Abstract:

Nowadays, 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) software is almost indispensable tool throughout the entire production process for customizing existing and developing new products. This process consists of development, design, simulation, calculation, technical documentation, preparation of production technology etc. In all these stages, it is possible to use various tools that 3D CAD provides to make the design process easier, cheaper, and more effective. For this reason, it is important to place emphasis on the knowledge of these programs already during education. Therefore, innovations are being implemented at University of West Bohemia (UWB) to improve the education of specialized 3D CAD programs. Most of advanced 3D CAD programs provide a range of extension modules that further facilitate design works. One of these extensions is the possibility of surface modelling that enables to create the geometry of the product using complex shaped surfaces. Surface modelling is one of the modules that have been chosen as part of the innovations of teaching and there is an effort to improve the education of this module. Within this innovation, e-learning study materials have been created to simplify and make more efficient the teaching of surface modelling, both for the student and the teachers. Thanks to these innovations implemented at UWB, student should acquire design know-how in this area, which they will surely use in future jobs and this practical knowledge also gives them an advantage on the labour market.

Keywords:

Surface modelling, mechanical engineering, mechanical desig, teaching enhancement.