3D computer modeling is a powerful tool for engineers. It allows an idea to be translated into a model that can communicate the concept and adapt to changes. The 3D computer model can even be used to create a physical model with devices such as a 3D printer or a mill.
To effectively use a CAD program to create 3D models of a part, a designer must be familiar with the basic strategies of additive and subtractive modeling methods. This activity will help you understand the sketching tools and extrusion features that are common to most CAD programs, plan an efficient method of simple model creation, and gain experience creating simple 3D models.
The complete Activity write up is below. Additionally, there is a link to the Engineering Notebook Template. Copy the text of this document to the top section of your own engineering notebook.
Intro to Modeling, Drawing and Assembly
Equipment
Computer with CAD
Design documentation
Procedure
Follow along with the videos to learn how to build our most basic puzzle cube part, the Red part from the Master puzzle cube.
You will make the following part using 2 different methods. One method is additive and subtractive.
Let's begin CADing by making the basic red puzzle cube part. It is important to have your axis in the view cube set to Y axis up.
Now let's work through the same part with a subtractive method of modeling.
Now we will create an Isometric and Multiview drawing of the Red Part.
Now we will combine the parts in an Assembly.
Note that once you have created the models you will need to create a shared link. Here is how to do that:
If you want more practice, try working along with these parts to create the remaining Anaya PC parts:
The complete Activity write up is below. Additionally, there is a link to the Engineering Notebook Template. Copy the text of this document to the top section of your own engineering notebook.