surface through the center point to the opposite outside
curved surface. The diameter is the longest chord in the
circle. Dimension Line: Thin line segment capped on the ends
with arrowheads that indicate the length of the dimension.
Dimension: Numerical value used on a drawing to describe
location, size, shape, or geometric characteristic.
Dimensioning: The process of placing measurements and notes
on a drawing to completely communicate its meaning.
Diminution: Objects further away appear smaller.
Drag and Drop Component: Drag and drop can be used to
place multiple components in an assembly. The dropped
components will appear at the bottom of the browser.
Drive Constraint: The simulation of mechanical motion by
moving a constraint through a sequence of steps. For example,
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you can rotate a component by driving an angular constraint
from zero to 360 degrees.
Durability: The ability of a product to withstand abuse and
still meet the design requirements. For a package, it is the
ability to protect a product from factory to market and from
market to consumer.
Edge: The line where two surfaces or points intersect.
Editing Constraints: The following constraints can be edited in
the browser: offset, angle, selected components, and direction.
Ellipse: The group or set of all points in the same plane whose
sum of distances from two points (foci) is constant. An ellipse
looks like a squashed circle or a circle viewed at an angle.
Emphasis: Emphasis is a Principle of Design. Points of
attention in a design. The feature in a design that attracts
one’s eye.
Employment Trend: An analysis of the future demand in
various careers/professions based on past/present job
opportunities.
Engineering: The profession that involves the complex
analysis, design, and development of solutions to technical
problems.
Engineering Notebook: An engineering notebook contains
proper documentation so that ideas are not lost and projects
can be duplicated. Proper documentation in a notebook includes
sketches made with notes as well as dimensions documented.
Each drawing in an engineering notebook should have a sketch,
design details, size requirements, a title, author’s initials, and
the date.
Equilateral Triangle: A triangle having all angles equal and all
sides have equal lengths.
Essence: The quality or nature of something that identifies it
or makes it what it is.
Esteem: Have a favorable opinion of, or regard highly.
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Ethical: Having to do with standards of right and wrong.
Ethics: The study of standards of right or wrong; that part of
science and philosophy dealing with moral conduct, duty, and
judgment.
Evolution: Changes that occur over a period of time that
involve such things as the adaptation of living things to their
environment or a process of improving the design of products.
Extension Line: Thin lines used to establish the extent of a
dimension.
External Component: A part has been created as a separate
part file outside of the current assembly model.
Extruded Feature: A feature created by adding depth to a
sketched profile. The feature’s shape, extent, and taper angle
control the shape. An extruded feature can be defined by
selecting a Boolean operation (join, cut, or intersect with
existing feature.).
Fillets: A curved surface formed at the interior intersection
of two or more surfaces of an object.
Feature: Any physical portion of an object, such as a hole or
fillet.
Fillet Feature: An arc of a specified radius placed at the
corner or intersection of two lines. Its type, radius, and
placement define a fillet feature.
Finance: A branch of industry that determines how much a
product will cost. These include, but are not limited to, direct
and indirect materials, labor, processes, equipment, tooling,
inventory storage, handling losses, spoilage, interest, and tax
cost. This department is also responsible to determine
overhead costs that must be assigned and the total
manufacturing cost determined.
Fit: To have the proper size or shape for a particular figure,
space, etc.
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Fixed Point: Locking a point to a position relative to the
sketch coordinate system.
Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS): A group or cluster of
manufacturing machines connected by an automated material
handling system and operated by a dedicated computer
controller.
Flush: The flush constraint aligns components adjacent to one
another with faces flush. Positions selected faces, curves, or
points so that they are aligned with surface normals pointing in
the same direction.
Form: The shape of a material.
Formal Balance: To be symmetrical. Graphics and text are
centered on the media.
Formula: A set of algebraic symbols expressing a
mathematical fact, rule, etc.
Fragility: The degree of susceptibility or fragility a product is
to damage.
Freehand: Done without the use of tools or drawing
equipment.
Function: The way in which an object is used in a given
process.
Futuristic: Dealing with events that haven’t occurred yet.
General Note: Note that applies to the entire part and/or
drawing.
General Specifications: Additional information provided in a
separate document that further explains information on the
working drawings.
Geometric Constraints: Defined relationships between
features, such as lines, arcs, and surfaces; e.g., defining two
surfaces to be parallel, or defining an arc and a line to be
tangent.
Gesture Study: A sketch that captures the essence of shape.
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Graph: A visual representation that shows the relationship
between certain sets of numbers.
Graphic Organizer: A tool used to arrange thoughts and ideas
in an orderly fashion.
Graphics: Any form of visual artistic representation used to
enhance printed information, logos, pictures, clip art, etc.
Grid: A pattern of uniformly placed horizontal and vertical
lines used to locate points.
Ground Line: In a perspective drawing, the plane where
objects appear to rest.
Grounded Component: The first component placed in an
assembly should be a fundamental part or sub-assembly, such
as a frame or base plate, on which the rest of the assembly is
built.
Hatch Marks: A series of lines or symbols used in a section
view that show where the material has been cut by the cutting
plane line. Hatch mark styles can be used to indicate the type
of material the object is made from.
Helix: A point, which moves around and along the surface of a
cylinder uniformly in a linear direction, along an axis. An
example of this is a screw thread on a bolt.
Hexagon: A polygon with six sides.
Hole: A geometric shape defined by hole type, placement size,
and dimensions. A hole requires a center point sketch for its
origin and placement.
Hole Note: Contains information about the diameter, depth,
and type of hole being used. Horizontal: A line parallel to the
horizon.
Horizon Lines: In a perspective drawing, the imaginary line at
eye level used as a construction line.
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language): A standard language
used in authoring web pages.
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Hue: The gradation of color. The attribute of colors that
permits them to be classed as red, yellow, green, blue, or an
intermediate color between any contiguous pair of these
colors. Icons: Symbols used to represent an operation or
function.
Ideation Drawings: Sketches and drawings used in the
formation of ideas.
Ideation Sketching: A rapid technique of sketching to capture
and develop ideas. A way to record ideas from the “mind’s eye”
to a graphic form of communication.
Informal Balance: Informal balance is a Principle of Design.
Not symmetrical, but balanced visually.
Innovation: New and unique application, concept, or product.
Inscribed: A shape drawn inside a circle.
Insert: This constraint selects geometry on two components
to constrain together. You can specify one or more curves,
planes, or points to define how pieces fit together. Integrity:
A condition of being complete or whole. For a product, it would
be a condition of being sound and in an unimpaired condition.
For a person, integrity is the condition of being honest and
sincere.
Interference: In an assembly, two or more components cannot
occupy the same space at the same time. To detect such
errors, one can analyze assemblies for interference. Where
components overlap, interference is temporarily displayed as a
solid.
Interference Fit: Also known as force or shrink fit.
Interference fit exists when mating parts must be pressed
together. For example, when a bushing must be pressed onto a
housing.
Internal Component: A part has been created as a separate
part file inside of the current assembly model.
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Intonation: The manner of applying pitch to a sentence or
phrase.
Line: The path of an infinite series of points. A line has length,
but not width or thickness.
Invention: A making something new, such as the invention of a
tool.
Inventory: An itemized list of parts, materials, and products.
ISO (International Standards Organization): The
organization which sets the international standard for
manufacturing.
Isometric: A drawing projected so that the plane of
projection of a three-dimensional drawing forms equal angles
(120 degrees) to each of the three axes of the object.
Isometric Axis: The axis representing height, width, and
depth for an isometric drawing.
Isometric View: A form of pictorial drawing that is used to
show several faces of an object at once, approximately as they
appear to the observer. An isometric drawing is not true shape
nor true size. The sides of an isometric drawing are projected
back at an angle of 30 degrees relative to the horizontal axis.
Isosceles Triangle: A triangle that has two sides of equal
length and two equal interior angles.
Jinks Method: A form of modeling, which uses square dowels
connected by gluing reinforcing gussets of index card stock.
Journal: A publication appearing regularly and containing
articles, findings, editorial commentaries, etc. Journals are
primarily published by professional organizations.
Just in Time (JIT): A process in which a company orders raw
materials, pre-made parts, or sub-assemblies to be delivered
to the plant as they are required. This eliminates the need for
storage space and handling is kept to a minimum. Inventory is
scheduled to arrive to operations and assembly at the time
they are needed and not before.
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Keyseats: Slotted openings in shafts that accept keys.
Lateral Thinking (LT): Creative thinking; the ability to look at
a given situation or problem in a nontraditional way. Also known
as divergent thinking.
Light: A quality of brightness.
Line Graph: A diagram, or a visual representation, using a
broken line to show the relationship between certain sets of
numbers.
Line Segment: A portion of a line that is defined by two
points.
Loft Feature: A loft feature blends two or more non-similar
shapes on non-intersecting planes. Tangency condition,
termination, and order of sketches are some of the sketched
features that specify a loft.
Mock-Up: A physical model constructed from inexpensive
materials intended to represent a design and analyze a design
concept, commonly called appearance models. This model is
constructed proportionally correct but no normally to scale.
Line Weight: The width and darkness of a line.
Local Note: Information about a particular feature.
Location: The relative position of one part in relationship to
the entire model.
Location Dimension: Dimension on a drawing that indicates the
position of a feature or geometric shape in relationship to
another feature, geometric shape, edge or center.
Manufacturing: The total process of design, application, and
production. This involves the making of goods by hand or by
machinery, often on a large scale, and with a division of labor.
Marketing: 1) A method of involving the consumer in the
evaluation of a product to determine/evaluate the salability of
a product. 2) A branch of industry that seeks out and
evaluates the needs of the consumer. Marketers must
determine the size of the market, what functions the product
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needs to accomplish, and the selling cost. They must also
determine the life of the product, serviceability, reliability,
and the annual production.
Mass: The property of an object that is a measure of its
inertia, the amount of matter it contains, and its influence in a
gravitational field.
M.S.: Master of Science degree
Mate: This constraint position selects faces normal to one
another with faces coincident. Materials: Matter that
occupies space.
Maximum and Minimum Conditions: The condition of a part or
feature when it contains the most or least amount of material
and is still considered acceptable.
Mechanical: A form of energy that uses motion to do work.
Model: A two- or three-dimensional representation of an
object. A model represents a wireframe, hidden edge, or
shaded display.
Moments of Inertia: An object’s opposition to changing its
motion about an axis.
Move: The move component button on the assembly toolbar
will allow the dragging of individual components in any linear
direction in the viewing plane.
Negative Space: Created by the boundaries of space within an
object.
Object: Something visible or tangible.
Object Line: Slightly lighter than a profile line, used to add all
details to a sketch.
Oblique: A form of pictorial sketch in which two axes are at
right angles to each other (one vertical, one horizontal) and
the depth axis is at an oblique angle.
Obtuse Angle: An angle greater than 90 degrees.
Octagon: A polygon with eight sides.
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One Point Perspective: A perspective drawing using one
vanishing point.
Opposition: Opposition is a Principle of Design. The use of long
and short, thick and thin, and black and white objects in a
design.
Offset Section: The cutting plane is offset through
staggered interior features of an object to show those
features in section as if they were in the same plane.
Open Loop System: A control process which operates without
knowledge of the actual output (i.e., the output is dependent
only on the input).
Order of Views: The relationship between the views in
orthographic projection.
Organizations: A group of individuals joined for some common
purpose.
Origin: The point at which axes intersect.
Orthographic: Right angle projection. The views of an object
are drawn in perpendicular planes to one another.
Orthographic Projection: A multi-view drawing of an object,
where each view represents two dimensions, and the observer’s
viewpoint is perpendicular to the drawing plane. The standard
orthographic projection consists of a front, top, and right-side
view.
Overhead: The continuing cost of running a business. For
example, rent, utilities, maintenance, etc.
Packaging: Material(s) used to protect a product during
shipping and/or materials used to contain a product for display
and sale.
Palletized: Term used to describe the neat stacking of
cartons in preparation for shipment. Cartons are stacked on
platforms called pallets.
Panel Bar: The panel bar contains current command icons or
command names depending on how it is configured.
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Parallel: Two or more lines having equal distance between
them.
Parametric Sketch: A sketch that can be driven by its
geometry.
Pencil Types: Measured by the softness of the lead.
Parametric: Geometric relationships used to define a sketch.
Used to allow a sketch to change shape or size in relationship
to other features.
Part Library: A collection of pre-drawn, commonly used items,
such as fasteners, springs, bearings, gears, shafts, cams, and
pulleys that can be inserted into an assembly.
Part Manipulation: Consists of moving, rotating, copying, and
replacing components.
Pattern: A regular or repeated design, form, order or
arrangement. Duplicates one or more components and arranges
the resulting occurrences in a circular or rectangular pattern.
Pattern Feature: Multiple instances of a sketched feature
arrayed in a specified pattern. Patterns are defined by type
(rectangular or circular), orientation, number of features, and
spacing between features.
Pattern Layout: Type of drawing that is commonly used in the
design of cartons and boxes. The product is drawn out and
then produced on a flat piece of stock then creased and folded
to create the carton or box.
Patterning Component: This function duplicates one or more
components and arranges the resulting occurrences in a
circular or rectangular pattern.
Pentagon: A polygon with five sides.
Perpendicular: Two lines forming a 90 degree angle.
Perspective: A view of an object created with one or more
points vanishing to the horizon.
Ph.D.: Doctor of Philosophy degree
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PHANTOM LINES Phantom lines are used most frequently to indicate an alternate
position of a moving part, as shown in the left-hand view of figure 3-36
Physical Plant: A building that provides space for all functions
a company needs to conduct business. Company requirements
may dictate that existing buildings are not practical for their
use and require that a new building be built to house a process
or product line.
Pictograph: A graph that uses small pictures or symbols to
represent a certain quantity following the format of a bar
graph.
Picture Plane: In a perspective drawing, it is the plane of
projection.
Pie Graph: A chart or diagram that is useful for representing
percentages; a pie represents the entire percentage (100), so a
particular slice can represent a portion of the whole.
Plagiarize: To take or use ideas, writings, etc., without giving
credit.
Point: An exact location in space. The exact point in space is
where the two lines of the grid intersect.
Polar: A method of plotting points whereby distances are
measured using angles.
Polar Dimensioning: Angular dimensions used to locate
features from centerlines or planes.
Polygon: A closed plane figure with three or more straight
sides.
Portfolio: A record of history and important events, samples
of best work, and evidence of original work.
Posture: The position of the body.
Poster Board: A visual aid used in presentations commonly
constructed by placing images and text on heavy construction
paper or foam board.
Primary Color: Any one of the three basic colors of the
spectrum, red, yellow, or blue, from which all other colors can
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be blended. Any one of the three basic colors cyan, magenta,
or yellow, which when subtracted from white can produce all
other colors.
Principal Moments: Moments of inertia related to the
principal axes of the part.
Process: A series of changes, or a number of steps, which
transform an object. This can be as drastic as raw materials
being developed into a part, or as minor as a part receiving a
protective coating.
Process Route: A fixed order of procedures that a component
takes in order to be completed. The order is sequential in
nature and is usually designed by an industrial engineer to be
the most efficient and cost effective method of producing
that component.
Products of Inertia: An object’s opposition to changing its
motion about two axes.
Professional Societies: Organizations or groups of specially
educated, trained, and/or licensed occupational fields.
Profile Line: In sketching, a dark heavy line that outlines the
object drawn.
Prototype: A full size, functional, working model of a design
that is completed before a part is manufactured, which allows
the object to be tested and analyzed before production
begins.
Project Geometry Tool: Projected geometry is fixed in
position relative to the sketch where it originates, but one can
constrain, or dimension, sketch geometry to projected
geometry. Projected geometry can be in profiles or paths.
Projection Plane: An imaginary plane in the line of sight on
which an image appears.
Proportion: Proportion is a Principle of Design. Comparative
relationships between things with respect to size.
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Proprietary Specifications: Additional information provided in
a separate document that details mandatory parts, processes,
and materials to be used to manufacture the part(s) on the
working drawings.
Purchasing: A branch of industry that will provide information
and suggestions relevant to a product as to whether to buy or
make components of the design. The availability of raw
materials and the quantity of a material may change the
desired output and is also determined by the purchasing
department. Parts may be manufactured out-of-house at a
lower cost and a higher quality than could be made in-house.
Some components may be purchased by quantity discounts or
just in time delivery methods to lower costs.
Quadrilateral: A polygon with four sides.
Quality Control: 1) The process of maintaining pre-determined
standards throughout the design-to-manufacturing process. 2)
This branch of industry is concerned with providing assurance
that the product specifications are met. During all phases of
manufacturing, this department inspects and tests parts to
ensure that the components conform to design requirements.
They also must participate in consumer complaints, rework and
scrap costs, and process control, including statistical process
control (SPC).
Radii of Gyration: The distance from the axis of interest
where all the mass can be concentrated and still produce the
same moment of inertia.
Radius: The distance from the center point to the outside
curved surface. The radius is half the diameter
Range of Motion: The path a component or linkage travels
when a drive constraint is applied.
Real Time Inspection (RTI): Observation taking place during
a process whereby at any time the process can be stopped,
altered, or changed to get the proper results.
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Receiving: A department in a company where all materials and
supplies necessary for that company to function are “received.”
Having a central location to inventory everything that enters a
company to ensure that materials are allocated and charged to
the correct departments within that company.
Rectangle: A four-sided polygon with four right angles.
Rectangular Dimensioning: Linear dimensions used to locate
features from centerlines or planes.
Recycle: To submit or return for reuse.
Reference Dimensioning: A dimension usually without
tolerance used for information purposes only.
Relative: A method of plotting points whereby distances are
measured from the previous point.
Reliability: A quality which displays how trustworthy and
dependable a person or product is.
Re-manufacturing: Term used to describe products that are
designed in such a way that the product can be returned to the
manufacturer, and parts of the product can be utilized for
newer products.
Render: To create an artistic representation of an object.
Repetition: Repetition is a Principle of Design. The use of
repeated lines, spaces and textures.
Replace Component: In the design process, one often needs to
replace one or more components in an assembly. One can select
a part to replace an existing assembly component regardless of
its location in the directory structure. The new component is
placed in the same location as the original component, but all
assembly constraints are deleted. The origin of the
replacement component is coincident with the origin of the
replaced component. One reapplies constraints, as needed, to
correctly position the component.
Research: 1) The process of scientific investigation. 2) A
department within a company that develops new products or
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redesigns existing products to improve company profits. This
department is sometimes referred to as a “Research and
Development (R & D)” department.
Responsible: An expectation of a person to be obliged to
account for something or someone.
Résumé: Summary of your education, degree(s) earned, work
history, accomplishments, etc.
Revolved Feature: A profile revolved around an axis to create
a solid feature.
Rhombus: A quadrilateral with four equal sides and opposite
angles equal.
Right Angle: An angle measuring 90 degrees.
Rotate: The rotate component button on the assembly toolbar
will rotate an individual component.
Round: Two or more exterior surfaces rounded at the
intersection.
Rhythm: Rhythm is a Principle of Design. Repeated lines,
planes, or surface treatments.
Right Triangle: A triangle having a 90 degrees angle, or right
angle, in it.
Rounds: Fillets created on convex edges.
Saturation: Chromatic purity. Freedom from dilution with
white.
Scale: The ability to change the proportions or size of one
part of the image in relationship to the other.
Scalene Triangle: A triangle with no sides and no angles equal.
Section View: A section view is used in an orthographic
drawing to show the internal detail of an object. Typically the
section view is used when the drawing detail is complex enough
to obscure the hidden detail.
Self-Motivation: A personal trait of displaying some inner
drive that causes one to act in a certain way. A person that has
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an inner force that drives that person to set goals and
incentives and to accomplish them.
Serendipity: The faculty of finding valuable or agreeable
things.
Shade: A color mixed with black to absorb more light.
Shaded View: A life-like view that has been modified to
appear photo realistic.
Shading: An area of relatively dark tone or close lines, dots,
or hatch marks that produces darkness or shadow in a drawing
or picture.
Shape: The physical geometry of a model.
Shell: A feature in which material is removed from a specified
face, leaving a cavity with walls of a specified thickness. Shell
walls are usually uniform thickness, but may have specific wall
thickness assigned to them. A shell is used most frequently for
cast or molded parts.
Shrink-Wrap: A thin piece of film or plastic that when heated
forms tightly to the product or container. Common technique
used to place safety seals on medicine bottles for consumer
protection.
Size Dimension: Dimension on a drawing that indicates the
size of a part.
Size: Numerical value placed on a model and its features.
Sketch: A freehand drawing of an idea, or solution to a
problem without concern for detail, which could be done either
on paper or on a computer.
Sketching: A freehand type of drawing; without the use of
drawing tools.
Skilled: A person who has obtained a level of competence
through education and/or experience in an occupational field.
Slide Show: A number of visual aids used for presentations.
Slots: A recessed area that commonly has fully rounded ends
and tangent to its sides.
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Snap: The cursor will travel to a predetermined distance.
Spatial (Spacial) Relations: The relative position and size of
objects in a three-dimensional environment.
Specification Sheet: Describes materials, manufacturers,
qualities, cost, and other information needed to produce a
part.
Spectrum: A continuum of color formed when a beam of white
light is dispersed (as by passage through a prism) so that its
component wavelengths are arranged in order.
Spotface: An enlarged drilled area that is used to provide a
flat bearing area for a washer or bolt head.
Square: A polygon with four equal sides and four right angles.
Station Point: The point where the viewer stands to observe
the image on the picture plane.
Statistical Process Control (SPC): Statistical process control
is a system of collecting data on a process to predict the
desired outcome. This process can control the process so items
being produced will conform more consistently to the design
criteria. This process produces more usable items and reduces
rework or scrapped parts.
Statistical Tolerancing: The assigning of tolerances to
related dimensions in an assembly based on the requirements
of statistical process control.
Sub-Assembly: A group of components that are constrained
to act as one in a larger assembly.
Style: the current, fashionable way of dressing, acting, etc.
Subordination: Subordination is a Principle of Design. Less
important aspects of a design, less eye-catching, but are
essential to the overall effectiveness of the design.
Subtractive: Creating a three-dimensional shape by
subtracting, or removing, shapes/mass from the model.
Supplemental Angle: Two angles added together equaling 180
degrees.
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Surface: A two-dimensional area on a plane.
Surface Area: The squared dimensions of the exterior
surface.
Sweep Feature: A profile that is created by moving along a
planar path. Two sketches are required to create a sweep, a
profile, and a path on intersecting planes.
Symbol Library: A collection of pre-drawn, commonly used
images representing such things as electronics, hydraulic, and
pneumatic devices.
Tolerancing: Communicating the total allowable range of size
and fit of parts.
Tools: Anything used to modify another material or object,
from a stone ax to a CNC lathe.
Total Quality Control (TQC): A theory, which is based on the
concept that it is possible to produce a perfect part each and
every time. The responsibility for quality is placed on the
individual operator to perform their task correctly all the
time.
Total Quality Management (TQM): A method that uses
inputs from all levels of personnel to ensure continuous quality
improvement.
Tangent: A line that intersects a circle or an arc at one and
only one point.
Tangent Constraint: The tangent constraint causes curves or
lines to be tangent to other curves. One curve can be tangent
to another even if they do not physically share a point.
Technical Drawing: A drawing used to express technical ideas.
Technician: A person skilled in the technique of some art or
science.
Technological Change: Modifications brought about by
improving processes or products.
Technology: The science of creating objects.
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Three-Dimensional Solid Modeling: Three-dimensional
representation possessing material characteristics, such as
mass, volume, and density.
Thumbnail Sketches: Small developmental sketches to
communicate design ideas.
Timeline: An order or sequence.
Tint: A color mixed with white to give low saturation and high
lightness.
Tool Bar: The portion of the Inventor user interface that
appears under the title bar in the graphics window. Contains
icon buttons for tools that are used in all types of Inventor
files.
Trade-Off: A compromise to get one from the best solution
to the optimum solution.
Transition: Transition is a Principle of Design. The changing
from one aspect of a design to another.
Trapezoid: A quadrilateral with two parallel sides.
Unconstrained Move: One can move a component to get a
better view of its features. An unconstrained move is simply a
temporary "get out of the way" move. The part remains in the
moved location, but snaps back to its constrained position when
one applies a new constraint, updates or refreshes the
assembly.
Trimetric: A drawing projected so that the plane of
projection of a three-dimensional drawing is at a different
angle to all three axes of the object.
Two Point Perspective: Drawing using vertical lines and two
vanishing points.
Types of Fit: Classes of fits are arranged in three general
groups known as running and sliding fits, locational fits, and
force fits. They are based on equipment design and limits of
size between mating parts.
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Unidirectional Dimensioning: Dimensioning technique commonly
used in mechanical drafting that requires all numerals, figures,
and notes be placed horizontally and read from the bottom of
the sheet.
Unity: Unity is a Principle of Design. Unity is applying
consistent use of lines, color, and texture. To be harmonious.
Unskilled: A person who lacks a level of competence through
education and/or experience in an occupational field.
Utilities: A company that provides something useful to the
public such as electricity, gas, and water.
Value: The lightness or darkness of a color.
Vanishing Point: The point on the horizon where parallel
objects appear to intersect due to convergence.
Ventilation: The circulation of fresh air through a duct
system into a room or building, or the removal of gas or foul air
through the said system.
Vertex: The point where the two sides of an angle intersect.
Vertical Thinking (VT): Also called high-probability thinking
or convergent thinking.
Vertical: Perpendicular to the horizon.
Views: The different viewing perspectives found in mechanical
drawing.
Visibility Control: In a large assembly, one may need some
components only for context, or the components one needs may
be obscured by other components. One can change components
to not enabled or turn the visibility of components on and off
as needed. Assembly files open and update faster when nonessential components are turned off.
Visualization: To form a mental image of something.
Volume: The space occupied by a three-dimensional object
measured in cubic units.
Warehousing: Storage of products waiting for distribution
and/or use.
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Waste: Any activity that involves the use of time and
materials which is not required for the task of production.
Wavelength: The distance from the start of one wave to the
start of the next.
Work Axis: A work axis is a construction line of infinite
length that is parametrically attached to a part.
Working Drawings: A drawing for manufacturing or building
purposes; term synonymous with detail drawings.
Wireframe View: A transparent view that shows all surface
edges of an object.
Work Features: A parametric plane, axis, or point that you
use to control the position and orientation of geometric
features on a part.
Work Plane: An infinite construction plane that is
parametrically attached to a part. Work planes can be placed
at any orientation in space, offset from existing part faces, or
rotated around an axis or edge in a part face. A work plane can
be designated as a sketch plane and can be dimensioned or
constrained to other features. It is useful when no planar face
exists to use as a sketch plane.
Work Point: A construction feature that defines a point in
three-dimensional space. A work point can be placed onto a
sketch and incorporated into dimension and constraint
schemes.
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