So here's the question, Im a relatively new designer and when i am using software (Solidworks) to make parts (usually small airplane components) how are things with splines and curves manufactured/dimensioned? Honestly when i look around and observe things i can see how there is a radius here, and an angle there on such and such a component, but when things get curvy and i think about how this curvy thing was made or dimensioned, i kinda get scared. Are computers just that good now so that anything i draw on screen can be made in real life?
Thanks for the help.

 

Most irregular shape can be made by CNC.It can mill and cut the exactly surface,very accurate.
So don't worry about that.For how do define the dimensions,normally,you can define some critical points which shape the splines / curves.
In addition,I perfer to use regular model,if it's not necessary for outlook or aerodynamic reasons.Coz you have to think about the cost.

 

In aircraft design of large parts you would typically draw and give dimensions for a series of cross sections and the surface would be lofted through them. Often in aircraft design, dimensions are omitted and full size templates are used instead. Airfoil sections are defined with a series of XY coordinates and splined through those points.

When I was doing automotive mold design, we created very few drawings. A drawing would show overall dimensions and some critical checking dimensions, but the 3D CAD surface file itself was the controlling document and went straight to the CNC.

And no, you can draw all kinds of things on CAD that can't be made in the real world, or would be unreasonably difficult to make using standard techniques.