Introducing parametric modelling.

Prep for this week’s class

Watch the corresponding Fab Academy lecture. We’ll be covering part of this content.

Baseline

Who has:

  • Used CAD software
  • Used parametric software
  • Produced 2D drawings

Outline for XE404

  1. Admin: Register, bring laptops
  2. Continuous assessment page on website (green/amber/red weekly table)
  3. Call up each week
  4. Repository of websites - let’s review
  5. Go see fablab + meet Kelly + Andrew
  6. 16.67 hours per week
  7. CAD + Fusion 360…

Fusion 360 (PC+Mac compatible, cloud based)

is…

  1. Parametric: everything is driven by numbers (length, diameter, thickness, colour, etc).
  2. Feature-based: geometry is created with features
  3. Associative: parts, assembles, drawings are linked - a change in one will filter to all

Fusion 360 can do: FEA, animation, CAM, link with Eagle (electronics design), lots more!

Download and use for free

Introductory videos:

Start with these…..

Other resources:

Some material to practice on:

Layout:

Units: see document settings in the feature tree, use millimeters!

Use mouse shortcuts to zoom in and out, pan, and orbit the view of the model.

  • Zoom in and out: Scroll the mouse wheel forward and backward.
  • Pan: Left-click and hold, then drag.
  • Orbit: Hold the Shift key, click and hold the middle mouse button, then drag.
  • Zoom Extents: Double-click the middle mouse button.

more on navigation

File models:

  1. Components: as it would be manufactured
  2. Assemblies: a collection of components put together (and/or of other sub-assemblies)
  3. Drawings: orthographic of parts (with dimensions) and assemblies (with NO dimensions, with balloons + bill of materials (BOM))….or both

difference between Fusion 360 and Solidworks

Basic part modelling process:

  1. Create new sketch
  2. Select plane or flat surface to sketch on
  3. Draw 2D sketch (open or closed)
  4. Exit sketch
  5. Use sketch to create feature

Follow these steps, be methodical

Sketch entities: (note different options for each)

  • line
  • arc
  • rectangle
  • circle
  • spline (avoid where possible)
  • use smart dimensions ALWAYS

Sketch tools:

  • extend
  • offset
  • trim
  • fillet
  • mirror/pattern

Sketch relations:

  • coincident
  • concentric
  • equal
  • parallel
  • perpendicular
  • colinear
  • coradial

Basic features:

  • extrude/cut
  • revolve/cut
  • hole wizard Intermediate features:
  • sweep/cut
  • loft/cut
  • pattern
  • mirror

Early challenge:

  • create a 6-sided die (10x10x10mm, R1mm fillets on all faces, D2mm holes 0.5mm deep (opposing sides add up to 7)
  • all details must be dimensioned fully
  • approach this in different ways, aim to do it as fast as you can
  • record < 1min, excellent < 5min, ok < 15min

  • 2019 leaderboard

  • here’s an example completed component

Useful tools:

Assignment

Design a 100x100mm tile part (SW or Fusion), colour it.

What do I need to do to pass?

  • Use parametric CAD software to design a tile part that is dimensioned correctly
  • Document all your work on your student blog, with photos/screengrabs and videos to show what you did, what went wrong, and how you fixed it. Make sure you include a final hero shot of the final outcomes. Cite external sources where you have used someone else’s work.

Extra credit

Assemble 9 of them as a pattern of 3x3 then create a drawing (A4 or A3) of your tile part with sufficient detail for it to be manufactured by someone else.

For the super keen (or those with previous parametric experience)

Design a male mould tool to make female mould tool, show as exploded assembly of the 3 parts (male mould tool + female mould tool + part)