Author Archives: Matthew West
SolidProfessor
SolidProfessor provides free-learning tutorials to all SolidWorks Education users. The SolidProfessor e-learning tutorials are available in English and Spanish. English Spanish
... ContinuedGD&T Effects of Datum Modifiers
Students will discuss the principles of Datum Shift as it relates to the effects of Datum Modifiers in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance ASME Y14.5M-1994. In the Datum Shift Exercise, students will calculate "Virtual Size" of the 4x Hole Pattern, "Virtual
... ContinuedMath2Go Accelerated Curriculum
Math2Go Accelerated Curriculum applies science and mathematics concepts to designing a race car. With 10th scale RC Cars, students maximize performance and drive farther, faster, and all while exploring concepts in physics. The Upside Down Wings exercise takes a student
... ContinuedNASA Robotics Alliance Project Web Course
In August and September of 2006, the NASA Robotics Alliance sponsored a beginning robotics course called Robotics with the XBC Controller. This course has now ended, but all of the material from this course is available online at the NASA
... ContinuedGD&T True Position
Position can be useful geometric tolerance in designing sports equipment. For example, properly locating the bolt clearance holes for a new snowboard binding base plate can assure correct assembly on the device and the interchangeability of different brands. Students will
... ContinuedGD&T Runout
Controlling runout is crucial to assure the function of rotating parts. For example, unless a proper runout is specified for a brake rotor, the rotating part may interfere with the other brake components (discs, pads, etc.), causing dangerous vibration during
... ContinuedGD&T DVD Flatness
Designing toys like Lego blocks require using very tight tolerances. Concepts such as the maximum material condition (MMC) and perpendicularity are crucial in assuring that the many types of Lego blocks will fit together. Sample Parts: Download 2-perpendicularity.zip
... ContinuedGD&T DVD Flatness
Flatness is an important concept in manufacturing a data storage device such as a DVD. If a specified flatness is not met during injection molding, the device may not read properly. Student will work through a series of questions to
... ContinuedPower Ball Gyroscopic Effects
Gyroscopic effects are in the origin of toys, such as yo-yo or spinning tops. A gyroscope is a three dimensional system having three spinning axis. Students will explre the gyroscope construction and model a 3D power ball assembly in SolidWorks.
... ContinuedFundamentals of Design
MIT Professor Alex Slocum’s book is about helping people to learn how to create their own future! It does this by taking advantage of the fact that the reader’s LEFT brain sees the LEFT side (fun) of the book. The
... ContinuedReverse Engineering Using Fischertechnik parts
This lesson explores the reverse engineering process. Students will use a caliper to measure an object accurately and record results in their sketch book. Students will take a Fischertechnik part and convert it to a solid model. Students will take
... ContinuedTransportation Research, Design, and Modeling
Students in 8th and 9th grade will study aerodynamics, technological systems used to produce automobile designs, apply precise measurement and conversion from small-scale models to full-scale prototypes of a wooden car. Contributed by Laura Hummell, North Carolina. Lesson Plan: solidworkslessonmodel_vehicle.doc
... ContinuedVolume Calculations of Parts using SolidWorks
Students in grades 7 to 13 can utilize SolidWorks to calculate volume of simple geometric shapes, box, sphere, cylinder, wedge and cone and compare them with calculated volumes of machine parts using a calculator. The shapes reinforce the basic modeling
... ContinuedBuild, Draw, Build
In this lesson wood, foam board, or cardboard is used to improve high school student’s visualization skills, understanding of the manufacturing processes, measurement, and safety. The student builds an abstract object from their drafting book. The builder then takes the
... ContinuedRecycled tic-tac LED flashlight assembly line
Students will develop an LED flashlight assembly line and address manufacturing standard, product design, impact on society by reducing waste with recycled parts, apply math, safety, tools & materials. This lesson was written for grade 8. Contributed by Bill Manser,
... Continued