SolidWorks design of first attempt at dreidel spinning component. Click on Driedel holder short 2 DXF file, Driedel holder short DXF file in the file repository on the left side of the browser to access the original files.
Week 2
Computer Aided Design
The second assignment for this course is to explore computer aided design tools and use them to create 2D, 3D, and CAD files for our final project. After looking at suggested 2D and 3D software, I decided to work with Adobe Photoshop as a 2D image editor, and Solidworks as a 3D CAD design software. Our robotics team uses Solidworks and I have students that can help me learn. I like the idea of commercial software because of the support, but I know I need to learn more open source tools like Inkscape. Since I am stressed for time, I want to learn these first and then loop back and learn open source versions so that I can teach others who do not have the paid versions of design software.
SolidWorks design of first attempt at dreidel spinning component. Click on Driedel holder short 2 DXF file, Driedel holder short DXF file in the file repository on the left side of the browser to access the original files.
Two parallel plastic strips will grip the dreidels One (or both) of the parallel strips will move in opposite directions and then separate to allow the dreidels to drop on a flat surface...Hopefully they will will spin and not bounce off of each other if properly spaced.
1) Depending on spacing, I think I will try to do a 10x10 grid of 100 dreidels. If successful, I will make ten or more replicas and somehow sync them together. In order to get multiple modules to all activate simultaneously, I hope to learn enough electronics to make an actuator that will be triggered electronically so that all 10 plus actuators trigger at the same time.
My first attempt at designing with SolidWorks
My second attempt at Solidworks.
2) I have been vaguely familiar with Solidworks for several years. Our FRC (FIRST Robotics Competiton) team gets a free 30 user site license of the CAD software. The high school students that I teach, know more about the software than I do, but maybe it is time to learn from them. I went through the online tutorical and then have them help me when I get stuck. One thing I learned is that you need to think in 3D which takes a bit of getting used to. Since we cut most of our parts with a HAAS SR 100 CNC router, I needed to learn about fillits. When using a circular end mill, one needs to learn how to mill a right angle so the tool can curve around the path correctly. You need to constantly think in 3D geometry, and keep in mind what size of end mill, drill bits you are using. It is pretty complicated, but fun, and you get better over time.
My first attempt at designing with SolidWorks
Solidworks is extremely powerful, but not intuitive. There are lots of commands. It is going to take awhile to be competent and productive. Much more practice is needed.