Activity 1 - Taking Measurements

Narrative

In order to produce the prototype of your tool holder, you must learn to design (or render) the object in 3D modeling software. You will start by modeling the connecting linkage piece that your final tool holder must connect to. This piece has already been designed and 3D printed. Your task is to reverse design it in your 3D modeling software.

Orthographic Left

Front

Orthographic Front

Orthographic Right

Taking the Measurements

1 - Preparation and materials

Provide each student with a 3D printed connector fitting and a set of calipers.
Students can either make a rough sketch of the part and record the dimensions on that sketch as they take the measurements, or you can provide them with the blank sketch below, and they can add dimensions to it..

SketchTemplatefullpage.pdf

This file can be downloaded by clicking on the pop out icon in the upper right corner. Once open, download the pdf into a separate document and print.

2 - Finding the dimensions

Students will use calipers to record the dimensions of the connector piece. The image to the left shows the most important dimensions they should have on their finished sketch.

3 - Setting up and using the caliper (If needed)

Setting up the caliper

Students should turn the caliper on and set the dimension to mm. Using millimeters is more precise than using english units, and this helps prevent the tiny fraction errors that otherwise arise. Most calipers have a button for the unit setting; press until mm is displayed. The image to the left shows a caliper set to mm and ready to use.

Outer dimension measurement

To measure the dimensions of the outer edge, gently open the jaws of the caliper until the piece can be placed inside. Slowly close the jaws until they make firm contact with the outside edges and record the measurement.

Inner dimension measurement

To measure a feature that is inside the piece, such as a hole cut into the side of the object, place the back jaws inside the cut feature, as shown, and gently open the jaws until they make firm contact with the side wall.

Height or depth measurement

To measure the height of a raised feature or the depth of a cut feature, such as the round end of the connector fitting, use the bottom of the caliper bar. Place the end of the caliper bar on the top of the piece. As you open the jaws, a metal bar will extend from the caliper. Extend it until it makes contact with the maximum of the feature, and record the measurement.

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