CAD Tutorial - 1
Purpose: Introduce you to solid modeling and basic solid modeling
functions.
Importance: Solid Modeling is a way for scientists and engineers to
geometrically model their work, check for fit and function. The
3D geometry created during Solid Modeling can be used to make
blue prints, perform computer analysis (FEA or CFD), and create
visualizations.
What to hand in: N/A
Goals: After this activity, you will be able to:
• Learn why Solid Modeling is important
• Learn the process for creating good Solid Models
• Learn the basic types of solid modeling 3D geometry
creations commands
• Learn how to customize the Solid Modeling files for
handing in
Software: Though you do not need to do this for lab, you may load
SolidWorks® or Pro/ENGINEER® on your home/dorm computer.
This might save trips to campus late at night.
SECTION 1: Introduction to Solid Modeling
The design and modeling processes are interdependent! It is difficult and irresponsible to
design processes, machines, or other products without modeling how they will look and
perform. Solid Modeling is one of the major steps in making machines and machine
components.
1. Customer Modeling
2. Requirement Modeling
3. Analytic Modeling
4. Solid Modeling (Geometric Modeling)
5. Functional Modeling
Parametric Solid Modeling (PSM) is a useful tool, which will help you geometrically
model your design(s). Solid modeling is not an easy skill to learn. You must know:
• How to run the software:
• How to use the software to get the results that you want (design intent)
Eventually, as you learn how to build models with the correct design intent, you will find
that solid modeling will:
• Allow you to change your
design with little effort
• Help illustrate your designs
to others
• Make sure parts fit together
• Check for proper function
• Check for interference
• Make drawings / blue prints
The introduction of PSM does not mean the demise of sketching!!! Sketching is one
of the most valuable skills a designer can have to quickly convey ideas and layout a
design. As a matter of fact, it is often a GOOD idea to sketch out your designs before
you proceed with PSM so that you can start to recognize the major shapes that make up
your part. This is important as robust solid models are made of the fewest and least likely
to change features one need. You will come to learn that the process of rough sketching is
very similar to the process of solid modeling.
SECTION 2: PSM Process
Like the design process, PSM is best done when following a process. The general steps
are listed below, you will learn them as you go through the tutorials.
1. Determine what you want to do/make
2. Develop concepts for getting the job done (i.e. what are the best
shapes to model this?)
3. Determine your design intent
4. Draw/input any supporting geometry or sketches needed
5. Draw a 2-D sketch
6. Extrude, Revolve, Sweep, or Loft the 2-D sketch to make a 3-D
object
7. Combine these objects into assemblies
8. Make drawing of individual parts and assemblies with dimensions
& tolerances
9. Make files for use with:
• Computer aided manufacturing (CAM) software
• FEA (finite element analysis) software
• Dynamic modeling software
• Photographic rendering software
• Others
SECTION 3: Basic Functions in Parametric Solid Modeling
Before discussing PSM in more detail, the reader should be familiar with the basic
operations which can be used to make a solid model of a part/product. Note that when
applicable, the illustrations below start out with a 2D sketch, then they are transformed
into 3-D geometry. The basic process may differ somewhat, depending on the CAD
program you use.
Function What it's good for Process
To view, go to the Animations section
Solid Extrusions are 1. Pick/make a
often used to: sketch plane
2. Draw &
• Make the base dimension a 2-D
part of a model sketch
• Adding 3. Issue "extrude
bosses/features to boss" command
a model 4. Define extrusion
type (blind,
midplane, etc....)
Solid Extrusion 5. Enter extrusion
depth if
necessary
Subtracting portion of a 1. Pick/make a
model to form a feature sketch plane
like: 2. Draw &
dimension a 2D
• Holes sketch
• Keyways 3. Issue "extrude
• Cavities cut/slot"
command
4. Define extrusion
type
Cut/Slot Extrusion 5. Enter extrusion
depth if
necessary
Adding features to a 1. Pick/make a
model which can best be sketch plane
described in R-θ 2. Draw &
coordinates. These dimension a 2D
features include: sketch
3. Draw a
• Base of a model centerline around
• External which to revolve
Revolved Extrusion pipes/ducts 4. Issue "revolve
• Torous shaped cut/slot"
features command
• Annular 5. Enter revolution
features/ribs direction & depth
(θ) if necessary
Subtracting a portion of a 1. Pick/make a
model which can best be sketch plane
described in R-θ 2. Draw &
coordinates. These dimension a 2D
features include: sketch
3. Draw a
• Internal centerline around
pipes/ducts which to revolve
• External irregular 4. Issue "revolve
Revolved Cut
shaped grooves cut/slot"
command
5. Enter revolution
direction & depth
(θ) if necessary
Adding/subtracting 1. Pick/make a
features to a model sketch plane
where two ends of the 2. Draw &
feature are described by dimension 1st
different x-sections sketch
(sketches) and the x- 3. Draw &
sections must transform dimension 2nd
Loft [blend in Pro-E] into each other. sketch
4. Issue "loft
• Base of a model command"
• External features
Adding or subtracting 1. Pick/make a
parts to/from a model sketch plane
which can best be 2. Draw &
described by "sweeping" dimension sweep
a x-section along a pre- path
described path: 3. Draw &
dimension sweep
• Base of a model x-section
• External 4. Issue "sweep"
pipes/ducts command
• Springs
Sweep • Torous shaped
features
• Annular features
Making thin parts such 1. Issue "shell"
as: command
2. Pick a cut
• Cups plane/face/
• Bowls surface
• Thin casings 3. Pick shell
direction/
properties
4. Pick shell
Shell thickness
SolidWorks® is a registered trademark of SolidWorks Corporation. Pro/ENGINEER® is a registered
trademarks of Parametric Technology Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and in other countries.
