Lesson 3-12: Project: 3D Mechanical Part

⚙️ Lesson 3-12: Project – 3D Mechanical Part

Create and render a small machine component using solid modeling tools.

📚 What You’ll Learn

By completing this project, you will:

Model a detailed 3D mechanical part from scratch using solid modeling commands
Apply logical structure to your model using precise measurements and geometric control
Use editing commands such as UNION, SUBTRACT, and FILLET to refine the part
Apply materials and lighting for realistic presentation
Render the final component for use in presentations or design documentation

🧰 Tools You’ll Use

Tool / Command	Description
BOX, CYLINDER, etc.	Create basic 3D primitives for mechanical features
EXTRUDE, REVOLVE	Convert 2D profiles into 3D solids
UNION, SUBTRACT	Combine and subtract features from base geometry
FILLET, CHAMFER	Smooth edges for realistic and functional detailing
MATERIALS	Apply metal or plastic finishes to represent real-world materials
LIGHTING	Set light sources for clear and dramatic rendering
RENDER	Produce photorealistic images of your final component

❗ Why It Matters

Mechanical components must be accurately modeled and clearly visualized for:

Manufacturing preparation
Assembly documentation
Client or stakeholder presentation
Virtual testing and simulation
Professional design portfolio development

This project consolidates core 3D CAD techniques into a single deliverable.

🛠️ Design Specifications

Component	Measurement / Detail
Base plate	100 mm × 100 mm × 10 mm
Central post	Cylinder: 30 mm diameter × 50 mm height
Side bracket	Box with circular cutout (use `SUBTRACT`)
Bolt holes	4 holes, 8 mm diameter, placed symmetrically
Fillets	2 mm on internal/external corners
Material	Aluminum or Steel (use Materials panel)

📐 All dimensions are suggested — feel free to adjust based on design intent.

🧭 Project Workflow

Create the Base
- Use BOX or EXTRUDE from a 2D rectangle
Add a Central Post
- Use CYLINDER or EXTRUDE a circle from the top of the base
Model a Bracket Arm
- Create using BOX, then subtract a cylinder or arc profile to simulate a slot
Add Holes or Grooves
- Use SUBTRACT with cylinder shapes or extruded circles
Apply Fillets and Chamfers
- Add detail and realism
Assign Materials
- Choose metal finishes for realism
Position Lights and Render
- Add lighting and render final views

🖥️ Rendering Settings

Setting	Suggested Value
Visual Style	Realistic or Shaded with Edges
Lighting	Distant + Spotlight (simulate studio setup)
Render Preset	Medium (draft) for tests, High for final
Background	Gradient or solid light gray

📸 Rotate your model for a dynamic isometric rendering.

🎯 Project Checklist

✅ Model created using a combination of primitives
✅ Features like holes or brackets incorporated
✅ Fillets and chamfers applied
✅ Materials assigned correctly
✅ Lighting added and rendering produced
✅ Final render exported as a PNG or JPEG

💡 Tips for Success

Tip	Why It Helps
Work in layers	Separate features like holes or mounts clearly
Save incremental versions	Go back to earlier stages if needed
Use visual styles (Conceptual, etc)	Check form and proportion during modeling
Take notes of dimensions	Practice engineering-style documentation

📁 Deliverables

.DWG file with completed 3D model
Rendered image file (.PNG or .JPG) of the final part
(Optional) PDF sheet with multiple views (Top, Front, Isometric)

🧩 Real-World Use Cases

Product Design: Show concepts to clients
Engineering: Build models for stress simulation
Manufacturing: Send to CNC software for toolpath generation
Education: Demonstrate 3D proficiency in CAD portfolios

📌 Quick Review

Command	Function
`BOX`, `CYLINDER`	Create base solids
`EXTRUDE`, `REVOLVE`	Convert 2D sketches into 3D forms
`UNION`, `SUBTRACT`, `SLICE`	Modify solid geometry for realism
`FILLET`, `CHAMFER`	Soften edges for functionality and aesthetics
`MATERIALS`, `RENDER`	Visualize the final design with realism