Week 1: keychain

 

Computer-Aided-Design (CAD)

CAD Refresher

Week one's lesson is on Computer-Aided-Design (CAD). We were assigned to design a keychain that is similar to what we have completed in the previous semester using Fusion 360. Fusion 360 is a cloud-based 3D modeling, CAD, CAM, CAE and PCB software for product development and manufacturing. It enable designers to create prototype and ensure manufacturability with simulation and generative design tools. 

We used the video on YouTube as a guideline on how to create the keychain when we encountered difficulties. Link to the video: https://youtu.be/y2yezZKNiOo. 

Keychain

1. Press create sketch

Creating a sketch by clicking the surface you want to work on. Personally, I chose to start at the top surface. You cannot progress if there is no sketch created.

2. Select 2-point rectangle

Using the 2-point rectangle option, I am able to create a rectangle with a dimension of 60 x 30mm.

3. Select fillet 

The fillet function helps to trim the edges. I used a dimension of 6mm. 

4. Extrude the base of the keychain 

The extrude function helps to thicken your sketch.

5. Create new sketch

The purpose of creating a new sketch is to work on the sketches easier. It is easier to solve, if there is an undefined constrain.

6. Select offset to create a inner rectangle

The offset function helps to create a similar shape on a bigger or smaller scale.

7. Extrude the inner part

I used this function to create the depth of the interior.

8. Create new sketch

9. Center diameter circle

I created a circle with a radius of 2.50mm. I used the marker on the sketch to locate the middle of the width. You may draw a construction line horizontally across the sketch and locate your circle.

10. Extrude

Next, I used the extrude function to create the hole. To create the hole, you can find and use the "hole" function under the "solid" tab. I did not use this feature as I am unsure about the hole type settings.

11. Create new sketch.

12. Select text option.

The text option allow you to input any wording you would want.

13. input text/name.

14. Extrude the text.

Final product

Reflection

This refresher lesson helps me to remember how to utilize and familiarize myself with Fusion 360. While making this keychain, I faced some challenges as I do not really remember the method to create some parts, for example, creating the offset and extruding the area properly. The video that was provided in this lesson slides' helped me to recall those steps. This refresher lesson really helped me to kick start my journey in CPDD for the future tutorials as well. I am require to use Fusion 360 to create my design using fusion 360. I would like to improve my skills on Fusion 360 by exploring and practicing on my free time, as there are still so many functions that I am not aware and unable to fully utilized the full potential of this software.

References:

IMDb. (n.d.). Introduction to Autodesk Fusion 360. [online] Available at: https://platform.europeanmoocs.eu/course_introduction_to_autodesk_fusio. [Accessed 24 Oct 2021].