Embedded Files
Computer Aided Design
Computer Aided Design
Computer Aided Design (CAD) involves designing using a computer and specialist software. It can be used to virtually model ideas in 3D. This is especially useful as design work can be viewed from many angles before being manufactured.
When you link the computer to a machine this is called Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM). The machine can process the design information and accurately machine out your work. This will allow you to produce a high quality puzzle design.
Some of the many advantages of CAD / CAM are shown below.
Accuracy
Easy to make modifications (changes)
Sharing ideas (across the Internet / e-mail)
More than one person can work on a design (big companies and complex projects)
Speed
3D models can be virtually prototyped to show a client
Production is very quick
Machinery can work continuously or through the night if necessary
Production can be repeated time and time again
CAD is the the first part of the manufacture process.Â
You are going to use TinkerCAD to model your maze design in 3D. It can then be laser cut from the 3D file.
Join your class using the code or the button below.Â
Make sure you insert photo’s of your 3D model onto you digital portfolio.
Design and Technology - 3D Maze Project.webmProject Video
Project Video
Watch this video FIRST to understand how to use this page.
How to copy a shareable link in Tinkercad.webmHow To Hand In Your Work
How To Hand In Your Work
Share your design with your teacher.
Share your design with your teacher.
Watch this video when you want to hand in your work. It shows you how to send your 3D file to your teacher through google classroom.
TINKERCAD Tutorial. Y4 Puzzle Maze.mp4Full Video Tutorial
Full Video Tutorial
This video tutorial will show you every step in the 3D modelling process.
It will be important to stop and start the video, pausing it at each step so you can follow along.
For an easier way to start designing:
For an easier way to start designing:
You should scroll down and view the 4 steps. The 4 images and 4 video step tutorials will guide you through each part.
Student examples of Tinkercad models can be seen below. Notice how the bottom layer is solid and the top layer has the maze pattern.
Student examples of Tinkercad models can be seen below. Notice how the bottom layer is solid and the top layer has the maze pattern.
3D Maze Puzzle Parts and Steps
3D Maze Puzzle Parts and Steps
The 4 main steps are:
The 4 main steps are:
Step 1. Design the base layer
Step 2. Duplicate the base layer to create layer 2
Step 3. Design your maze pattern
Step 4. Add 3 or 4 holes for the joining clips
Check the 4 steps below to see examples of what you should be completing and how.
Check the 4 steps below to see examples of what you should be completing and how.
The 4 images below show you what you should have completed at the end of each step. Your designs will be different from the example but the LO (Learning Objectives) will be the same.
The 4 images below show you what you should have completed at the end of each step. Your designs will be different from the example but the LO (Learning Objectives) will be the same.
Step 1
Step 1
At the end of Step 1 you should have completed your base layer. The shape and design should be exactly the same shape as your planned design.
Your base layer should not be larger than 150mm x 115mm.
Step 2
Step 2
At the end of Step 2 you should have duplicated the base layer and positioned it directly on top of the base layer.
One layer on top of the other layer - No gaps between layers.
Do NOT adjust the layers - they must both be exactly the same shape and size.
Step 3
Step 3
At the end of Step 3 you should have completed your pattern design.
The gaps between each maze part should not be less than 5mm.
Step 4
Step 4
At the end of Step 4 you should have added 3 or 4 holes through the base layer and the top second layer for the joining clips.
4mm x 4mm holes
Notice how both layers are still exactly the same shape and size around the outside edge.
The 4 video tutorial steps below will break down each step, teaching you how to complete each step easily. Make sure each step is finished properly before you move onto the next step.
The 4 video tutorial steps below will break down each step, teaching you how to complete each step easily. Make sure each step is finished properly before you move onto the next step.
It will help if you pause the video as you watch it to complete each stage.
DT Y4. Tinkercad. Puzzle1.mp4Step 1
Step 1
Design the base layer
DT Y4. Tinkercad. Puzzle2.mp4Step 2
Step 2
Duplicate the base layer to create layer 2
DT Y4. Tinkercad. Puzzle3.mp4Step 3
Step 3
Design your maze pattern
DT Y4. Tinkercad. Puzzle4.mp4Step 4
Step 4
Add 3 or 4 holes for the joining clips
Exporting Finished 3D Models
Exporting Finished 3D Models
Video Tutorial: 3D Printing
Video Tutorial: 3D Printing
This information will be posted and explained to you when all models have been finished.
This is the final part of the project before you get to assemble your soap dish and start using it.
Tips and Tricks
Tips and Tricks
The colour has been changed so you can see the 2 different layers clearly. The bottom blue layer is the base layer (Step 1) and the yellow top layer is the duplicated maze design layer (Step 2 and 3). You may change the colour of your design but it is not important for laser cutting.
Correct
Correct
The gaps and spaces between every maze piece must be wider than 5mm. If the gap is less than 5mm, then the ball will get stuck or not be able to pass through.Â
All the gaps in this design are at least 5mm and will work great. Your design should have gaps similar to this.
Wrong
Wrong
Notice how the red arrows point to gaps that are too small. The gaps are less than 5mm wide and the ball will not be able to pass through. The ball will get stuck.
Correct
Correct
The blue base layer and the yellow maze layer must be touching without a gap between them.
Step 2 will show you how to move layers up and down.
Wrong
Wrong
There is a large gap between the blue and yellow layers. The top yellow layer is too high.
You will need to select the yellow layer and click the black cone/triangle to move the layer down. Watch Step 2.
Wrong
Wrong
There is a large gap between the blue and yellow layers. The bottom blue layer is too low.
You will need to select the blue layer and click the black cone/triangle to move the layer up. Watch Step 2.
Correct
Correct
The blue and yellow layers match perfectly. They both have the same shape and outline.
To make sure that both layers match exactly, you must follow Step 2 carefully and make sure you do not change the size or shape of the layers after.
Wrong
Wrong
The blue layer has been changed and now it does not match the yellow layer.
This will be very difficult to fix so make sure you follow Step 2 and 3 carefully.
Wrong
Wrong
The yellow layer has been changed and now it does not match the blue base layer.
This will be very difficult to fix so make sure you follow Step 2 and 3 carefully.
Correct
Correct
Make sure that the holes for the joining clips go through both layers.
Follow Step 4 to do this correctly.
Correct
Correct
Make sure that all holes are positioned in the correct places - not too close to the edge.
You should also check that all the gaps have the correct spaces between them - 5mm or more.
And ensure that both layers are together and both exactly the same shape and size.
If all of this has been done - you are ready to laser cut your design.
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