First year sketching

[Amit3075]

Hi!
We started sketching after this season for the first time and I wanted to ask, if anyone have good advices for sketching in the next season (like how to work with multiple computers, etc... )

Thanks,
Amit :cool:

[nathan_hui]

Kinda depends on the package you're using. With SW, organize things into assemblies and superassemblies. Treat it like a software hierarchy, with commits, versions, and trunk versions. Only one person gets access to the high level superassembly, consisting only of subassemblies and fasteners. Subassemblies should be managed similarly, down to the part level. Recommend one person per low-level subassembly, with managers managing higher-level subassemblies. Establish a naming convention (don't use folders) that show superassembly association. Also establish protocols for commits and changes, and standardize formats (incl. year and naming). With multiple computers, use the pack and go feature in SolidWorks to cleanly put the assembly in a package that can easily be sent.

Also decide on how detailed you want the models. I personally tend to go really detailed and include each individual fastener. Some people ignore the fasteners and rely on the mates to secure the model. Also decide on the drawing and dimensioning standards.

Best of luck to your endeavors in CAD.

[Amit3075]

Kinda depends on the package you're using. With SW, organize things into assemblies and superassemblies. Treat it like a software hierarchy, with commits, versions, and trunk versions. Only one person gets access to the high level superassembly, consisting only of subassemblies and fasteners. Subassemblies should be managed similarly, down to the part level. Recommend one person per low-level subassembly, with managers managing higher-level subassemblies. Establish a naming convention (don't use folders) that show superassembly association. Also establish protocols for commits and changes, and standardize formats (incl. year and naming). With multiple computers, use the pack and go feature in SolidWorks to cleanly put the assembly in a package that can easily be sent.

Also decide on how detailed you want the models. I personally tend to go really detailed and include each individual fastener. Some people ignore the fasteners and rely on the mates to secure the model. Also decide on the drawing and dimensioning standards.

Best of luck to your endeavors in CAD.

Thanks Nathan! :)

[Mason987]

i'm a bit late to this party, but oh well...

Solidworks has a feature called Workgroup PDM, and it basically stores all of the files into a "vault" that you can organize in any manner. No two people can work on the same file at once, but it can be opened by anyone at any time for reference. in order to work on the model or drawing you have to obtain ownership. it prevents two people from overwriting each other, all though i'm not entirely sure if i'd consider it practicle for anything FRC really. It depends on the size of your CAD team. But where i work we use this feature and i'm pretty sure it saves hours of time and prevents complications. If your CAD team is only 3 or 4 members i'd keep it local or use google drive as long as they communicate with each other.

Everything depends on the situation your team is in, and every team is in a different situation.

I'd be happy to help if you have any questions. Feel free to PM me if you want.

[Or 2230]

The pals above me already said what i wanted to...
But in addition I suggest you start creating libraries such as FRC electrical component library and some weldment profiles that your team uses oftenly, it can and will help you a lot during the building season.

[Dival]

Model everything.
Every part that you don't model, claiming it's "not important" (this includes fasteners) is a brand new problem during building time.

[Robert Thacker-]

My advice is to start with the video tutorials Autodesk has to offer on their website. Next is have your overall assembly consist of the major assemblies of the robot (Drive System, Lift System, Ball System, etc) by broken into seperate subassemblies. Each of these should be the responsibility of an individual student. Start with that.

Feel free to shoot me a private message if you have any other questions.