Introduction to 3D Modeling

In this 5-hour introduction, students will learn to use 3D modeling software. They will first use industry-standard tools to make measurements of a pre-printed object, then will replicate the object to the correct dimensions and shape using whichever 3D modeling software the school chooses. The object they will model is the fitting to which the students' tool holders must be able to connect.

It is up to the instructor whether to actually 3D print the designs the students create. This particular physical object is not needed for the actual final student-designed tool holder, except to test whether the tool holder the group designs includes a part that mates correctly with this piece. The goal of this lesson is simply for students to learn to use the 3D modeling software, and the intended output is the drawing files showing that the student properly measured and modeled the part.

Below are rendered CAD drawings of the connector fitting.

Suggested narrative:

Before you can begin to design your own tool holder, you need to understand how to model parts using our 3D modeling software. Once an object has been modeled on the computer, it can be prototyped using the 3D printer. So in this first part of the challenge, you need to create a 3D rendering of a connector fitting that will be used to mount your tool holder.