Ideas for Engineering Course

[Nate Laverdure]

Originally Posted by ICanCountTo19

I want to learn more, I just don't know where to go from here... What is the next step in inventor?

I have been trying to organize a CAD training course for my team this summer. The focus would be on transforming 3D models (which the team can already make quite well) into 2D shop drawings that would pass muster in a "real" machine shop. This seems to fit well into your questions regarding the "next step." Here's the intended curriculum:

1. Overview of the design process, from the back of an envelope to the finished part

2. Communication between designers, drafters, and fabricators
      a) How would a machinist fabricate a given component?  What information would he need from the drafters?
      b) How would a drafter create plans for a given component?  What information would he need from the designers?
      c) How would a designer design a component?  What information would he need from his customers/stakeholders?

3. 3D modeling in Autodesk Inventor
      a) "Basic to Intermediate" session
      b) "Intermediate to Advanced" session

4. Making shop drawings from 3D models
      a) What is a shop drawing and why is it important?
      b) Layout and appearance
      c) How to use the standard views (orthographic and isometric projections, auxiliary views, section views, etc)
      d) Dimensioning practices (including how to avoid overconstraining dimensions)
      e) Tolerances and precision, fabrication notes, material information, and other data
      f) Assembly & explosion drawings, cut sheets, inventories & material lists, and other advanced subjects