Download the text guide with annotated pictures or follow along with the video below.

• Start by creating a NEW part file using a Metric Part template
  • Draw a Ø 5 mm circle on the Top plane (x,y plane) with its center located 4mm x 4mm from the origin point of the base coordinate system.
• Extrude the region 4.0 mm to create a cylinder
  • Modify the diameter to 4.5 mm and the height to 2.0 mm
• Select the cylinder in the graphics window or from the Pathfinder and select pattern to create a Rectangular Pattern
  • Select the fixed option
  • Select the 2×4 count
  • Distance should be 8.00 mm in both directions
  • Redefine the origin for the pattern to keep centered on the base coordinate system by using the Rectangular- Reference Point Command
• From the top view, sketch a rectangle by center and make tangent to the outside edge of the cylinders
  • Click to place
• Manually create a tangent relationship to the top silhouette point of the initial cylinders
• Offset that rectangle 1.5 mm to the outside
• Use the extrude command > chain option to extrude the rectangle downward 10 mm
• Delete the sketch
• Add 0.25 mm rounds
  • Use All Rounds selection option to pick the part to select outside edges
  • Before accepting the selection, change to Face selection and deselect the bottom face
  • Accept the selection
• Create a thin wall feature of 1.5 mm and open the bottom face of the brick
• Sketch a circle on the center of the inside of the brick that will just fit between the bumps.
• Offset the circle 0.75 mm
  • This will have a thinner wall section to avoid sink marks on the outside of the brick
    during molding.
• Extrude the ring region between the circles to the same height of the brick.
• Select the last protrusion and create a FILL Pattern
  • 8.00 x 8.00 mm to add one on either side
• Sketch a Text profile on top of one of the bumps
  • F3 to lock to the face
  • “EDGE” in Comic Sans font that is 1.00 mm tall
  • Use the center option for the anchor point from the Quick Bar
  • Place out in space
• Select the text sketch from the Pathfinder to get the steering wheel on the
  center anchor point.
  • Pressing the SHIFT key, select the plane in the center of the
    steering wheel twice to flip it in the plane of the sketch
  • Select the plane and drag the sketch to the center of a bump
• Use Extrude > Chain selection to extrude the text .10 mm upward
• Edit the initial pattern
  • Add the last text protrusion to the select set
  • Select the matching instance for the parent location for the text
• Assign ABS plastic to the part
• Save as 2×4 BRICK.

Congratulations! This concludes the exercise.

Don’t stop here!

Improve 3D Spatial Thinking and Creativity with more examples on the GearupU website.  Developed by a Utah State design and engineering teacher focusing on STEM to STEAM, GearupU exposes students to a world of amazing patterns, shapes and artistic designs and gets them excited about STEM.  Students with no background in 2D or 3D design should start with Class 1.

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