Unit 4: Grade 10 Technological Design - Robotics - 3D Parametric Design - 2D sketch, 3D parts, feature tools, drawings, exporting for 3D printing

Unit 4: Grade 10 Technological Design - Robotics - Introduction to SolidWorks

This unit will introduce you to SolidWorks, allow you to print your projects with our 3D printer, and create drawing files of your model. Being familiar with past sketching projects, 2D Draftsight, 3D Sketchup, the design process, orthographic views, dimensioning, and creating drawing files sets up students base knowledge and understanding of engineering standards and support to focus on more complex challenges.

Course Units and Descriptions

Use this table for an overview and navigate to each of the course unit pages.

Unit	Description
Review course outline for more details
1	Careers & Safety- Intro, computers, organization, and careers
2	Technical Sketching- freehand sketching, ortho, dimensions, ISO views, custom ortho design
3	Basic 2D & 3D CAD Intro- 2D coordinates, lines, ortho views, 3D drawing, and custom design digitized
4	3D Parametric Design- 2D sketch, 3D parts, feature tools, drawings, exporting for 3D printing
5	Sheet metal Design- thin material design, folds, assemblies, 2D print, project design, testing, and build
6	Robot Assembly- part reproduction, part assemblies, custom function design and build
7	Web Portfolio- Showcase course work, projects, and understanding with web portfolio and presentation

Unit Content Activity Quick Links, Click to Jump to Specific Activity!

Unit 4, Act. 1: Creating a 3D Model Using SolidWorks (SW)

Situation:

Now that students have experienced and gained knowledge and skills on engineering communication n standards, methods, and process, looking at a "bigger tool box" with a lot more tools such as SolidWorks will allow for more opportunity to design very specific and detailed designs..

Problem/Challenge:

Two unique research pages on Solidworks Expert 2D Tools and 3D Features will be created with supplied template to research and share with class. Students will review and learn about SolidWorks and it's history, then using our familiar object, the step block, create the object in SolidWorks.

Investigation/Ideas:

3Dconnexion SpaceMouse Pro Wireless
Rev & Oper 1, Compare,

Solidworks Introduction

Creating 3D model in SolidWorks with the step block should be straight forward using the steps, pictures, and instructions given. Students should be aware of key information as they go through this step block tutorial such as parametric driven, integrated 3D CAD/CAM/CAE solution, used by discrete manufacturers for mechanical engineering, design and manufacturing. With all of the previous experience with sketching, drawing views, selecting the front view, dimensioning, 2D drawing, and 3D introductory modeling, this should be easy to pick up the basics, as you are already familiar with the previous programs used. The tutorial in the next section will guide you step by step to support the creation of your customized key ring accessory.

Key Terms

CAD- Computer Aided Designing is a technology concerned with creation, modification and optimization of a design - (SolidWorks, ProE, Catia, etc.)
CAM- Computer Aided Machining is a technology which involves computer systems that involve, plan and control manufacturing process - (SolidCam, MasterCam, HMS Works, etc.)
CAE- Computer Aided Engineering helps us to do the analysis of the CAD created product - (Symulation, Ansys, Abaqus, etc.)
design intent - how your model behaves when dimensions are modified
parametric - features and relationships of the model, which is intended to capture the product’s behavior
constraints - component characteristics between two or more entities defining that component and/or property
relations - is a relation among the specification space and the description space, such that the related CAD-function is preserved
fully, over, and under defined - does your object drawn have the right amount of information needed by the program
best practices - are generally good drawing habits to keep organized, create less problems, and ease of work

File Formats & Handing in Work

There are several file formats that your work can be saved in. Your model work in SolidWorks has it's own proprietary or native extension unique to its part files. Here are examples of some of the most common file formats and naming conventions you commonly used:

SLDPRT - SolidWorks model part: td2-1_d-joe_2d-step-block_60x30x30mm.sldprt
EPRT - Epart file allows users to view with a free e-drawings application: td2-1_d-joe_2d-step-block_60x30x30mm.eprt
STL - Common CAD standard STereoLithography for use with Cura to convert file to print 3D: td2-1_d-joe_2d-step-block_60x30x30mm.stl
JPG - Joint Photographic Experts Group: td2-1_d-joe_2d-step-block_60x30x30mm_dwg.jpg (note -dwg or -d, as to not overwrite your model jpg that was possibly saved file earlier )
PDF - standard Portable File Document: td2-1_d-joe_2d-step-block_60x30x30mm_d.pdf (note -dwg or -d, as to not overwrite your model pdf that was possibly saved earlier)

For this project practice, you hand in the above file formats in a folder using CAD folder/file naming convention: Using your USB flash drive, create a folder, for example: td2-1_d-joe_step-block. For the file naming, save correctly the first time (to prevent future file reference problems) with the proper file naming convention, ex: td2-1_d-joe_step-block_P_60x30x30mm.SLDPRT. The underscores separate sections of the file/folder name, dashes separate but keep the file name sections together, the P represents "Part" vs other file types such as assemblies and drawings, and the last part is a description, in this case the size of object.

Why the need for using a folder...

when working with 3D CAD programs, a model part is saved and then additional file types are also created based on that model part, those additional files saved, such as drawing files and assembly files not yet looked at, are directly dependent on that model file. By saving in the same folder, keeping model file names simple, short, and descriptive will allow all projects working seamlessly together. In a larger project with multiple model parts, assemblies, and drawing files, if the files are save in different locations, the dependent files remember where they are, so if moved will not open. If model parts are renamed after, dependent files will not open or function as they will not be able to find the original. Moral of this big tip, save all of your CAD related files in one folder and keep file names simple, short, and descriptive.

Resource links

There are several resources on the web that can be helpful when familiarizing yourself with SW, a program of this caliber.

Create/Construct:

Expert CAD Research and Share

Create two unique information pages, one for 2D sketch and 3D feature tools. First come first serve for topics that can be selected from a digital help list - 2D Sketch and 3D Feature tools

The Expert CAD tool pages will be a place to share your selected 2D sketch and 3D feature tool information with your peers in the school pick-up folder, after you have handed in the school class drop-off folder for marks. Students will:

Using the class Google classroom, access the SolidWorks Expert CAD Tools sign-up sheet, put your last initial, first name, select and type in one unique 2D and 3D SolidWorks tool that is used to create various CAD related tasks

Research the topic (save your link resources)and then practice the process, so you become an expert with those tools

Make a copy of the provided 2D and 3D Google template files found in the Google classroom to create your Expert CAD Tool pages

Update file name, the the header information, then add the name of the tool to the title of research page

Create a description of the tool - what it is, what it does, why you would use it

List the steps needed to use/apply that tool in point form

Add your resource links for your understanding and other related great links (minimum 2)

Replace picture holders with relevant and related pictures supporting steps

Have a unique partner, who has not reviewed anyone's project yet, to review and give you the "thumbs-up" if they understand/tested the expert tool you have shown and put their name in the bottom, example: Checked by: D, Jane

Download as Microsoft doc, and submit to school drop-off folder in the file format naming convention: 2d-tool-name_d-joe.docx or 3d-tool-name_d-joe.docx to be marked and later shared in the pick-up folder for all students to use as a resource later on when needed

Students become the expert in the tools they researched and are to share their learning and application of those tools learned with other peers when called upon or if peers need assistance. You are expected to make the effort to assist those that come to you for your expertise using the tools that you researched and tested.

Step Block 3D CAD Project

Create a simple step block following the steps and support pictures below. As deceptively easy this assignment may be, by following the steps, keep in mind the underlining concepts in front view selection, 2D sketching, 3D modeling, dimensioning standards, and common sense reasons why the project is done they way it is with respect to Engineering standards and communications of ideas.

Part/DWG Organization

Sheet Size
Std's

Thinking ahead, making up templates for your work will make your work easier, faster, and more professional. Below is an example of a drawing information block that has been populated automatically from information in the model part using auto-fill fields. This is done by inputing the information in the part model file, then creating the drawing file with linked fields. For your benefit, a template has been created similar to the one below showing just the information block on a "A" standard sized sheet, which is the same size you use to write your notes on daily (8.5" x 11").

Ensure your front view that is drawn, is in-fact the correct front view based on the three rules. Remember folder/file use and naming convention, name features in feature tree, add the material, appearance, summary information, and custom properties for each part made. The properties you fill in for your model will keep record of, organize, and auto-fill your DWG template fields later when you bring your model into this template drawing file. Examples show below will give you more visual details of what is explained above.

File/Folders

Materials

Appearances

Summary

Custom

Ensure you have a folder, example folder name: td2-1_d-joe_step-block inside your class folder on your USB flash drive so that you can save all related model files together for ease of use, organization, and for handing into the drop-off folder later. For files use appropriate file naming convention, example: td2-01_d-joe-step-block_P_60x30x30mm.sldprt

Step Block Steps and explanation breakdown:

Start-up: Run SolidWorks application, and you will get an opening screen

Step 1
Start-up

Step 2
New Part

Step 3
Model Workspace

Step 4
Sketch / Plane

Step 5
Front Selected

New Part: Select new model part

Model Workspace: Ensure you have ANSI standards and millimeters by selecting Options at the top, selecting Document Properties, and ANSI is selected as the drafting standard, then select Units and check that your document is in millimeters. Fill in your summary and custom information as shown above section titled Part/DWG Organization

Sketch / Plane: Select the Sketch tab at the top to bring you into sketch mode and select your 2D sketching tool, in this case the line tool

Front Selected: Select the plane you want to sketch on, in this case it is the front plane, the other two planes should disappear

Front View: Select the View Orientation icon on the workspace near the top, and select the front view or use shortcut Ctrl +1 so you are looking straight at the front view. Another option is to right click on the front view and select the Normal To icon. it is always a good habit to sketch on a flat plane

Step 6
Front View

Step 7
Sketching

Step 8
Snaps

Step 9
Dimensions

Step 10
Extruding

Sketching: Starting at the x,y origin, start creating your object using direction snaps to keep lines straight and/or perpendicular your last line to draw the step block front outline

Snaps: Above image shows the direction snaps in action, you will need to hover the mouse and then click one you have to snap show-up to draw the approximate shape, don't worry if it is not the exact right dimension, as they will be fixed later. The second last line segment use the snaps to align the last line starting point to line-up with the origin and close your shape. This is very important, make sure your object shape is closed with no openings or stray lines, otherwise the part can not be extruded later

Dimensions: Once finished drawing your object, select Smart Dimension at the top above the sketch tab, and dimension your object being careful not to over define or under define, meaning putting the right amount of dimensions needed. Adding relations instead of dimensions in this process can be advantages, improve design intent, and less cluttered when possible. You must save your file to your USB flash drive in a folder, for example: td2-1_d-joe_step-block. Save file often through-out your project creation and name it properly the first time (to prevent future file reference problems) with the correct file naming convention, ex: td2-1_d-joe_step-block_P_60x30x30mm.SLDPRT

Extruding: Once sketch is fully defined, meaning the drawing has the right amount of dimensions and relations, click the green check mark and select the Features tab. On the Features tab, you will be selecting the 3D feature you need to finish your object, and commonly this will be the Extruded Boss/Base, then drag or enter the desired depth and direction of your object

Part Extruded: Once you have the right depth (Z axis distance) select the green check mark to complete. Note a yellowish extrusion does not show up, it is because there is something wrong with your shape, such as a stray line, object not closed, etc. which you will have to fix first before extruding

Step 11
Part Extruded

Step 12
Circle

Step 13
Dimension Circle

Step 14
Circle Location

Step 15
Circle Hole Depth

Circle: Next, you will need to make the hole by selecting the Sketch tab, then selecting the circle tool and clicking on the surface where you want to create the hole. It is not critical that it is located exactly, nor does it need to be drawn to exact size at this point

Dimension Circle: Once circle is done, select the Smart Dimension button, and dimension the circle itself and confirm and enter the correct dimension

Circle Location: Also dimension the circle location using the centre circle point and sides of object which should fully define that feature and you can click on the green check mark to finish

Circle Hole Depth: Select the Features tab again and this time you will select Extruded Cut, which will remove material. In the properties manager change direction 1 to Up to Next for proper depth of hole removal, then click on the green check mark to complete feature

Step 16
Hole Complete

Step 17
Possible Edits

Step 18
File Types Available

Hole Complete: Once hole is complete turn your object to show the most detail for later showing in an ISO view. You could try just selecting the Orientation View icon above and selecting ISO view, but it may not be the best view

Possible Edits: If you need to modify, change, or delete anything you have created, by right clicking on the feature or sketch item in the Feature Manager Design Tree, will give you those options. This is why it is a good practice to to name your features in relation to model for later identification

File Types Available: There are several file types available, but for this project you will save your tdj_stepblock_d-joe in five formats for practice for this project only in the follow file types; its proprietary file format: SolidWorks Part Document (.SLDPRT), Free part viewer file Epart (.EPRT), Common CAD standard STereoLithography (.STL), picture file (.JPG) and lastly a portable file document (.PDF) format. It is important to add _P for part at the end of your file for the JPG file type, so they do not get over written when you save your drawing file later

Evaluation:

For this activity, you only need to hand in your Expert 2D/3D research papers. The Step Block will be handed in together with your drawing that you will complete in the next activity.

Evaluation Breakdown Component Descriptions	Marks
Always double check that you have completed all components for full marks.
Expert 2D Sketch Tool: New tool/process name/description, steps, sample, and links	20
Expert 3D Feature Tool: New tool/process name/description, steps, sample, and links	20