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To carry out effective CAD in order to create accurate construction plans and drawings, it is vital that companies invest in quality CAD printers in order to get the best out of their drawings.

What is CAD?

Many people are often baffled by the term CAD, unsure what these three little letters could mean - however, their importance cannot be overstated. CAD refers to Computer-aided design - a system that allows architects, engineers and designers to draft, edit and create plans and develop construction drawings on a computer. It allows drafting that is incredibly quick and easy. Before the virtual age, where business seems to revolve around computers, drawings and blueprints were drafted by hand. However, CAD is so much more efficient and accurate because the software records lines as vectors which are based on mathematical equations. CAD is now seen as crucial for the world of design and engineering, and the construction of buildings and fixtures in general. CAD software allows the designer to twist, stretch or move certain parts of a drawing, enabling incredible accuracy.

Printing CAD Drawings

The quality of printing of CAD drawings is crucial and it is important that excellent quality CAD printers are used. CAD drawings can of course be viewed on a computer but they are usually printed off on paper for architects to mark up. Accuracy and clear lines are vital, and because of the size of the drawings, a large printer that can print as wide as 48 inches is usually required. This means that a large format printer is needed that is specially crafted to deal with the accuracy and quality demands of CAD. Enter CAD printers.

Where Can I Buy CAD Printers?

If you work with CAD drawings on a regular basis or as part of your job, a CAD printer from a reputable and professional manufacturer is vital. It is possible to buy CAD printers from a massive number of retailers throughout the UK and abroad. It is advisable though, rather than shopping for your printer on the high street, to search online for your new machine. This is because the Internet can provide you with a bigger selection of printers, enabling you to choose the exact one that is just right for your CAD printing needs. You may visit one or two high-street stores and view a handful of products, whereas the Web allows you to peruse thousands (if you have the time!) of products.

You might prefer to shop in-store as you want advice from a member of staff - however, that employee may well have orders from above to push a particular printer, maybe because it is underselling or because of its high-price, rather than helping you to find the product that is right for you and your company. Shopping online for a product can also save you money as Internet retailers often have lower prices than their high-street competitors. At a time when everyone has to tighten their belts and where most businesses are struggling to stay afloat due to poor finances, this is certainly worth considering.

About the Author:
To browse our wide range of CAD printerspay us a visit at http://www.designsupply.co.uk/index.htm, for all your design needs.

Bridge construction is a time-consuming and complex task generally performed by a team of architects, structural engineers and general contractors. It involves drafting, design analysis, 3D modeling, preparation of working drawings and construction documents for timely delivery of bridge components and structural members. Bridge detailing process helps you understand structural requirements and deliver drawings for construction and commissioning of bridge structural components.

The framing plan drawing is an accurate and detailed graphical representation of all the geometric control required for the detailing of column, section, beam or girder framing. This information is crucial and must allow a room for the authentication of structural calculations, dimensions and drawings by the Engineer of Records (EoR).

The framing plan should clearly describe span lengths, distances between diaphragms, chord lengths, distances between respective girders, elevation angles, girder dimensions, girder radius of curvature and other specifications as required by the EoR.

Concrete components of a bridge are pre-fabricated members and require accurate, complete and standard compliant plans for its fabrication. Different drawings are required for using reinforcing steel, post-tensioned or pre-stressed concrete components. Bridge detail drawings for concrete members may require 3D models to render plan and elevation views along with sections and details.

The drawings may be prepared using computer aided design (CAD) tools and must show the horizontal and vertical placements of concrete, reinforcement steel and pre-stressed tendons. Further, the spacing and placement of rebars must be clearly shown with appropriate dimensions. For bridge deck slab detailing the spans must be separated by construction joints into two parts called positive moment field and negative moment field. The drawing may provide additional construction joints to restrict the volume of concrete to be required for fabrication. The placement order must be such as to ease the latency for tension in the slab due to girder displacement.

Post your queries on Bridge detailing to us info@outsourcestructuraldesign.com

About the Author:
Richard Bothom is Bridge detailing engineer at OSD a Structural Engineering consultant offering full range of structural services including Structural design analysis, Shop drawings and review services at affordable rates. Contact us http://www.outsourcestructuraldesign.com/bridge-detailing.php