ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
- Why would a designer choose to communicate a solid object design with two-dimensional sketches rather than a three-dimensional model?
- Why is it important for an engineer to be aware of the criteria and constraints when designing a project?
- How does documentation play a critical role in each step of the design process?
- How do coordinate systems help engineers with their modeling?
Solid Models
Have you ever watched a computer-animated movie and wondered how animators and designers made objects look and appear realistic? The environments and characters are created using 3D modeling tools. These technological tools aren’t just used to create awesome special effects and movies. Many physical objects you use every day are first created using 3D modeling, also called solid modeling, during the design process. Space rovers, furniture, and electronic devices are typically designed first with a solid modeling application.
When an object is created in 3D on a computer, the designer can move the computer model and rotate it to view the object from any direction. It’s easy for a designer to look at the back, see underneath, or even cut away part of the object to look inside using a computer-aided design (CAD) application. In this activity, you will use two-dimensional shapes to create solid models for your puzzle cube parts in a CAD application. |
solid modeling - The process of creating a solid model or 3D object using a modeling and design application on a computer.
computer-aided design (CAD) - A process that uses a computer to assist in designing something, such as a part, circuit, or building.
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