3D CAD Tutorial: Building Block

3D CAD Tutorial: Building Block

This 3D CAD tutorial guides users to create a model of a toy building block (the ones that really hurt when you step on them without shoes). This folder includes detailed instructions, a step-by-step video, and part files. This 3D model can be saved as a .STL file that can then be 3D printed.

Level:
Elementary School, Middle School
Difficulty:
Intermediate

Download

Select the following link to install the free Siemens Solid Edge 3D CAD software for your classroom (www.siemens.com/plm/solid-edge-highschool).   Students can download and install their own free copy of Siemens Solid Edge. (www.siemens.com/plm/solid-edge-student).

Next

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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