Activity 4.

1e Model Creation
Introduction
In order to effectively use a CAD program to create 3D models of a part, a designer
must be familiar with the basic strategies of additive and subtractive modeling
methods. This activity will help you understand the sketching tools and extrusion
features that are common to most CAD programs, plan an efficient method of simple
model creation, and gain experience creating simple 3D models.

Equipment

Computer with 3D CAD solid modeling program

Procedure
Follow the instructions to create 3D solid models of each of the following objects
using the specified method(s) and respond to the prompts.
1.

All dimensions are in inches.

a.
b.

Create a 3D solid model of the object above using the most efficient method.
Which method (additive, subtractive, or a combination of additive and
subtractive) did you use? Why do you feel it was most efficient?
Additive, since I only had to draw out 2 things and extend them rather than
drawing one things and drawing maybe 5 sketches and removing it slowly.
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2.

All dimensions in mm.

a.

Create a 3D solid model of the object above using the most efficient method
possible. The hole extends through the part.

b.

Describe the method you used to model the object? Why do you feel it was
most efficient?
Additive and Subtractive, I made the main shape then removed the square, which
should be the most efficient way of doing the shape.

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3.

All dimensions are in inches.

a.

Create a 3D solid model of the object above using only additive procedures.

b.

Create a 3D solid model of the object above using only subtractive

procedures.

c.

Which method (additive, subtractive, or a combination of additive and

subtractive) do you feel would be the most efficient method for creating the
object? Why?
A mixture of both, since you could draw the basic shape and remove the two rectangles
that need to be removed.

2012 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

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4.

All dimensions are in inches.

a.

Create a 3D solid model of the object above in the most efficient manner
possible.

b.

Describe the method you used to create the object.

I created the main wall than added the other two extrusions.
c.
Can you think of a method to create the 3D solid model that would be more
efficient? Explain
Nope, I think that what I did would be the most efficient method.

Conclusion
1. Why is it important to consider efficiency when planning your method of creation
before beginning to model an object in CAD?
Because it could greatly reduce the time it takes for you to model a part, which
would be helpful if you finish things quickly.
2. How can the information provided in the browser of the CAD software help you
compare the efficiency of two different methods of modeling the same object?
It can show all the sketches and the extrusions you did, which you could
compare how many there were on each piece compared to each other.
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