Unit 3: Grade 10 Technological Design - Robotics - Basic 2D & 3D CAD Intro - 2D coordinates, lines, ortho views, 3D drawing, and custom design digitized

Unit 3: Grade 10 Technological Design - Robotics - Intro to CAD Drawing Tools

This unit will introduce you to some software drawing tools that can be used in technical design challenges. This will prepare you to work with more complex drawing programs and use these software drawing tools in the design process to support and accelerate virtual design problems.

Course Units and Descriptions

Use this table for an overview and navigate to each of the course unit pages.

Unit	Description
Review course outline for more details
1	Careers & Safety- Intro, computers, organization, and careers
2	Technical Sketching- freehand sketching, ortho, dimensions, ISO views, custom ortho design
3	Basic 2D & 3D CAD Intro- 2D coordinates, lines, ortho views, 3D drawing, and custom design digitized
4	3D Parametric Design- 2D sketch, 3D parts, feature tools, drawings, exporting for 3D printing
5	Sheet metal Design- thin material design, folds, assemblies, 2D print, project design, testing, and build
6	Robot Assembly- part reproduction, part assemblies, custom function design and build
7	Web Portfolio- Showcase course work, projects, and understanding with web portfolio and presentation

Unit Content Activity Quick Links, Click to Jump to Specific Activity!

Unit 3, Act. 1: Introduction to 2D Drawing - AutoCAD Web App

AutoCAD Web Challenge, Intro, Resources, Tips, Creating ISO,
(Create) AutoDesk Acc/Setup, Step Block, Custom Block, Evaluation

Unit 3, Act. 2: Introduction to 3D Drawing - Google SketchUp

Google Sketchup Intro, Resources, (Create) Sketchup for Step Block, Evaluation

Unit 3, Act. 3: Shaping it on the Cloud - OnShape

CAD History and OnShape, Intro, Video Sections: 1. Overview and Sketching, 2. Basic Features, 3. Part Design, 4. Assemblies, 5. Collaboration and PDM,
OnShape Online Tutorials: CAD Basics, Fundamentals, Dashboard
(Create) OnShape Reg., Bracket/Gasket, Cylinder/Pitcher, Gripper/Vice, Propeller/Telescope, Headphone/QuadCopter,
Evaluation

Unit 3, Act. 1: Introduction to 2D Drawing - AutoCAD Web

Situation:

Having now learned about sketching, orthographic and isometric drawings, it is easy for you to communicate effectively with pencil and paper throughout the technology design process. With the advancement of computers and software applications, it has helped people today get things done faster, more efficient, and more organized. It has also saved on the environment in many ways including a lot less paper used. Drawing programs have come a long way in the last 15 years and it is a great way to not only communicate, but also modify and update your ideas very easily.

Problem/Challenge:

Using the recent orthographic sketch of the step block, redraw it in AutoCAD Web with supplied template. Draw using CAD tools using absolute and relative coordinate system, the three views with additional layers to draw hidden, centre, and dimension lines with suggested colours and weights. Spacing is to be 40 mm between object views. An ISO full scale view is required to draw, to later fit into third quadrant. Finalize by placing your model work in paper space, fill in information block using text tool and submit with a share link and PDF paper space for submitting with self/peer checklist evaluation PDF sheet combined.

Once you have some familiarization with AutoCAD Web, and feedback on your Step Block practice drawing, you are to draw your custom block with the correct front view based on the three rules, dimension with the right amount of dimensions, placement, and space required between views with similar line colouring and weights. Complete your model drawing with proper scaled ISO and then add to your paper space with your information block filled out for share and PDF to submit, including self/peer checklist evaluation PDF sheet combined.

Investigation/Ideas:

AutoCAD Web App Introduction

CAD Folder/File Naming

AutoCAD Web that runs in any web browser has the core power/language and a lot of the tool and functionality of the full desktop version. It has its own cloud storage along with support for some other common cloud services such as One Drive and Google Drive. With core AutoCAD commands available, there is a lot you can do with this web App. It can work with blocks, command line, and icon tools. With the flexibility of working from any web browser, allows you to use light weight computers and mobile access.

This type of program is commonly used in a variety of fields where layout drawing plans are needed to communicate a lot of information graphically. Drawings use the Cartesian coordinate system and there are two major ways to enter lines, either absolute or relative coordinates. Simply put absolute coordinate system uses point entry method based on a single starting point or origin, where the relative point entry method you enter coordinates based on your last coordinate location. With the coordinate system you can enter in such as Cartesian (2D / 3D), polar (2D), cylindrical (3D), spherical (3D) with Cartesian and polar most often used. Before starting to draw your step block, explore the program, experiment with different tools and familiarize yourself with the applications interface, as it is the staple CAD program used in industry. Below are several resource links you can checkout for further details about AutoCAD web.

AutoCAD Web Support links

AutoCAD Web Tips,Tricks, and Key Information

General settings go to gear icon, top right, to change preferences, tracking, object snap, units, and navigation settings
Ctrl S to save your work often, so as to not lose any work if a problem occurs
Command line to enter common CAD typed commands for quick access to tools such as line, grid, units, etc.
Z for zoom, then letter for type of zoom such as E for extents, A for all objects, etc.
Absolute coordinates allows you to enter location based on the origin point in relation to where you want to draw or locate a element
Relative coordinate entry allows you to enter a location based on last location
When drawing lines, having Ortho Snap on, you can save some time drawing lines that are straight horizontal or vertical by using the cursor to show direction, then just enter in the distance and press enter to draw that line
The "From" CMD will allow you to offset your starting point location of a line or object
Osnap (object snap) allows you to quickly lock onto common feature points of lines or shapes depending on which ones you have active
Otrack (object snap tracking) will allow you to align an edge or e-snap point to another view or drawing location
Use Layer Manager to create new layers to manage different parts of your drawing like object, text, dimensions, notes, special views, etc and control colour, view, line thickness, line type, layer, scale, locking etc.
Layer or selection changes you may need to scale dimension lines, arrows, text, special lines, etc, doing so with a selected component will only change what is selected, or with no selection will change everything on that layer
Draw tab icons: will give you access to drawing different shapes -rectangle, circle, polygon, and also arc, spline, xline, line, polyline, hatching, array, divide, and ellipses
Annotate tab: gives you access to measure, revcloud, dimension, mtext, mleaders, and vports
Modify tab: gives you access to move, stretch, mirror, round, chamfer, copy, trim, erase, rotate, scale, offset, join, matchprop, extend, explode, and breakpoint
Using different object components it is recommended to create/organize them on separate layers, thus giving you more control on your drawing
Adding new specialized lines, you may need to load them from the library to insert into layers
Line weights in model space may not show up in the same scale as your paper space, so you may need to adjust your scaling in your model space so that it shows properly in paper space

AutoCAD Web ISO Drawing View

Adjust POLAR to 30° for making your isometric, this will create the angles you need to build your object in ISO
For non-cylindrical objects use the line tool create your ISO on a new layer, start a line off the right side of your drawing views full 1:1 scale by moving the mouse in the direction you want catching those 30°POLAR angle snaps.
For ISO circles, a regular circle will not work and there is no specific tool in AutoCAD Web, so we will create something close by use of the ellipse tool and some centre and grid references lines to draw an similar ISO circular hole on the ISO plane (see images below for visual of steps 4-6)
Create reference ISO centre lines for your circle (continue using polar 30°), then use the copy tool to create parallel lines using your circle radius from centre out, to, form an ISO box, the diameter of your circle
Using centre ellipse tool, with centre option clicked on command line, select the centre of your ISO box, move your mouse in the direction of one of two furthest end ISO box intersections to a distance of your circle radius+20% or {(R*.2)+R}, turn off any OSNAP's, tracking, and POLAR, then adjust your elliptical to fit your ISO box, to create a very close to correct leaning ISO circle - note sample in picture below is for a 20 mm circlie with R=10, therefore use 12 or {(10*0.2)+10} for the initial ellipse radius
Once finished your ISO, make a copy of your ISO, move to your object view layer, then use the Scale command (with appropriate scale ratio) to reduce your copy to fit appropriately in the third quadrant of your orthographic drawing, and hide/freeze your original ISO and reference line layer

ISO Grid

Ellipse

Radius

Adjust

Difference

With the current version of AutoCAD Web there may be a possible bug when you try to change the name of, or create/add another sheet on the bottom tab, that it pushes the whole body up, to the point you don't have access to the CAD workspace, command line, and tools.

Create/Construct:

Creating an AutoDesk Account to Use the AutoCAD Web and Set-up

To use this free AutoCAD Web App, you will first need to create an account with AutoDesk, the developers of AutoCAD Web.

Go to the AutoCAD Web App sign-in page, and click below the Create free account where it says student or educator, to create a student education account
Click on the black "Getting started" button to start the registration process
Fill in your first and last name, your school email, and a secure password
Check agreement statement for terms of use and click on Create Account
You will need to confirm your email address when you get an email from them to finalize your registration
Congratulations, you should be ready to start using AutoCAD Web App by now signing-in
You will want to connect your school Google Drive account, by using the Add storage provider box, and selecting the Google Drive icon and adding your school Google drive, once confirmed, AutoCAD Web will be able to save and open files in your Google Drive with seamless integration

In your Google Drive folder for this class, create sub-folders; tdj > cad > autocad-web, then create a sub-folders for each projects you will work on, so you keep your files and projects organized, just like you did with your local USB drive main save location, you created earlier in the course
Get the following template files (template file and image logo), which has a completed paper space title block done for you with some global settings updated, and copy to a sub-folder; tdj > cad > autocad-web >templates, so you can reuse this for each of your projects
Create another sub-folder; tdj > cad > autocad-web >"project block name" so you have a place to save your first 2D AutoCAD Web App project
For marks, submit a JPG screen capture of your AutoCAD Web workspace, showing your Google drive opened up to; tdj > cad > autocad-web >templates, with the new template in clear view

You should already be using Chrome, but just in case, support states that the AutoCAD Web App is supported also with Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge, you can check out the more details and features here on AutoDesk knowledge network .

Creating Step Block (as a practice sample) in AutoCAD Web

Using the AutoCAD Web App, create an orthographic drawing of the "step block" (i.e. create your selected block design file) with separate layers for reference, object, hidden, centre, dimension, ISO full, ISO scaled layers in model space and then printing the paper space output to PDF, using the steps below and include your 2D CAD Ortho Self-Peer Checklist.:

Object Views

Hidden lines

Centre Lines

Dimensions

Create a new file from mf-acad-w_lan-a4-metric, select the template file you recently acquired
Running AutoCAD Web for the first time you may want to change some of the settings such as in preferences, the dark or light theme as an example
Type "z" for zoom, then "e" for extents, to show the whole model workspace
Create an new layer and name it Object (for object lines), set it as white and make it a continuous line type, FYI - Layer 0 is usually reserved for making blocks (customized smaller CAD shapes to be re-used)
Using your career PPT number = C, you will customize your Step Block dimensions length 50+C, Width 20+C, Height 20+C, and hole Diameter 10+C, so that everyone will be making the same object, but custom sizing
Use the polyline tool to create the outline of your object by entering in the command box the absolute coordinates "10,10" ((X,Y)) as your starting point (to space away from bottom left corner) and then use relative Coordinates "@50,0" (click on command line entry text) to create a line from current posistion (10,10), 50 units long on the X axis with no distance on the Y axis -i.e a straight line to the right, then continue with the next 4 polyline segments of the object polyline segments,(next command would be @0,10 and the next would be @-20,0 and so on) to finish the front view, and for the last polyline segment you can just use the shortcut key "c" to close your object shape
Calculate the 2nd views' absolute coordinate start point, for the right side view (X= 10+50+40= 100, Y= 10, so "100,10", but remember to include your C custom PPT value for your own length 50+C, so the view spacing is correct) and keep in mind 40 units (mm in this case) spacing between object views to start another polyline, and then try relative polar coordinate entry (instead of relative coordinates) by entering "@20<0", with the "@" symbol means relative from current position, then the length of travel units, then the angle "<" bracket representing the angle direction you want to travel, usually 0, 90, 180, 270 degrees, ex. the next command would be @20<90 (this will create a line from current position 20 units long at an angle of 90 degrees, i.e. straigt up
For the top view, again calculate absolute coordinate to start, keeping in mind equal view spacing and try out dynamic entry input method by using your mouse, moving it in the approximate direction you want, then type in the unit distance, then TAB to put the exact angle and press Enter to execute command
Try the "From" command allows you to locate and create a reference starting point a set distance/angle away, such as the one of the internal object feature lines, using the line tool. You can also experiment with the OSNAP (Object Snap) Use the Paper Space sample below, to compare what to complete
The circle/hole can be created using the circle tool and locating it in several ways such as using the From command to locate the centre of the lower step, or you could use a diagonal line since it is a square, then use the OSNAP mid point to locate your circle, or you could just calculate the absolute coordinates for the centre of the circle to place it
Using the layer commands, make a new layers for hidden lines, centre lines, dimensions, ISO original, and ISO scaled, with each of their properties for object line weights of 0.60, hidden line weights 0.50, dimension and centre lines at 0.30 weight, using colours in sample shown
Now you can select appriate layer such as hidden and centre lines, and then locate and draw them in, so they are indivually controlled on their independent layers, then you can also insert the dimensions also on the dimension layer (see examples pictures above/below)
In the Object Properties icon & Panel, you can adjust the line types and set scales for each of your object entities to overide your global settings "Bylayer", so for each hidden line, change the line scale to 6 and each of the center lines, change scale to 10 (so they print/plot properly, later on), and before you add your dimensions also update your Dimension Style in the Object Properties to Decimal-2.5 and then put the rest of your dimension in
For the isometric, set your POLAR button (at the bottom right) to 30° and turn on, so that you can use a dynamic Relative Polar Coordinate cursor direction and distance and draw the isometric of your object at full 1:1 scale outside your ortho drawing limits/envelope area to the right, on a new layer- "ISO orig", so that you can copy to a new layer (using copy tool and layer change in properties panel) - "ISO scaled" and scale to fit in your drawing envelope, in the third quadrant
In sheet view (also known as paper space), you will have to adjust to fit in view port (double click in view port window to activate), then double click on the outside of view port- the paper edge, to complete information block with name, date, material, and class
Make a tall note (new Note Layer) on the right side of page, beside your ISO down to your Side view about 10 units over and about 40 units wide, using the mTEXT tool - Standard, BankGothic, #1.5 size, bylayer, to number and list the first 15 of your steps you took (~2-4 words each) using key terminology in simple short points, with title "Key Steps", when done, highlight the title and change size to #2 and select bold, then outside of all three ortho views with new text entities, label using the same text style with #2 size, type of coordinate entry name and a sample command entry you used to create that shape, lastly under your Scaled ISO, label "SCALE:"" and the actual numbered ratio scale you used to reduce the size from the original size
In paper space you may want to turn off the grid, so it is not interfering with your view in the title block body, go through the checklist to ensure you have completed all work correctly, then "PLOT" (print) your paper space CAD file as a PDF (double check hidden and centre line scales, adjust in model space if necessary) to combine with your 2D CAD Ortho Self-Peer Checklist sheet, CAD file as page 1 and eval sheet as page 2, to pass on to your peer evaluator
Peer evaluator should prioritize to look at the combined 2 page (CAD ortho and eval sheets) ASAP and review partners work objectively, by putting their name down as the peer marker, highlighting key points that need work or have an issue in the categorized areas, could make additional comments in space below key points if necessary, placing a mark in the peer evaluation mark area for each category, then totaling up marks at the bottom. Save the combined PDF with a "-pm" at the end of the file name, and return to owner
Owner to review peer evaluator's highlighting and marks, and at that point can make changes (time permitting) if they wish to potentially improve work to earn a better mark. If changes are made, owner is to re-evaluate themselves with a new self/peer eval sheet, send to a different peer evaluator for peer evaluation and feedback as outlined in the above steps.
For submission of work, once the owner (you) is satisfied with your work and your peers feedback, submit both your combined completed PDF paper space CAD file and eval sheet and a viewable share link (created in AutoCAD Web), i.e. PDF and Shared link

ISO Full Build

ISO Reduced

ISO Move

Paper Space

Ensure the file extensions are correct and present. Here are examples of file naming conventions you should be using for CAD files:

AutoCAD Web proprietary file format DWG: td2-1_d-joe_2d-ortho-iso-step-block_60x30x30.dwg
PDF: td2-1_d-joe_2d-ortho-iso-step-block_60x30x30.pdf

AutoCAD Web in Action Using the Custom Block Challenge

10 Block Challenges
Ortho-Practice

Now that you have a some awareness of AutoCAD Web, it's tools, and operation, lets put that new knowledge, skills, and experience to the test using our previous block challenge. Select a different block at similar level that you originally did for your sketch in Unit 2, and use the same steps you used to create your step block, to create your new model drawing for that block. You are encouraged to collaborate with a partner that has already done that block to discuss things such as the the correct front view of the object, features, dimensions, best ISO view, etc. to complete your new ortho/ISO block challenge with dimensions. You are expected to show all rough work such as calculations, sketches, layout ideas on the back of your 2D CAD Ortho Self-Peer Checklist.

Considerations

Collaboration with partner to discuss which is the correct front view based on the three rules on selecting the front view
As this project is similar to the step block in terms of layers, you may use your step block file with the Save As command, and then delete your model object views, to re-use the layers
You will need to consider the number of dimension ladders needed between views (40 mm will work with three ladders or levels like in the step block... it will depend on the amount of details your object new object has) and you want about 10 mm spacing around the views and the boarder, i.e. use your paper space effectively
Reviewing dimensioning standards and more collaboration with your partner will help with placement of dimensions
Remember to create your ISO view last, once you know how much space you have with dimensions placed, then creating your ISO at full scale, copying it, and then reduce to an appropriate scale that will fit in the third quadrant of your model space drawing

Evaluation:

Ensure that you have followed instructions and completed all steps taking in account the object layout, set-up, location, and final drawing output files. Ensure you have your CAD file and 2D CAD Ortho Self-Peer Checklist completed and combined with proper file naming convention for submission.

Evaluation Breakdown Component Descriptions	Marks
Always double check that you have completed all components for full marks.
ACAD Set-up - Account set, folders organization, and template file	10
ACAD Step Block - follow tutorial/example, model, DWG, and eval. sheet	25
ACAD Custom Block - Rough notes/calculations, model, DWG, and eval. sheet	40