Day 2: (Wed Aug 26, Week 1) Parametric 3D Modeling

Notes for 2026-08-26.

New Assignments

  1. New assignment, due 8AM Mon Aug 31: Exercise: Joyful Form. Please submit the PDF result to Assignment 1 Shared Folder. The time is specified so I may review your files before class.

  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. IDeATe is in the process of scheduling an on-site fire extinguisher training, more detail coming soon.

  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. The first FriDeATe (social free food) event will be Friday, Sep 11 5-6PM in the basement open area.

Agenda

  1. Quick review of skill survey results.

  2. Hands-on exercise with the linkage demo.

    • Proximal Link

    • notes on 2D drawings

    • tolerancing and laser kerf

    • tapers and press-fits

    • holes and shaft clearances

  3. Discuss the new design assignment.

  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