Using 3D Computer Aided Design to Bring Your Ideas to Life

Mr. Tom Greer
CEO Gizmo Design, Santa Rosa, CA

Cerent Engineering Science Complex, Salazar Hall 2009A
4:00 PM

Abstract – Developments in Computer Aided Design have led to the rise of increased productivity, Product Design / Engineering, and long-term quality surrounding the field of Product Design and Mechanical Engineering. These rapid visualization tools allow design teams to collaborate with utmost efficiency. Design validation using Simulation to characterize Mechanical Stresses, Flow simulation, and Plastic injection molding are available at a fraction of the cost compared to the first advanced CAD systems some 40 years ago. Coupled with rapid prototyping, CAD tools accelerate the development of Prototypes, putting the end product in users’ hands for both Functional and Environmental testing. This lecture will provide the participant with an overview of the design process using SolidWorks CAD software. While explaining the SolidWorks user interface, we will show the construction of Parts, Assemblies, and Drawings. Thereby offering a recipe as to how parts are made. This will include a “layman’s” overview of Boolean logic and the Cartesian Coordinate system as it relates to the creation and modification of 3D Geometric Parts, which is the foundation of most CAD systems. By the end of this lecture you will understand how using 3D CAD can bring your ideas to life!

Mr. Tom Greer’s interest in Design and Mechanical Engineering started as a youth; taking things apart and trying to put them back together without having any spare parts left over. He started drawing, building models and prototypes at an early age, and has continued to do so as owner and founder of Gizmo Design, Inc. over the past 21 years. Tom studied Product Design at Montana State University, with a focus on Biomechanics and Human Factors Engineering. Post-graduate studies include Advanced Composites Engineering and Testing at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory, and Structures and Composites at Stanford University. He worked with Burt Rutan on the Design and construction of the fireproof cabin for the Voyager aircraft, spent years in the Aerospace industry, followed by years as a Designer and Brand Manager in the Bicycle industry, and Hi-tech/ Silicon Valley. Tom worked as the CAD designer with the Television series “Prototype This!”. He holds numerous certifications and Patents, and has taught hundreds of students how to use 3D CAD to bring their ideas to life! In his spare time, Tom enjoys being with his family and friends, music, exploring the outdoors with a fly rod, bicycle, Skis, or backpack, and is an active board member of Trout Unlimited, and of course, still takes apart and fixes things.