Activity 2 - Drawing the main body

The instructions for drawing will vary depending on the specific 3D modeling software the class is using. The directions below consist of a simple explanation of the work to be completed; the specific images shown may not be identical to those in your software program. However, the images show the structure of the piece the students should have created after each step, and these should be similar regardless of the software you use. The images below were created in Solidworks.

1 - Set-up

• • • Open the 3D modeling software

    • Select Create a New Part

      • If prompted for the units to be used, select mm or metric

        • If students are not prompted for units during the creation of the file, they should go into the setting defaults and change the units to metric

    • The set-up image is shown below. Making the three main view planes (right, front, top) visible can be helpful to students.

2 - Drawing the part

• • • Select the first plane to be drawn. When modeling the connector fitting, students should first select the right plane. This plane will provide the view that will include the hexagon cut.

    • Student should draw the correct rectangular shape based on the dimensions they measured.

      • • The original piece measures 30mm x 40mm

    • To create the curved profile at the top, draw an arc that is 90 degrees with a radius of 10mm. The endpoint of the arc should be at 30mm on the side and should intersect the top line.

      • • To do this, set dimensions with arc center 10mm from the side and 30mm from the bottom

        • This should be repeated on the other side so that the sides are symmetric

          • Advanced students can do this by copying the arc and placing it on the other side, or by mirroring it over the side. They should make sure the dimensions are the same as the first arc.

    • Students are now ready to trim off the parts of the original rectangle that fall outside the arcs they just created

      • • Note of caution: if the endpoints did not actually connect, the trim might remove the entire side of the piece. If this happens, make sure they verify and connect the arc endpoints to each side. The result should have a side of 30mm and the top should have a 10mm flat section in the middle.

    • This completes the 2D view of the right plane main shape (middle image below). Exit the sketch mode to complete the dimensions of the solid.

    • Extrude the solid away from the plane and make it 30mm. Students should now have a solid part rendered on their screens, similar to the last image below.