Mechanical Design
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.
Last updated
April 30, 2026Requirements
22 itemsSections
3Target time
~7 hoursFor completion
Student / Scout name
Team number / Unit
Trainer / Leader name
Start date
Materials needed
- 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)
The process
- Identify a trainer with your coach's approval and confirm their availability.
- Meet with your trainer. Discuss your plan of work and timeline.
- Complete the requirements at your own pace. Check off items as you go.
- When you have satisfied all requirements, present yourself for review.
- Trainer verifies completion and submits the Tech Crest Completion Form.
Scan to Submit
Tech Crest Completion Form
When all requirements are satisfied, trainers use this form to officially record the completion and provide feedback.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdAa-BEWEFTD-7Xy7xBCb7xANrmGfLe8Cgs4L2bm5YexYSiRQ/viewform
Disclaimer
Tech Crests™ are developed by Scouting Robotics, Inc in partnership with FIRST Robotics Competition Team 321, the RoboLancers. Copyright is assigned to Scouting Robotics, Inc. All rights reserved. This document is provided freely for public review. Teams may implement the Tech Crests™ system if they agree to use the provided completion form to provide usage tracking data and feedback. Tech Crests™ is a registered trademark of Scouting Robotics, Inc.
Scouting Robotics
scoutingrobotics.org
Page 1
Option 1 — Onshape Learning Course
5 requirements
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-upNotesTrainer initials
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1b. Sign up for the free CAD Basics learning path at learn.onshape.com/learning-paths/introduction-to-cadNotesTrainer initials
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2. Complete the Introduction to Parametric Feature-Based CAD course in the Onshape CAD Basics learning path.NotesTrainer initials
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3. Complete the Introduction to Sketching course in the Onshape CAD Basics learning path.NotesTrainer initials
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4. Complete the Introduction to Part Studios course in the Onshape CAD Basics learning path.NotesTrainer initials
Scouting Robotics · CAD I
Section: Option 1 — Onshape Learning Course
Page 2
Option 2 — Open Platform
14 requirements
Option 2 — Open Platform
ℹ 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.NotesTrainer initials
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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.NotesTrainer initials
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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).NotesTrainer initials
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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.NotesTrainer initials
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3b. Explain and demonstrate use of the following sketch constraints: coincident, concentric, parallel, perpendicular, vertical, horizontal, tangent, midpoint, equal, symmetric.NotesTrainer initials
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3c. Demonstrate creating dimensions both while creating sketch entities and after. Demonstrate length, aligned, and angle dimensions.NotesTrainer initials
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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.NotesTrainer initials
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4b. Demonstrate creating offset and mirror entities in a sketch.NotesTrainer initials
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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.NotesTrainer initials
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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.NotesTrainer initials
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5c. Explain the difference between driving dimensions and driven dimensions, and explain how to use each.NotesTrainer initials
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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.NotesTrainer initials
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6b. Demonstrate use of the following tools to create 3D entities from a sketch: revolve, loft, and sweep.NotesTrainer initials
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7. Show how to apply fillets and chamfers to 3D entities.NotesTrainer initials
Scouting Robotics · CAD I
Section: Option 2 — Open Platform
Page 3
Using CAD with Your Team
3 requirements
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8. Tell what software your team uses for robot CAD.NotesTrainer initials
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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.NotesTrainer initials
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9b. Explain your team's procedures for CAD version management and control.NotesTrainer initials
Student signature
Date: ____________
Trainer signature
Date: ____________
Next step — Trainer action required
After signing, the trainer submits the Tech Crest Completion Form at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdAa-BEWEFTD-7Xy7xBCb7xANrmGfLe8Cgs4L2bm5YexYSiRQ/viewform to record this completion and provide usage feedback.
Scouting Robotics · CAD I
Section: Using CAD with Your Team
Page 4