CAD I
Navigate models, sketch in 2D, build parts in 3D.
Computer-Aided Design, or CAD, is the digital toolbox that modern engineers, architects, and designers use to bring their ideas to life. Instead of drawing on paper, you will use powerful software to create precise 3D models of anything you can imagine — from a simple bracket to a complex engine part. In this Tech Crest you will get an introduction to CAD and learn to navigate models, create and edit 2D sketches, and create and edit 3D parts.
What you'll do
Some requirements are independent; others you'll do with your trainer. Check off items as you go — your progress is saved in this browser.
Materials needed (4 items)
- Computer with internet access
- Three-button mouse (required)
- Option 1: Free Onshape student account — sign up at onshape.com/en/education/sign-up
- Option 2: Another CAD platform approved by your trainer (Solidworks, Autodesk Inventor, Fusion 360, PTC Creo, or similar)
This Tech Crest has two tracks. Choose the one that fits your setup:
No path selected — both tracks shown for reference. Select a path above to track your progress.
Option 1 — Onshape Learning Course
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1. Set up your Onshape account:
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1a. Sign up for a free student account on Onshape at onshape.com/en/education/sign-up↗ Onshape student signup
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1b. Sign up for the free CAD Basics learning path at learn.onshape.com/learning-paths/introduction-to-cad↗ CAD Basics learning path
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2. Complete the Introduction to Parametric Feature-Based CAD course in the Onshape CAD Basics learning path.
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3. Complete the Introduction to Sketching course in the Onshape CAD Basics learning path.
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4. Complete the Introduction to Part Studios course in the Onshape CAD Basics learning path.
Option 2 — Open Platform
Note: these requirements are written using the terminology from Onshape. Other CAD platforms have the same functions, though the names may be slightly different.
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1. In consultation with your trainer, select a CAD software platform to use for this Tech Crest. You need access to the platform, your trainer needs to be familiar with it, and your trainer needs to confirm that the requirements below can be achieved with it.
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2. Navigation:
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2a. Navigate views in a Part Studio or Assembly: demonstrate 3D rotate, zoom, 2D pan, trimetric view, and plane view.
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2b. Explain and demonstrate 10 keyboard shortcuts from memory. The shortcuts should be specific to your CAD software (not universal shortcuts like Ctrl-C).
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3. 2D Sketches:
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3a. Create a 2D sketch. Explain and demonstrate use of the following sketch tools: line, corner rectangle, center point rectangle, center point circle, and tangent arc.
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3b. Explain and demonstrate use of the following sketch constraints: coincident, concentric, parallel, perpendicular, vertical, horizontal, tangent, midpoint, equal, symmetric.
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3c. Demonstrate creating dimensions both while creating sketch entities and after. Demonstrate length, aligned, and angle dimensions.
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4. Sketch patterns and modifications:
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4a. Demonstrate modifying a sketch with a linear pattern and circular pattern.
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4b. Demonstrate creating offset and mirror entities in a sketch.
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5. Sketch constraints:
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5a. Explain how to tell whether a sketch is under constrained or fully constrained, and explain what that means.
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5b. Explain how to tell whether a sketch is overconstrained, explain what that means, and show how to remove the over constraint.
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5c. Explain the difference between driving dimensions and driven dimensions, and explain how to use each.
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6. 3D Entities:
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6a. Demonstrate using the extrude tool to create or modify a 3D entity, including the extrude new, add, remove, and intersect functions.
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6b. Demonstrate use of the following tools to create 3D entities from a sketch: revolve, loft, and sweep.
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7. Show how to apply fillets and chamfers to 3D entities.
Using CAD with Your Team
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8. Tell what software your team uses for robot CAD.
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9. Explain your team's CAD file practices:
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9a. Explain how your team names, organizes, and stores CAD files.
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9b. Explain your team's procedures for CAD version management and control.
Find your trainer. Make a plan.
A trainer is a coach, mentor, or more experienced student with content-area expertise and your coach's approval. Ask your coach to help identify an eligible trainer for CAD I.
- 1 Identify your trainer with help from your coach
- 2 Meet to discuss your plan of work and timeline
- 3 Complete requirements; check in periodically
- 4 Present yourself for review at completion
- 5 Trainer submits the Tech Crest completion form
