Session 8: “Designing Functional Objects and Preparing for Printing”
Architect:
Syed Shayaan Haider - Markhor3D
Session Overview
In this session, Grade 6 students will put together everything they have learned so far to design a simple, practical object. They will use OnShape to create a 2D sketch, refine it with advanced tools, and then prepare it for 3D printing. Students will choose one of several functional objects to design, ensuring their model is both useful and ready for production.
Placeholder for OnShape functional object design image: [Google Image Search “OnShape functional object design”]
Learning Objectives
By the end of the session, students will:
- Design a Functional Object: Create a 3D model of a practical item (e.g., pen holder, desk organizer) using OnShape.
- Apply Advanced Sketching Techniques: Use tools like fillets, chamfers, and offsets to refine their design.
- Prepare a Model for Printing: Ensure the model is closed, properly dimensioned, and optimized for 3D printing.
- Understand DFAM Principles: Apply design for additive manufacturing principles to create strong, efficient models.
Examples of Functional Objects
Students may choose to design one of the following:
- Pen Holder: A container to keep pens, pencils, and markers organized.
- Desk Organizer: A multi-compartment tray for holding office supplies.
- Phone Stand: A device to hold a phone at a comfortable viewing angle.
- Key Holder: A small wall-mounted or desktop object to keep keys in order.
- Bookmark with Clip: A bookmark that also clips onto a book for easy use.
Structure and Lesson Plan (Total Time: 60 minutes)
1. Introduction and Recap (10 minutes)
- Welcome:
- “Good morning, everyone! Today, we’re going to design a functional object using everything you’ve learned in OnShape.”
- Recap Key Concepts:
- “Remember how we created precise sketches, used advanced tools like fillets, chamfers, and offsets, and prepared models for printing?”
- Session Overview:
- “Today, you’ll choose a practical object, design it in OnShape, and prepare your model so it’s ready to print.”
2. Brainstorming Functional Object Ideas (10 minutes)
- Discuss Options:
- “Let’s talk about useful objects you might need on your desk. For example, a pen holder, desk organizer, phone stand, key holder, or a bookmark with a clip.”
- Group Brainstorming:
- “In your groups or individually, discuss which object interests you the most and sketch a rough idea on paper with basic dimensions.”
- Teacher Support:
- Circulate to help students refine their ideas and choose an object that is both creative and functional.
3. Designing the Object in OnShape (25 minutes)
- Creating the Sketch:
- “Open a new document in OnShape and start a new sketch on your chosen plane.”
- “Draw the outline of your object using basic shapes (rectangle, circle, ellipse) and tools (line, arc, and curve). Ensure your sketch is closed so it can be extruded.”
- Applying Advanced Features:
- “Refine your sketch using fillets and chamfers to smooth or bevel the edges. Use offsets if you want to create borders or layers.”
- Setting Dimensions:
- “Add precise dimensions to your sketch to make sure your design is exactly as you planned.”
- Preparing for Printing:
- “Once your design is complete, check that it is fully closed and meets DFAM guidelines (e.g., proper wall thickness, minimal overhangs). Save your file and export it as an STL.”
- Placeholder for OnShape export image: [Google Image Search “OnShape export STL”]
- Teacher Support:
- Provide assistance with using the tools and ensure students’ designs are optimized for printing.
4. Finalizing the Model for Printing (10 minutes)
- Review the Model:
- “Go through your design and check that all parts are connected and dimensions are accurate.”
- Exporting as STL:
- “Highlight your part in the parts menu, right-click, and select Export. Choose STL as the file format, and your model will be saved in your Downloads folder.”
- Discussion:
- “Discuss with a partner how the design can affect the printing process. What might you change to make it print faster or stronger?”
5. Sharing and Feedback (5 minutes)
- Student Presentations:
- “Who would like to show their design and share what functional object they created?”
- Peer Feedback:
- Encourage classmates to offer positive feedback and suggestions for improvement.
- Teacher Feedback:
- “Great job! Your designs show clear planning and attention to detail, which will help when you print them.”
Glossary
- DFAM (Design for Additive Manufacturing): Guidelines to design 3D models that print successfully and are functional.
- Fillet: A tool used to round off sharp corners in a model.
- Chamfer: A tool used to bevel edges, creating a sloped, cut-off edge.
- Offset: A tool used to create a parallel copy of a sketch boundary at a set distance.
- Closed Sketch: A 2D drawing where all lines connect, forming a complete shape ready for extrusion.
- STL File: A file format used for 3D printing that contains the geometry of a model.
For suggestions, improvements, and corrections, feel free to reach out at shayaanhaider@gmail.com