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Computer-Aided design (CAD)
Need help with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) ? Contact Morgan Muschamp (mmuschamp@bcdschool.org)
What is Computer-Aided Design (CAD)?
CAD is when you use special computer software to create precise drawings or 3D models of things you want to build or 3D print. Instead of sketching on paper, CAD lets you design on a screen where you can measure exactly, test ideas, and easily make changes before actually building the real thing.
When do I use CAD?
Use CAD anytime you want to plan, design, or test a 3D print.
In Middle School, students often design using Tinkercad, a beginner-friendly CAD software with easy to drag and drop shapes.
In Upper School, students often design using OnShape, a more advanced CAD software used by professional engineers and designers.
Both of these platforms are free, cloud-based so you can access them anywhere, and allow you to collaborate with others.
Where do I access CAD tools?
Tinkercad:
Register for a free Tinkercad educator account using your Beaver email address.
Your students will register for a student account either directly and/or through a class code you can generate that provides direct access to class-related activities and materials
OnShape:
Register for a free OnShape education account using your Beaver email address
How do I use OnShape?
Check out these helpful resources and ask colleagues for help!
A typical 3D printing design process using CAD:
Step 1: Student comes up with an idea they want to 3D print and shares their idea with an R+D team member to discuss and finalize the concept, including the proposed material.
Step 2: Student creates a CAD model of their idea using either:
TinkerCAD (for MS)
OnShape (for US)
Step 3: Student shares their CAD model with an R+D member to discuss and finalize the design for fabrication
Note: We want students to create original designs (you learn more by doing!). While there are many digital files easily available for students to download that others have created, we expect all 3D printed designs to be at least 60% original work.
Step 4: Student downloads their digital file as a .stl
Fun fact: .stl stands for “stereolithography file,” a fancy word for a blueprint for a 3D printer.
Step 5: Student emails their digital file to the 3D printer: 3dprint@bcdschool.org
Step 6: Student joins the R+D member at the 3D print station to review and finalize the file and materials.
3D prints can take a while depending on the size and complexity.
Students are expected to be present to review and start a 3D print, but can come back later when the print is complete for pick-up.
Finished prints are moved to the project bin.
OnShape Tutorials/Resources:
Internally created CAD Tutorials/Resources
Illustrator for Laser Cutting: Morgan (Sept 15 US Upskilling Workshop)
Illustrator for Laser Cutting: Tim (Sept 22 MS Upskilling Workshop)
Tinkercad for 3D Printing: Kevin (Sept 22 MS Upskilling Workshop)
Tinkercad Tutorials/Resources:
OnShape Tutorials/Resources:
OnShape Collab Examples:
Some of the many ways Beaver students and teachers are using Tinkercad and OnShape in their classrooms:
6th Humanities: Design a mini object for 3D printing
9th Physics: Circuits simulations
9th Math: design surfboards for 3D printing
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