DEVELOPMENT OF SPATIAL VISUALIZATION AND REPRESENTATION THROUGH A HANDS-ON COURSE IN COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN SOFTWARE

The application of information technologies becomes more present in all aspects, being its handling a current prerequisite in any job. In particular, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) systems are basic in most engineering areas. This software not only allows the creation of drawings and 3D models for representative or manufacturing purposes, but also the use of these tools supposes in many cases an initial phase in the application of other Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) tools, as in the case of analysis using the Finite Element Method (FEM) or Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). On the other hand, the growth of the CAD tools has been linked to the extension of the Do It Yourself (DIY) methodology, pointing out the example of 3D printing. The course aims to expand, reinforce and complete the knowledge acquired during the university degrees, facilitating the teaching of specific engineering software with a huge demand in the project and engineering companies. These activities also seek to provide the student with a substantial improvement in career prospects, professional skills and employability. The methodology will be based in practical classes with small groups, since what is intended is that the student acquires skills in the use of the software, combining tools specialized in 2D and 3D design. All the commands in the program interface will be defined, creating new parts or designs until their dimensioning, export and/or printing.