Learning SolidWorks in NPD-101
Before reading, if you would like a back-story on the NPD-101 program, please read our previous posts:
Teaching Product Development at Lane Tech College Prep
The Big Idea and Sketching in NPD-101
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In our third week of NPD-101, we introduced mock-ups and CAD development. The mock-up session was a favorite among the students. We discussed basic metal fabrication processes and demonstrated what a flat pattern is and how to form it into a 3D shape.
Each team was shown how to properly document their product idea with drawings. They created flat patterns on Bristol board to practice what it would be like to create a mock-up with foam core. Each student was able to create their own mock-up for their team’s design.
Following the mock-up session, we introduced the students to CAD (Computer Aided Design). As Beyond Design, we use SolidWorks as our main CAD program to develop 3D models and visualize how a product will function based on the size and shape.
Kevin Henry, a professor at Columbia College, taught the students basic functions in SolidWorks and helped them to understand the importance of creating a 3D model to test functionality and size. The class will spend an entire week on the CAD portion of the program in order to best grasp how useful the tool is in product development.
Once again, thanks to all of our mentors. We couldn’t do it without you!
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