Expert: Bill DeShawn - 9/15/2004

Question
      Can you tell me what math skills are absoulutly necessary in CAD/CAM work. I have basic algebra and trig and wonder if I learn the programs well if it will be possible for me to get work.
      I am not a science person rather I am an artist and I hope that the work entales translating a designers specs into the program and not much calculating.
      Is this the case?

Thank You

Manny


Answer
You skill level in CAD is affected by how much math you know, but that doesn't mean you have to be a mathematician in order to run CAD.  If you need something parallel, perpendicular or tangent, CAD can do that for you.  If you need to bisect an angle, CAD can do that for you.  It can measure the angle and length of any geometry you draw, and is bound almost completely by the laws of geometry and trigonometry. So, you need to have an understanding of the terminology of geometry.  You can get that with the basic high school geometry and trig classes.

The artistry in CAD can be found in the fancy surfaces you create on 3D models, and in architecture.  Also, colors are important in CAD and can be used for art or to tell a printer how to print.  There are so many kinds of designers.  Architectural, mechanical, clothing, interior, etc.  So, when you say designers, you need to be more specific.
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Bill DeShawn
http://my.sterling.net/~bdeshawn