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.

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📚 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

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🧰 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.

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🛠️ 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.

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🧭 Project Workflow

1. Create the Base
   • Use BOX or EXTRUDE from a 2D rectangle
2. Add a Central Post
   • Use CYLINDER or EXTRUDE a circle from the top of the base
3. Model a Bracket Arm
   • Create using BOX, then subtract a cylinder or arc profile to simulate a slot
4. Add Holes or Grooves
   • Use SUBTRACT with cylinder shapes or extruded circles
5. Apply Fillets and Chamfers
   • Add detail and realism
6. Assign Materials
   • Choose metal finishes for realism
7. 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.

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🎯 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

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💡 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)

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🧩 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

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📌 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