Day 2: (Wed Aug 27, Week 1) SolidWorks Parametric 3D Modeling

Notes for 2025-08-27.

New Assignments

  1. New assignment, due Mon Sep 8: Exercise: Percussion Toy. Please have the device in hand for class on Sep 8. Please submit documentation to Assignment 1 Shared Folder.

  2. If you are new to SolidWorks 3D modeling, I highly recommend you go through the beginner tutorial available via CMU LinkedIn Learning. (Note that it does appear possible to use this without a LinkedIn account.) Here’s a starting point: Learning SOLIDWORKS (two hours).

Administrative

  1. Please note that Monday September 1 is Labor Day, no class.

  2. Please test your ID card on the door lock. If it isn’t working, please both let me know and email help@ideate.cmu.edu

  3. Please remember: if you can’t make any of the usual EH&S fire extinguisher training sessions, IDeATe is hosting two locally, no sign-up required:

    • Tue, Sep 9, 2:30 PM in HL A4 Near (near vending machines)

    • Wed, Sep 10, 10:00 AM in HL 106C (Studio B in library lobby)

  4. The first FriDeATe (social free food) event will be Friday, Sep 12 5-6PM in the basement open area.

Agenda

  1. Brief lab introduction from Robert “Zach” Zacharias.

  2. Quick review of skill survey results

  3. In-Class Exercise: Discussion Prompts

  4. Hand-on workshop in parametric 3D modeling using SolidWorks.

SolidWorks Resources

SolidWorks Terminology Summary

  • parametric model

  • design intent

  • part

  • assembly

Parts and Sketches

  • plane

  • sketch (2D)

  • feature

  • feature tree

  • relation

Sketch Geometry

  • lines

  • circles

  • ellipses

  • polygons

  • reference features

  • centerline

  • construction line

  • point

Sketch Relations

  • horizontal

  • vertical

  • dimension

  • coincident

  • collinear

  • dimension

  • symmetric

  • concentric

  • perpendicular

  • parallel

  • coradial