Mindworks
References
Machine Design
Machine Shop
Math Modeling
Instrumentation
ENGR/ECE VAST
ENGR220 Dynamics
ME201/401 Comp
ME290 Solidworks
ME322 Thermo
ME345 HTx
ME421 CATIA
ME433 Engines
ME490 Adv Sldwks
Capstone Design
ME529 Combustion

ME 290 - Computer Aided Design Methods

Course Resources Topic References Past Projects

Solid modeling is one of the core languages of design. It allows for enhanced communication within the design team, and between clients and customers. Designers have an ever increasing set of tools that use solid models for analysis, visualization, prototyping, and machining. On this page you will find several solid modeling resources developed by University of Idaho students.

This course introduces you to concepts and tools for producing solid models and engineering drawing packages that can be efficiently manufactured in an engineering shop.  The knowledge, skills, and perspectives you develop will greatly enhance your senior design experience and will be highly marketable in the engineering workplace, including summer internships.

Pre-Class Preparation
--------------------------------

 

Spring 2025 / Fall 2024

 

In-Class Activity
2:30-3:45pm
------------------------------

Classrooms:
S1 (JEB 331)
S2 (JEB 321)
S3 (GJ 115)

(All other locations highlighted)

 

Post-Class Assignment
   -----------------------------------

Due the next class day unless otherwise noted:

  • HW due on a Tuesday is due BEFORE class
  • HW due on a Thursday is due by 10 PM

Day 1: Jan 9 / Aug 20

Meet in JEB & GJ

  • Introductions

  • Role of projects

  • Canvas and Mindworks

  • Verify CAD lab access

    • Use Firefox instead of Edge/Chrome

    • Login for remote users (Canvas)

    • MySolidWorks registration

  • Canvas Quiz 0

  • Syllabus review activity

  • HW Tips

  • Course Q&A

  • 5-min Solid Modeling Demo

    • Step 1: Select sketch plane

    • Step 2: Create 2-D sketch

    • Step 3: Extrude into 3D feature

 

  • HW1
    1a: Student Survey
    1b: Quick Reference Log 
    1c: Skills Self-Assessment

    HW1a & 1b - Turn in physical copy in class at the start of Day 2.
    HW1c - Perform a
    Self-Assessment of your pre-course Engineering Graphics Skills. Select the option to email yourself a copy so you can compare your progress at the end of the semester.

Day 2: Jan 14 / Aug 22 (Canvas Quiz)

Study Material for Quiz
(review resources below)

  • VIDEOS:
    Intro to SolidWorks (3 min)
    View Manipulation (2 min)

  • VIDEOS: MySolidWorks CSWA Prep Videos
    1 - Starting a Sketch on a
         Plane or Face
    3 - Lines and Centerlines

    Remember: to access the
    CSWA videos, you must log into your MySolidWorks account and search for the "CSWA Exam Prep Course"

  • STUDY QUESTIONS
    (for possible use on Quiz)

Meet in JEB & GJ

 

  • HW2 - Lesson 1: Parts Assignment checksheet

    Complete a thoughtful tutorial log on SW Tutorial Lesson 1: Parts. Additionally, include at least 5-6 visually-descriptive screen captures of the creation process for the part you made in Lesson 1, and provide meaningful captions (1-2 sentences) to explain the content of each image. Make your pages organized and use an appropriate number of images per page (i.e., readable and not wasteful).

    Upload completed assignment to the shared folder you received from your instructor called  "01_Submitted".

    Filename:
    HW2_FirstName LastName

Day 3: Jan 16 / Aug 27 (Canvas Quiz)

Study Material for Quiz
(review resources below)

Meet in JEB & GJ

 

Note: Day 4 and Day 5 Room Changes and requirements for items to BRING TO CLASS.

 

  1. Include a sketch of your I-beam that shows all sketch relations and dimensions.  This should be fully defined.
  2. Include a snip that shows your part information in the summary tab (author, assignment number in keywords field, assignment notes in comments field).
  3. Extrude your I-beam to a 3-inch section.  Experiment with different material properties.  Include a snip of your extruded part along with an annotated design tree.
  4. Use SolidWorks to compute the mass, volume, center of mass, and moment of inertia about two different axes. Include a snip of the results.
  5. Identify and describe in concise detail the two most important things you learned about SolidWorks through this assignment. 
  6. Make sure the assignment checksheet is included as the cover page for your assignment.

Day 4: Jan 21 / Aug 29
(Canvas Quiz on your phone/tablet/laptop)

Study Material for Quiz
(review resources below)

BRING TO CLASS:  1) a straight-edge, 2) a pencil, 3) a compass, and 4) a copy of the TECHNICAL DRAWING WORKSHOP handout (HW4). Your work product will lose points without them.

Meet in Vandal Ballroom

  • Submit HW3
  • Quiz 3
  • Debrief quiz
  • Props:
  • Pre-CAD vs. Technical Drawing
    • Timing within project
    • Quality of drawings
  • Pre-CAD sketching tips
    • Identify order of feature creation steps (bulleted list)
    • Identify a sketch plane
    • Sketch 2D profile
    • Explain briefly the 3D feature
    • Repeat for each major feature
  • Pre-CAD sketching activity
  • TECHNICAL DRAWING WORKSHOP
    PRINT OUT THIS HANDOUT
    AND BRING IT TO CLASS ALONG WITH YOUR STRAIGHT-EDGE, PENCIL, AND COMPASS

 

  • HW4 - Technical Drawing Workshop

    Finish sheets from technical drawing workshop, and  identify, describe, and illustrate three hand sketching principles or techniques that you may have struggled with but which added significant value to your finished product in this assignment.

    Refer to the assignment checksheet in completing your work and make sure it is submitted as your assignment cover page. The mentors will use these in grading your work on each assignment. 

Day 5: Jan 23 / Sep 3
(Canvas Quiz on your phone/tablet/laptop)

Study Material for Quiz
(review resources below)

  • VIDEO:
    Introduction to Drawings (.wmv) (.mp4) (.avi)
    Note: we'll use the template shown in the Block Table Drawing Package rather than the one in the video (more on Day 7); and we'll typically make individual part and assembly drawings rather than combining them in one SolidWorks file (notice the sheets in the Block Table Drawing Package are all "Sheet 1 of 1" -- they were merged as pdf's). 

  • Block Table Drawing Package

  • STUDY QUESTIONS
    (for possible use on Quiz)

BRING TO CLASS:  1) a straight-edge, 2) a pencil, and 3) a compass.

Meet in TBD

  • Submit HW4
  • Quiz 4
  • Debrief quiz
  • Checksheet Grading Exercise
  • Props:
  • Design layout/sketching tips
    • Select an appropriate front view
    • Place on paper allowing for possible top and side views (using 3rd angle projection which is the US drawing standard)
    • Specify origin & axes
    • Use construction lines
      to get placement and scale correct on paper
    • If needed, show center locations and centerlines
    • Deploy line weights
      (for contrast)
    • Enhance with labeled dimensions
  • Sketching exercise
    • Create standard and isometric view (time permitting) to accurately represent the complex part you receive.
    •  Rule #1: no tracing
  • Sketch peer review/discussion

 

  • HW5 - Pre-CAD and Technical Drawings Assignment checksheet
    • Select an object that requires at least 3 primary features (such as a water bottle, stapler or table).
    • Create a pre-CAD plan including a chronological list of all feature and 2D sketch details for the primary features.
    • You may want to review the 2D/3D Tools Reference to see what type of features can be created in solidworks
    • Create a dimensioned drawing that includes standard views and an isometric.
    • Use the ME Dept. Drawing Template with grid.
    • Apply best practices learned in class.
    • Follow the assignment checksheet.

Don't forget to include the checksheet as your cover page.

Day 6: Jan 28 / Sep 5 (Canvas Quiz)

Study Material for Quiz
(review resources below)

Meet in JEB & GJ

 

  • HW6 - Initials Assignment checksheet

    Have your current pre-CAD progress available for review during the next class (Jan 30).

    Final version HW6 (Parts A-C) due Day 9 (Sep 17 )
    You will receive scores for each:
    HW6 (Part A) - your pre-CAD planning (including sketch plane, origin, key constraints, and creation steps),
    HW6 (Part B) - your SW process documentation, and
    HW6 (Part C) - your final products (fully defined SW sketch w/minimum dimensions, solid model, and engineering drawing).

    Refer to the ENGINEERING DRAWING PRACTICES packet for best dimensioning practices in dimensioning your engineering drawing.

    Use the initials assignment checksheet (page 1 of the Assignment Checksheet link above) as your assignment cover page. Be sure to clearly address each item in your report.

    A pdf scan of your pre-CAD plan (Part 6a) and a doc/docx of your checksheet (w/ your name) is due in your "01_Submitted" folder before class on Tuesday Day 7 (1/30)

Day 7: Jan 30 / Sep 10 (no quiz)

Submit HW6A (1st submission) to your "01_Submitted" folder.

  • Name your file HW6A_Firstname_Lastname
  • You will resubmit this (or an improved revision) in your final HW6 submission.

Meet in JEB & GJ

 

 

Day 8: Feb 4 / Sep 12 (Canvas Quiz)

Study Material for Quiz
(review resources below)

BRING TO CLASS: ALL work-in-progress on the initials assignment (including electronic SW files).

Meet in JEB & GJ

HW6 (parts a-c)
Due Feb 6 (Day 9)

Due next class:

  • Submit all three parts together in your final submission as a single .doc file.

    Filename:
    HW6_Firstname Lastname

Due later (optional):

  • Extra credit can be submitted up until midnight Day 15 (Feb 27)

    Filename:
    HW6EC_Firstname Lastname

Day 9: Feb 6 / Sep 17 (Canvas Quiz)

Study Material for Quiz
(review resources below)

Meet in JEB & GJ

NOTE: for above and beyond points, include the minimum number of section views to showcase the interior cross section of all 6 holes.

Day 10: Feb 11 / Sep 19 (Canvas Quiz)

Study Material for Quiz
(review resources below)

  • MySolidWorks CSWA Prep Videos
    33 - Editing Parts
    37 - Part Configurations

  • STUDY QUESTIONS
    (for possible use on Quiz)

 

Meet in JEB & GJ

Create a customized tool that utilizes at least one loft and at least one sweep.

You may either:

  • modify the result of the Loft and Sweep tutorial from class,

    -or-
  • create something new (such as another poker, a pigtail steak flipper, or a chipping hammer). 

NOTE 1:
Your finished model should utilize customized surface appearances, reference planes, and an expanded as well as annotated (i.e., renamed) design tree.

NOTE 2:
Be sure to use the ME drawing template found in the zip file on Mindworks Day 6. Fill in important linked cells of the title block (DESCRIPTION, FILENAME/PART NUMBER), and the BOM table (PART NUMBER, DESCRIPTION, MATERIAL, REV) by editing the part's "File Properties" Summary tab (Author) and Custom tab (Material, Description, Revision). Fill in linked cells of the revisions table (DRAWN BY, CHECKED BY, DATE).  Variable names are case-sensitive.

Your engineering drawing of your tool should show at least 3 key dimensions.

Day 11: Feb 13 / Sep 24 (Handout Quiz)

Study Material for Quiz
(review resources below)

Meet in TBD

 

 

Day 12: Feb 18 / Sep 26 (Canvas Quiz)

Study Material for Quiz
(review resources below)

  • MySolidWorks CSWA Prep Videos
    21 - Linear Pattern
    22 - Circular Pattern

  • STUDY QUESTIONS
    (for possible use on Quiz)

Meet in JEB & GJ

  • Submit Loft and Sweep assignment by 10pm
  • Quiz 10
  • Debrief quiz
  • Lab
    • Work on revolve and pattern features assignment
  • VIDEO Supplements

 

Day 13: Feb 20 / Oct 1 (Canvas Quiz)

Study Material for Quiz
(review resources below)

  • MySolidWorks CSWA Prep Videos
    36 - Global Variables & Eqns
    39 - Part Design Tables

  • STUDY QUESTIONS
    (for possible use on Quiz)

Bring questions about the Revolve and Pattern Features Assignment.

Meet in JEB & GJ

  • Quiz 11
  • Debrief Quiz
  • Demo: Global Variables (PDF)
  • Lab
    • SW Tutorial - Design Tables
      (Demonstrate to Mentor for points)
    • Design Table .sldprt file
    • Consulting on Revolve and Pattern Assignment
       
  • Day 14 Recommendation: bring colored writing instruments:
    • (e.g., highlighters/pencils/pens)
  
Day 14: Feb 25 / Oct 3 (no quiz)

Meet in TBD

 

Day 15: Feb 27 / Oct 8 (no quiz)

  • Bring your design layout sketch and your pre-CAD plan
  • Bring your electronic model
  • Bring any questions you have

    •  

Meet in JEB & GJ

 

  • Part Mini-Project Consulting
  

Day 16: Mar 4 / Oct 10 (no quiz)

  • Bring your electronic model
  • Bring your latest part drawing
  • Bring your latest project documentation
  • Bring any questions you have

 

Meet in JEB & GJ

 MP1 Part Mini-Project
Due Mar 6  (Day 17)

Day 17: Mar 6  / Oct 15 (Canvas Quiz)

Study Material for Quiz
(review resources below)

  • MySolidWorks CSWA Prep Videos
    26 - Bottom-Up Assembly
    27 - Standard Mates

  • STUDY QUESTIONS
    (for possible use on Quiz)

Meet in JEB & GJ

MP2 - Stirling Engine Mini-Project Assignment checksheet
Due Mar 27 (Day 21)

Preliminary check due in class Day 18.
Mar 10-14: Spring Break No Class (Spring Only)  

Day 18: Mar 18 / Oct 17 (Canvas Quiz)

Study Material for Quiz
(review resources below)

  • MySolidWorks CSWA Prep Videos
    28 - Move & Rotate Components

  • STUDY QUESTIONS
    (for possible use on Quiz)

Meet in JEB & GJ

  • Quiz 13
  • Debrief Quiz
  • Assembly Drawings Overview:
  • Demo:
  • TA/Instructor initial work-in-progress checks
  • VIDEO Supplements
    • Assembly Drawings (5 min)
      Video Revision Note: We now prefer making separate drawing files for each part and assembly and then combining pdfs into a drawing package.
 

Day 19: Mar 20 / Oct 22 (Canvas Quiz)

Study Material for Quiz
(review resources below)

  • MySolidWorks CSWA Prep Videos
    29 - Exploded Views
    38 - Assembly Configurations

  • STUDY QUESTIONS
    (for possible use on Quiz)

Bring your Stirling Engine model to class.  Be prepared to show your file structure on the junior drive. 

Meet in JEB & GJ
Day 20: Mar 25 / Oct 24 (Handout Quiz)

Study Material for Quiz
(review resources below)

  • SW Tutorial
    - Animation (~30 min)
  • VIDEOS
    - Animation (8 min)
    - Rendering (4 min)
    • For rendering on campus computers (quiz content): start video from 3:41
    • For rendering on personal computers: start video from 0:00

  • STUDY QUESTIONS
    (for possible use on Quiz)

Bring your Stirling Engine model and engineering drawings to class. 

Meet in JEB & GJ

 Stirling Engine Mini-Project
Due Mar 27 (Day 21)
Day 21: Mar 27 / Oct 29

Meet in JEB & GJ

  • Submit Stirling Engine Mini-Project Before Class
  • FEA Simulation Tutorial

Part files for HW10:
  - Stand
  - Welded Corner
Day 22: Apr 1 / Oct 31

Meet in TBD

  • Submit FEA Simulation Basics by 10pm
  • Final Project Expectations
  • Team Assignments
  • Team Tasks
    • Identify Project Manager (Person who maintains work assignments on Spreadsheet)
    • Select creative team name
    • Make Preliminary part modeling assignments
      • Identify subassemblies
      • Inventory parts by subassembly
      • assign at least 2 per person

Due on Shared Drive by Next Class

  • Spreadsheet with preliminary assignments for members
    (examples from past teams)
    Example spreadsheet 1
    Example spreadsheet 2
  • Team folder on shared drive (shared with team, course  mentors, and instructor)
  • 10-15% of assigned parts modeled by each team member stored on shared drive, ready to show in class
Day 23: Apr 3 / Nov 5

Meet in JEB & GJ

Engine Resources:

Project Resources:

  • Shared drive review
  • Spreadsheet review
  • Q/A on Legacy Drawings
  • Modify part assignments based on new insights on part complexity after initial part modeling.
  • Project Work & Consulting

Due on Shared Drive by Next Class

  • Updated spreadsheet of work completed and work in-progress
  • 25% of parts modeled with part properties assigned
Day 24: Apr 8 / Nov 7

Meet in JEB & GJ

  • CSWA Modeling Challenge 1
  • Shared drive review
  • Spreadsheet review
  • Q/A on Legacy Drawings
  • Q/A on Part Models
  • Team Dynamic Check
  • Demo:
    • Edit drawing template
    • Save drawing template
  • Recall:
  • Project Work & Consulting

Due on Shared Drive by Next Class

  • Updated spreadsheet of work completed and work in-progress
  • 50% of parts modeled with part properties assigned
  • Sub-assemblies identified
  • Establish team drawing template
Day 25: Apr 10 / Nov 12

Meet in JEB & GJ

  • CSWA Modeling Challenge 2
  • HW11 Expectations
  • CSWA planning
    • exam info
    • week/day(s) preference poll
  • F24 New parts and 3D sketching Demo
  • Shared drive review
  • Spreadsheet review
  • Q/A on Part Models
  • Discussion of sub-assemblies and key interfaces with mating components
  • Project Work & Consulting

HW11 - INDIVIDUAL HMWK Assignment checksheet
(Bring rough draft hard copy to next class)
(Final draft Due 4/17, Day 27)

EACH MEMBER of the team needs to submit one non-trivial mechanical drawing of one of their parts using the ME template with a customized title block adopted by your team.

Guidelines for Your Team's Mechanical Drawings

Graded Drawing Examples

Due on Shared Drive by Next Class

  • Updated spreadsheet of work completed and work in-progress
  • 100% of parts modeled with part properties assigned
  • 50% parts assembled
Day 26: Apr 15 / Nov 14

Meet in JEB & GJ

  • Reminders:
  • Peer-review of HW11 (bring hardcopy of your drawing for markup)
  • Shared drive review
  • Spreadsheet review
  • Review of assemblies
  • Q/A on Deliverables
  • Project Work & Consulting

Due on Shared Drive by Next Class:

  • Updated spreadsheet of work completed and work in-progress
  • 100% parts assembled
  • 25-50% of part and assembly drawings complete
  • Prepare for mid-project
    Shared drive review
    (w/project recorders)
Day 27: Apr 17 / Nov 19

Meet in JEB & GJ

  • Submit HW11 by 10pm
  • CSWA Modeling Challenge 3
  • Reminders:
  • Mid-Project Shared drive review
  • Review of assemblies
  • Project Work & Consulting

Due on Shared Drive by Next Class

  • Updated spreadsheet of work completed and work in-progress
  • 75% of part and assembly drawings complete
  • Initial rendering and animation work
Day 28: Apr 22 / Nov 21

Meet in JEB & GJ

  • CSWA Modeling Challenge 4
  • Reminder:
    • CSWA Exam Signup Poll (70-85% pass rate for ME 290 students)
  • Review of drawings
  • Project Work & Consulting

Due on Shared Drive by Next Class

  • 90% of part and assembly drawings completed

  • Examples of part rendering work stored on the shared drive

  • Continued animation work
Nov 25-29: Thanksgiving Break No Class  
Day 29: Apr 24 / Dec 3

  • Have soft copies available of example sub-assembly drawings and part drawings

  • Have soft copies of portfolio items available

Meet in JEB & GJ

  • Review of drawings
  • Organization/contents of digital folders
  • Project Work & Consulting
 Assemble Project Binder

  • 100% of part and assembly drawings completed

  • Next generation renders and continuing animation work

(Sp) Day 30-31: Apr 29 & May 1
(Fall) Day 30: Dec 5

  • Prepare team digital portfolio folder

Meet in JEB & GJ

  • Review of project portfolios
  • Project Work & Consulting

Due in class on 5/1
(Sp Day 31)
(Fall Day 30)

  • Individually Complete Post-Course Self-Assessment of Engineering Graphics Skills  
    Recall: if you selected the option to email yourself a copy of your Pre-Course Evaluation, you can look back at where you were at the start of the semester for comparison.
  • Individually Complete
    Team Citizenship Form
  • Final File Organization on
    Shared Drive (spreadsheet, part/assembly/drawings files,
    PDF of entire package portfolio folder w/renders & animations)
  • Approved Final Portfolio
    • Organized folders
    • All SolidWorks files
    • "Portfolio" folder

Render and Animation work can be updated until midnight Sunday (5/4)