Mindworks
References
Machine Design
Machine Shop
Math Modeling
Instrumentation
ME201/401 Comp
ME301 Solidworks
ME 322 Thermo
ME421 CATIA
ME433 Engines
ME490 Adv Sldwks
Capstone Design
ME529 Combustion

ME 301 - Computer Aided Design

Course Resources Topic References Past Projects

Solid modeling is one of the core languages of design. It allows for enhanced communication within the design team, and between clients and customers. Designers have an ever increasing set of tools that use solid models for analysis, visualization, prototyping, and machining. On this page you will find several solid modeling resources developed by University of Idaho students.

This course introduces you to concepts and tools for producing solid models and engineering drawing packages that can be efficiently manufactured in an engineering shop.  The knowledge, skills, and perspectives you develop will greatly enhance your senior design experience and will be highly marketable in the engineering workplace, including summer internships.

Pre-Class Preparation

Class Location
(room changes highlighted)

& In-Class Activity

Post-Class Assignment

(due at the start of the next class period unless otherwise noted)

Jan 11

Meet in JEB 331

 

Jan 16 (Handout Quiz)

Study Material for Quiz
(review resources below)

BRING TO CLASS:  1) a straight-edge, 2) a pencil, 3) a compass, and 4) a copy of the hand sketching workshop handout (see link in column 2). Your work product will lose points without them.

Meet in GJ 108

  • Quiz 1
  • Debrief quiz
  • Hand sketching workshop
    PRINT OUT THIS HANDOUT
    AND BRING IT TO CLASS ALONG WITH YOUR STRAIGHT-EDGE, PENCIL, AND COMPASS

 

  • HW2 - Hand Sketching Workshop Assignment checksheet/cover page

    Finish sheets from hand sketching workshop, and  identify, describe, and illustrate three hand sketching principles or techniques that you may have struggled with but which added significant value to your finished product in this assignment.

    Submit the checksheet as your assignment cover page. The mentors will use these in grading your work on each assignment. 

Jan 18 (Handout Quiz)

Study Material for Quiz
(review resources below)

Meet in GJ 108

  • Quiz 2
  • Debrief quiz
  • Design layout/sketching tips
    • Select an appropriate front view
    • Place on paper allowing for possible top and side views (using 3rd angle orientation which is the US drawing standard)
    • Specify origin & axes
    • Use construction lines
      to get placement and scale correct on paper
    • If needed, show center locations and centerlines
    • Deploy line weights
      (for contrast)
    • Enhance with labeled dimensions
  • Sketching exercise
  • Sketch peer review/discussion

 

Don't forget to include the checksheet as your cover page.

You may also want to review Examples of Past Design Layout Sketches.

Jan 23 (BbLearn Quiz)

Study Material for Quiz
(review resources below)

Meet in JEB 331

 

  • HW4 - Lesson1: Parts Assignment checksheet

    Turn in a complete and thoughtful tutorial log on OT Lesson1: Parts. Additionally, print out and turn in at least 5-6 visually-descriptive screen captures of the creation process for the part you made in Lesson1, and provide meaningful captions (1-2 sentences) to explain the content of each image. Make your printouts organized and use an appropriate number of images per page.

Jan 25 (Bblearn Quiz)

Study Material for Quiz
(review resources below)

Meet in JEB 331

 

  1. Print a sketch of your I-beam that shows all sketch relations and dimensions.  This should be fully defined.
  2. Print out your part information in the summary tab (author, assignment number in keywords field, assignment notes in comments field).
  3. Extrude your I-beam to a 3-inch section.  Experiment with different material properties.  Print your extruded part along with an annotated design tree.
  4. Use SolidWorks to compute the mass, volume, center of mass, and moment of inertia about two different axes. Print your results.
  5. Identify and describe in detail the two most important things you learned about SolidWorks through this assignment. 
  6. Print out the assignment checksheet and include it as the cover page for your assignment.

Jan 30 (Bblearn Quiz)

Study Material for Quiz
(review resources below)

Meet in JEB 331

 

  • HW6 - Initials Assignment checksheet

    Bring a copy of your completed pre-CAD plan and your current progress to next class (keep the original for use in class and for your final submission).

    Final version HW6 (Parts a-c) due 2/8
    You will receive scores for each:
    HW6 (part a) - your pre-CAD planning (including notes and design layout sketch),
    HW6 (part b) - your SW process documentation, and
    HW6 (part c) - your final products (fully defined SW sketch w/minimum dimensions, solid model, and engineering drawing).

    Refer to the ENGINEERING DRAWING PRACTICES packet for best dimensioning practices in dimensioning your engineering drawing.

    Print out the initials assignment checksheet (page 2) and include it as your assignment cover page. Be sure to clearly address each item in your report.

    A photocopy of your pre-CAD plan (Part 6a) is due in class on 2/1
Feb 1 (no quiz)

Meet in JEB 331

  • Collect copy of Part 6a Pre-CAD plan
  • Lab
    • HW consulting
  • Pre-CAD feedback

 

 

Feb 6 (BbLearn Quiz)

Study Material for Quiz
(review resources below)

BRING TO CLASS: ALL work-in-progress on the initials assignment (including electronic SW files).

Meet in JEB 331

  

Feb 8 (BbLearn Quiz)

Study Material for Quiz
(review resources below)

  • MySolidWorks CSWA Prep Videos
    33 - Editing Parts
    37 - Part Configurations

  • STUDY QUESTIONS
    (for possible use on Quiz)

Meet in JEB 331

  • Collect initials assignment (Parts 6a-6c)
  • Quiz 7
  • Debrief quiz
  • Recall HW Tips
  • Lab
    • OT - Lofts

 

  • HW7 - Hammer Time Assignment checksheet
    (Due 2/13)

    Create a customized hammer (with a head for pulling nails as well as a lofted handle). Build from your initial work in the Lofts tutorial. Modify the head and create a custom handle.

NOTE 1:
Your finished model should utilize customized surface appearances, reference planes, and an expanded as well as annotated (i.e., renamed) design tree.

NOTE 2:
Be sure to use the ME drawing template found under course resources on the shared drive. Fill in important linked cells of the title block (DRAWN BY, QTY, PART #, MATERIAL, DESCRIPTION) by editing the part's "File Properties" Summary tab (Author) and Custom tab (Quantity, PartNo, Material, and Description). Variable names are case-sensitive.

Your engineering drawing of your hammer should show the length of its handle, dimensions of the bottom of its handle, and the diameter of its striking surface (in metric units).

Feb 13 (BbLearn Quiz)

Study Material for Quiz
(review resources below)

Meet in JEB 331

  • Quiz 8
  • Debrief quiz
  • Collect Hammer assignment  
  • Demo: Hole Wizard (PDF)
  • Lab
    • Use the Hole Wizard to create the part defined in the engineering drawing given in HW8 (see third column for requirements)
  • VIDEO Supplements
    Drilling and Tapping (vimeo)
    Hole Wizard (.wmv)

 

  1. An informative isometric view of your part that also shows an annotated design tree as well as a fully defined sketch
  2. An engineering drawing of this part that imports your name and the material from the part file
  3. A second sheet in your drawing package that provides section views through each axis of fastener holes

Follow the checklist and submit it as your coverpage.

Feb 15 (Handout Quiz)

Study Material for Quiz
(review resources below)

Meet in GJ 108

 

 

Feb 20 (BbLearn Quiz)

Study Material for Quiz
(review resources below)

  • MySolidWorks CSWA Prep Videos
    21 - Linear Pattern
    22 - Circular Pattern

  • STUDY QUESTIONS
    (for possible use on Quiz)

Meet in JEB 331

  • Quiz 10
  • Debrief Quiz
  • Lab
    • Work on revolve and pattern features assignment

 

Feb 22 (BbLearn Quiz)

Study Material for Quiz
(review resources below)

  • MySolidWorks CSWA Prep Videos
    36 - Global Variables & Eqns
    39 - Part Design Tables

  • STUDY QUESTIONS
    (for possible use on Quiz)

Bring questions about the Revolve and Pattern Features Assignment.

Meet in JEB 331

  • Quiz 11
  • Debrief Quiz
  • Demo: Global Variables (PDF)
  • Lab
    • OT - Design Tables
    • Consulting on Revolve and Pattern Assignment
  
Feb 27 (no quiz)

Meet in GJ 108

  • Collect Revolve and Pattern assignment
  • Part Mini-Project
    • Part Drawing (reverse gear lever)

Part Mini Project drawings courtesy of the Historical Archive SDF - Treviglio - Italy

  • Part Mini-Project Consulting

 

Mar 1 (no quiz)

  • Bring your design layout sketch and your pre-CAD plan
  • Bring your electronic model
  • Bring any questions you have

    •  

Meet in JEB 331

  • Part Mini-Project Consulting
  

Mar 6 (no quiz)

  • Bring your electronic model
  • Bring your latest part drawing
  • Bring your latest project documentation
  • Bring any questions you have

 

Meet in JEB 331

 Part Mini-Project
Due at the start of class
Mar 8

Mar 8 (BbLearn Quiz)

Study Material for Quiz
(review resources below)

  • MySolidWorks CSWA Prep Videos
    26 - Bottom-Up Assembly
    27 - Standard Mates

  • STUDY QUESTIONS
    (for possible use on Quiz)

Meet in JEB 331

Part Mini-Project Due
at BEGINNING of Class

 

 

Mar 20 (BbLearn Quiz)

Study Material for Quiz
(review resources below)

  • MySolidWorks CSWA Prep Videos
    28 - Move & Rotate Components

  • STUDY QUESTIONS
    (for possible use on Quiz)

Meet in JEB 331

Stirling Engine Mini-Project Assignment checksheet
(Due 3/29)

Mar 22 (BbLearn Quiz)

Study Material for Quiz
(review resources below)

Bring your Stirling Engine model to class.  Be prepared to show your file structure on the junior drive. 

Meet in JEB 331

  
Mar 27 (Handout Quiz)

Study Material for Quiz
(review resources below)

Bring your Stirling Engine model and engineering drawings to class. 

Meet in JEB 331

  
Mar 29

Meet in GJ 108

Stirling Engine Mini-Project Due
at BEGINNING of Class

  • Team Assignments
  • Final Project Expectations
  • Identify Project Recorder (Person who maintains work assignments on Spreadsheet)
  • Identify subassemblies
  • Inventory parts by subassembly
  • Make Preliminary Part modeling assignments
  • Select creative team name

Due on Shared Drive by Next Class

  • Spreadsheet with preliminary assignments for members
    (example from past team)
    Example spreadsheet
  • Team folder on shared drive
  • Completed part by each team member stored on shared drive, ready to show in the class
Apr 3

Meet in JEB 331

  • Shared drive review
  • Spreadsheet review
  • Q/A on Legacy Drawings
  • Modify part assignments based on new insights on part complexity after initial part modeling.
  • Project Work & Consulting

Due on Shared Drive by Next Class

  • Updated spreadsheet of work completed and work in-progress
  • 50% of parts modeled with part properties assigned
Apr 5

Meet in JEB 331

  • Shared drive review
  • Spreadsheet review
  • Q/A on Legacy Drawings
  • Q/A on Part Models
  • Team Dynamic Check
  • Project Work & Consulting

Due on Shared Drive by Next Class

  • Updated spreadsheet of work completed and work in-progress
  • 75% of parts modeled with part properties assigned
  • Sub-assemblies identified
Apr 10

Meet in JEB 331

  • Shared drive review
  • Spreadsheet review
  • Q/A on Part Models
  • Discussion of sub-assemblies and key interfaces with mating components
  • Project Work & Consulting

Due on Shared Drive by Next Class

  • Updated spreadsheet of work completed and work in-progress
  • 100% of parts modeled with part properties assigned
  • 50% parts assembled
  • Establish team drawing template
Apr 12

Meet in JEB 331

  • Assembly Drawing Tips
  • HW10 Expectations
  • Shared drive review
  • Spreadsheet review
  • Review of assemblies
  • Drawing Workshop (pending)
  • Q/A on Deliverables
  • Project Work & Consulting

HW10 - INDIVIDUAL HMWK Assignment checksheet
(Due Apr 19)

EACH MEMBER of the team needs to submit one non-trivial mechanical drawing of one of their parts using the ME template with a customized title block adopted by your team.

Guidelines for Your Team's Mechanical Drawings

Graded Drawing Examples

Due on Shared Drive by Next Class:

  • Updated spreadsheet of work completed and work in-progress
  • 100% parts assembled
  • 50% of part and assembly drawings complete
  • Prepare for mid-project
    Shared Drive review
    (w/project recorders)
Apr 17

Meet in JEB 331

Due on Shared Drive by Next Class

  • Updated spreadsheet of work completed and work in-progress
Apr 19

Meet in JEB 331

  • HW10 Due at BEGINNING of Class
  • Review of assemblies
  • Project Work & Consulting

Due on Shared Drive by Next Class:

  • Updated spreadsheet of work completed and work in-progress
  • 75% of part and assembly drawings complete
  • Initial rendering and animation work
Apr 24

Meet in JEB 331

  • Review of drawings
  • Project Work & Consulting

Due on Shared Drive by Next Class

  • Add the following items to a "portfolio" folder under your team folder on the shared drive.  Store these as jpg files.  Your work will be part of the Engineering EXPO Friday Apr 27

    • Three Rendered Subassemblies

    • Five Rendered Parts

    • Three Part Drawings

Apr 26

  • Bring hard copies of example sub-assembly drawings and part drawings

  • Bring hard copies of portfolio items

Meet in JEB 331

  • Review of drawings
  • Organization/contents of project binder
  • Receive feedback on Snapshot Portfolio items
    • Mentors create repeating PPT slide show
  • Project Work & Consulting
 Assemble Project Binder

  • 100% of part and assembly drawings completed

  • Next generation renders and continuing animation work

May 1 & 3

  • Bring team project binder

Meet in JEB 331

  • Review of project binder
  • Project Work & Consulting

Due in class on 5/3

  • Individually Complete Engineering Graphics Survey
  • Individually Complete
    Team Citizenship Form
  • Final File Organization on
    Shared Drive (spreadsheet, part/assembly/drawings files,
    PDF of entire package portfolio folder w/renders & animations)
  • Approved Final Report
    • Title Page
    • Thoughtful Dividers
    • Assembly Drawings
    • Part Drawings
    • Animation Storyboards
    • Lessons Learned