Front End Loader (FEL) Project

With this project students should have the following prerequisite skills:

• Utilize file management skills

• Be able to make basic parts in 3D modeling software

  • Extrude

  • Array

  • Revolve

• Read dimensioned drawings with hole and thread notes

• (NOT Necessary if virtual) Be able to safely use tools in the classroom

• Be able to design & use jigs and fixtures

INTRODUCTION

In this project, students will use 3d modeling software to build basic parts and assemble them into a wooden toy model of a front end loader. In the video tutorials for this project, they were done using OnShape, but can be done with other software as well. After it is assembled, if the class is not virtual, you may even decide to do a mass production of the bucket loader using jigs and fixtures and tools that you may have in your classroom so that every student gets to take one with them.

The part that makes this a project is Step #5: Design a new vehicle. Take what you have learned, and design another toy vehicle to go along with the front end loader that compliments it and uses some of the same parts.

STEP 1: BUILD THE PARTS

Download the Front End Loader Working Drawings and make all the parts in 3D modeling software and save them in a folder. Here are some tutorials on reading drawings and hole notes if you need to review. In the tutorials below, the software used is OnShape, but you may be using different software. Check with your instructor! The videos below are provided in case you get stuck building some of the more challenging parts. FEL just stands for Front End Loader! Be sure to hand in the parts for evaluation by your instructor.

STEP 2: ASSEMBLY FILE

This is where you find out if all of your parts fit together correctly! If not, just edit them as you go. You’ll do this by creating an Assembly of all the parts. The video below takes you through doing it with OnShape. Be sure to Import the Lift Bar first! Be sure to submit your assembly for approval/evaluation by your instructor.

STEP 3: WORKING DRAWINGS

Using your 3D modeling software of choice, make working drawings of all the necessary parts so that they can be manufactured. You may want to split up into groups, and share the work for this step. Be sure to submit your drawings for approval/evaluation by your instructor.

STEP 4: BUILD THE LOADER: MASS PRODUCTION

ONLY IF NOT VIRTUAL! So if you are lucky enough to still be in school as you do this, and there isn’t a global pandemic or something, talk to your instructor about using jigs and fixtures to do a mass production of the Front End Loader. Be sure to submit some pictures for our blog if you do this step!

STEP 5: DESIGN A NEW VEHICLE

Toy Vehicle Project

Design Toy Vehicle

STEP 6: ASSEMBLE NEW VEHICLE

STEP 7: EXPLODED VIEW