3D Modeling

3D Modeling is a powerful tool that visualizes the idea on computer using a specific programs, it is very important to have the ability to use one of them at least in fab academy, there are a lot of them like Rahnio, Solidworks, fusion360...., I used rhino and solidwoks, for me i prefer SolidWorks its parametric design software easy to use, modify and it make sense.

Solidworks

Solidworks is CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software, we can use it for 2D and 3D design, the idea of 3D modeling is to make the 2D design using sketch tool then exit the sketch and use 3D model features like extrude, revolve…, and so on.

The Design:

I feel relaxed with Solidworks its easy and parametric software, the idea is to make parts and make the assembly for it. at first, I did all parts separately then I push it to assembly, in the assembly process, we have to start with the first part and fix it in certain position then build the model part by prat using relation between them like parallel, coincident, distance…, the pictures below explain the assembly process.

Firstly I did the parts for rotational platform that can move in horizontal movement and make rotation also for it as the pictures below:

Base 1

the most powerful tool in the sketch is smart dimension, bu it you can set the dimension for the drawing and the most important thing in it to make sure that the it is fully defined before exit the sketch and going to the 3D features, for base- 1 I used mirror tool it is powerful especially for symmetrical shapes, it is time-efficient, to do it we have to draw anything then use this tool, it requires to choose the components that you want to mirror and the axis as well, to draw the axis i chose the centerline it is dashed line so it represents the center of the mirror.

the next step is to do the extrude, it is very common tool and easy to use, you can achieve it by choose the sketch you want to extrude it the press on it after that set the value for it, also I use the extrude cut this function like subtraction it is very common when we decide to make holes in the 3d object, there are a lot of options when you use it like cut up to surface or on both direction........ after I did it I used fillet to make the edges curvy.

Rotation base

Linear Rail

Linear Rail Ball Bearing

Machine Rubber leg

Machine

Assymbly

2D drwaing

This drawing is 90 joint connector, I designed it for a lighting project, the purpose of it to mate two aluminum profile with 90 angle.