The CAD team is responsible for creating a computer model of the robot each year. The CAD team works alongside the Build team during the season. They create models of the mechanically complex systems on the robot so the Build team can visualize the entire system in three dimensions on the computer instead of trying to do so in their heads. The CAD team also prints technical drawings for the Build team to use throughout the season.
When the build season starts, the CAD team in put into action very quickly. A drivetrain is one of the first parts of the robot to be designed in CAD. After the wooden proof of concept mockups are done in the first one or two weeks, the CAD team works with the Build team to design and redesign the final systems. The more complex systems are designed in CAD first, then technical drawings are printed for the Build team to follow or the design is sent to the CNC mill if tight tolerances are required. Simpler components are designed on the go and put into the CAD model after they are completed.
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Once the season in finished and the model of the robot is completed, it can be used for future reference. These past models are looked at often during the season so that the team doesn't have to reinvent the wheel every year. If we need to design a system similar to one that we designed previously, we can look at the previous CAD model and adapt it to our needs in the current season.
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