CAD Level 1 - Fundamentals

Learning Objective

Understand tool-agnostic CAD concepts (coordinate systems, orthographic views, what a dimension or constraint actually means) before applying them in OnShape specifically: master the software interface and navigation, create fully-constrained 2D sketches using geometric and dimensional constraints, generate basic 3D parts through extrusion and modification features, and establish proper file management practices for collaborative design work. This level is self-guided and meant to be attainable in a few weeks.

Prerequisites

None

Primary Resources

• OnShape Learning Center: Introduction to CAD
• FRCDesign.org Learning Course
• FRCDesign.org -- Layout Sketch Best Practices

Tasks

1. CAD Concepts (Tool-Agnostic)

   • Understand 3D coordinate systems and how views/planes relate to them
   • Read and produce basic orthographic projections (front/top/side views) of a simple object
   • Understand what a geometric constraint and a dimension conceptually do to a sketch
   • Understand what a tolerance is and why it matters for parts that need to fit together

2. Interface Navigation & Setup

   • Complete OnShape account setup and team workspace creation
   • Complete the OnShape Learning Center "Introduction to CAD" pathway
   • Navigate all major OnShape toolbars and feature tree without assistance
   • Customize workspace and shortcuts for efficient FRC workflow
   • Demonstrate 15+ keyboard shortcuts for common OnShape commands
   • Assessment: Navigate OnShape interface and demonstrate shortcuts to mentor in <5 minutes

3. 2D Sketching Mastery

   • Complete OnShape's sketching learning path modules
   • Follow FRCDesign.org's Layout Sketch Best Practices
   • Create fully constrained sketches using lines, circles, arcs, and splines
   • Apply geometric constraints (parallel, perpendicular, tangent, concentric)
   • Use dimensional constraints and parametric relationships
   • Validation Project: Create 5 progressively complex fully-defined sketches
   • Assessment: Sketch a complex bracket profile (provided drawing) in <15 minutes with full constraints

4. Basic 3D Features

   • Complete OnShape's part design learning modules (extrude, revolve, sweep)
   • Create extrusions and revolves from 2D sketches
   • Perform cuts, holes, and boolean operations
   • Apply fillets, chamfers, and draft features
   • Use patterns (linear, circular) for repeated features
   • Capstone Project: Design and model a simple FRC intake roller using OnShape
     • Must include: extrusions, cuts, fillets, and circular pattern
   • Assessment: Mentor review of roller design for manufacturability

5. File Management & Collaboration

   • Complete OnShape's collaboration learning modules
   • Set up FRC team document organization system in OnShape
   • Use consistent naming conventions for FRC parts
   • Practice version control and branching in OnShape
   • Share documents with appropriate permissions
   • Export files in multiple formats (STEP, STL, PDF, drawings)
   • Assessment: Demonstrate proper file organization and sharing to mentor

Level 1 Completion Requirements

• Complete a basic orthographic-projection exercise correctly
• Complete the OnShape "Introduction to CAD" pathway
• Submit a portfolio of 5 progressively complex sketches/parts
• Design, model, and get mentor sign-off on the intake roller capstone

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