CAD and 3D Printing Lab Manual
CAD and 3D Printing Lab Manual
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GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO THE STUDENTS
1 Students are required to remove their footwear outside the center and keep it in the racks
provided for the same.
2. Students should leave their belongings outside the lab except their observation note book, the
concerned books/manuals and calculators.
3. Students are requested not to place their legs on the wall or on the table.
4. Students should refrain from leaning on the table and sitting on it.
5. Before logging in to a particular terminal, if there is something wrong in the terminal, the
student should report the same immediately to the concerned staff.
6. Students should not use any disks brought from outside without prior permission from the
concerned staff.
7. Before leaving the Terminal, the students should logout properly and leave their chairs in
position.
9. Get permission from the concerned staff before working on the 3D printer.
11. Your batch is responsible for the 3D printer and its system while doing the lab exercise
assigned to your batch.
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COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. To develop skills in 3D modeling of mechanical components using SolidWorks for part and
assembly is modeling.
2. To analyze structural and thermal problems using ANSYS, including stress, deflection, and
heat transfer analysis.
COURSE OUTCOMES
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COURSE CONTENTS
10. 38-39
Design and 3D printing of a Spur gear
11. 40-41
Design and 3D printing of a Bracket
12. 42-43
Design and 3D printing of a heat dissipating Fin
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INTRODUCTION
The term CAD (Computer Aided Design) applies to a wide range of programs that allow the user
to created drawings, plans, and designs electronically. AutoCAD is one such program and it
main claim to fame is that it is relatively easy to use, it is very comprehensive in its ability to
create 2D and some 3D drawings, and it is very popular. Seventy percent of the CAD users in the
world use AutoCAD.
AutoCAD was initially created for mechanical engineers, but very quickly extended to
encompass a range of fields. In fact, AutoCAD‘s success is largely due to its mass adoption by a
wide range of design professionals, including architects, project managers, animators and
engineers.
AUTO CAD COMMANDS
a) Utility Commands: The Utility Commands are those commands which control the basics
Functions of AutoCAD. The Commands are HELP Commands, EXIT Commands, END
Commands, SAVE Commands, LIMITS Commands and UNITS Commands, etc.
b) Drawing Entities Commands: An Entity is drawing element namely Point, Line ,arc etc.
Auto Cad provides a set of entities using drawing entities Commands for constructing the
drawing. LINE , ARC , CIRCLE, RECTANGLE, ELLIPSE , POLYGON, are some of
the drawing entities used in Auto Cad.
c) Drawing Aids: These are Positioning tools used for Locating Specific Points on the
Electronic Drawing Sheet. The three positioning tools are ORTHO, GRID, SNAP.
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d) Editing Commands: A Drawing may be modified either during its Preparation or during
the revision of design. This is called Editing of the Drawing, ERASE, UNDO,
REDO,SELECT, etc,- used to modify the entities . COPY, ARRAY, OFFSET – used to
make more copies of entities .Editing Commands can be selected from the tool bar,
Screen Menu are they can be directly entered at the command prompt.
e) Object Selection Methods: To Establish which Objects to edit , Auto cad ask you to select
one or more object called selection set. The selection of an entity are a group of entities
for editing is done by combining any of these options like Object Opening ,Window
Processing , Undo, Polygon, Polygon, ALL etc.
f) Dimensioning and Text: A dimension is made up of Components such as to Extended
lines a dimension line and the dimension text including arrow marks. Dimension text is
the dimension value that appears on dimension line. There are two methods of
dimensioning in AutoCAD namely unilateral and Aligned dimensioning. Commands are
LINEAR, ANGULAR, RADIUS, DIAMETER, ORDINATE.
g) Dimension Style Commands: OVERRIDE, RESTORE, SAVE STYLE.
h) Dimensioning Editing Commands: HOME TEXT, NEWTEXT, and TEDIT.
i) Dimension Utility Commands: EXIT, LEADER, REDRAW, STATUS.
Mostly Used Commands:
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PART MODELLING
EXPERIMENT 1
To prepare the solid model of a given figure with the required dimensions in isometric
representation by using Fusion / SolidWorks.
SOFTWARE USED: Fusion / SolidWorks
PROCEDURE:
1. Create a working directory.
2. Take a new file from the standard tool bar and PART module was chosen.
3. Using the appropriate feature creation tools in the part module, model the given part.
A) EXTRUSION
B) EXTRUDE CUT
C) REVOLVE
D) FILLET
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RESULT:
Thus the solid Modeling of given figure with required dimensions in Isometric representation is
prepared by using FUSION/Solid works
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EXPERIMENT 2
AIM:
To prepare the solid model of a given figure with the required dimensions in isometric
representation by using Fusion/ SolidWorks.
PROCEDURE:
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RESULT:
Thus the solid Modeling of given figure with required dimensions in Isometric representation is
prepared by using Fusion / SolidWorks.
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Exercise no.3
ASSEMBLY MODELLING
AIM:
To model the given drawing according to the given dimensions
PROCEDURE:
2. Take a new file from the standard tool bar and PART module was chosen.
3. Using the appropriate feature creation tools in the part module, model the required parts.
4. Take the new menu from the standard tool bar and chose ASSEMBLY Module.
6. Open all other parts one by one and give the suitable constrains and connections required for
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RESULT: Thus the Assembly Modeling of given figure with required dimensions in Isometric
representation is prepared by using Fusion / SolidWorks.
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Exercise no.4
ASSEMBLY MODELLING
AIM:
To model the given drawing according to the given dimensions
PROCEDURE:
2. Take a new file from the standard tool bar and PART module was chosen.
3. Using the appropriate feature creation tools in the part module, model the required
parts.
4. Take the new menu from the standard tool bar and chose ASSEMBLY Module.
6. Open all other parts one by one and give the suitable constrains and connections
required for the assembly using different tools in the assembly module.
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RESULT: Thus the Assembly Modeling of given figure with required dimensions in Isometric
representation is prepared by using Fusion / SolidWorks.
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ANSYS
INTRODUCTION
ANSYS is a general purpose software, used to simulate interactions of all disciplines of physics,
structural, vibration, fluid dynamics, heat transfer and electromagnetic for engineers.
So ANSYS, which enables to simulate tests or working conditions, enables to test in virtual
environment before manufacturing prototypes of products. Furthermore, determining and
improving weak points, computing life and foreseeing probable problems are possible by 3D
simulations in virtual environment.
ANSYS software with its modular structure as seen in the table below gives an opportunity for
taking only needed features. ANSYS can work integrated with other used engineering software
on desktop by adding CAD and FEA connection modules.
ANSYS can import CAD data and also enables to build a geometry with its "preprocessing"
abilities. Similarly in the same preprocessor, finite element model (a.k.a. mesh) which is required
for computation is generated. After defining loadings and carrying out analyses, results can be
viewed as numerical and graphical.
ANSYS can carry out advanced engineering analyses quickly, safely and practically by its
variety of contact algorithms, time based loading features and nonlinear material models.
ANSYS Workbench is a platform which integrate simulation technologies and parametric CAD
systems with unique automation and performance. The power of ANSYS Workbench comes
from ANSYS solver algorithms with years of experience. Furthermore, the object of ANSYS
Workbench is verification and improving of the product in virtual environment.
ANSYS Workbench, which is written for high level compatibility with especially PC, is more
than an interface and anybody who has an ANSYS license can work with ANSYS Workbench.
As same as ANSYS interface, capacities of ANSYS Workbench are limited due to possessed
license.
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THEORETICAL BACKGROUND OF ANSYS
Ansys is general Purpose Finite element Modeling Package for numerically solving wide variety
of Mechanical [Link] Problems include : Static/Dynamic analysis (both linear & non
linear), Heat Transfer and fluid problems as well as acoustic and electromagnetic problems.
I. Utility Menu: It is at the top of the screen, displaying a long horizontal, list of menu items
like file, select, list, plot, plot controls, work plane parameters, Micro menu controls,
Help, etc.
II. Input Window: Below the Utility menu and to the left, you will find the input window,
which shows program prompt messages and allows to type in commands directly.
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III. Tool bar: To the right of input window you will find the Tool bar, which contains push
buttons that executes commonly used ANSYS Commands.
IV. Main Menu: Directly below input window you will find a vertical list of Menu items
referred as the ANSYS main menu. It contains primary ANSYS functions Organized
by Pre Processor, Solution, General Post Processor, and Design Optimizer. From this
menu the vast majority of Modeling Commands are used.
V. Graphics Window: The large blank window on the screen is graphics window .It is where
graphics are shown and graphical picking can be made. It is the place where you will
graphically view the model in its various stages of construction and ensuring results
from the analysis.
VI. Output Window: It shows text output from the program such as listing of data etc. It is
usually positioned behind the other windows and can be put to the front if necessary.
VII. Saving the Model: To save the Model follow the Procedure given below:
Create new Directory in ―C:/‖drive by the following steps
Go to ―My Computer ―Choose ―C: /‖ drive. Create a New folder Rename with your name
and close the window.
In ANSYS Environment Select Utility Menu – File – change Directory
In the Window that appeared on the Screen, Choose ―C:/‖ drive and the folder that you
have created earlier and close window.
Select Utility Menu – File –Save as - Job name
If u want to write the title for model and if you want to see it on the graphics window
Select Utility menu – File – Change title then write the name of title you want to see on
screen and Replot from Utility Menu – Plot.
ANSYS FILES:
A Large Number of Files are created when you run ANSYS. If you started ANSYS with out
Specifying a job name ,the name of all the files created will be file.* where * represents various
file extensions. If you Specified Job name say ―Frame‖, then the created files will have the file
Prefix ‗frame‘ again with various extensions.
*[Link] – Back up of the database file (binary)
*frame. err – error file (text). Listing of all errors and warning messages.
*frame. out- Output of all ANSYS operations (text).
*frame. Log – Listing of ANSYS commands used during current sessions.
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EXPERIMENT 5
DESIGN AND DETERMINATION OF DEFLECTION AND STRESSES
FOR 2D TRUSSES
AIM:
To determine the nodal Deflections, Reaction forces, and Stress for the truss system shown
below.
PREPROCESSING:-
1. Define the discipline:
Preferences > structural type > type > Add / edit / delete Add – link –
2D SPAR
2. Define the type of element
Preprocessor > element type > Add / edit/ delete Add- link –
3D Fine Stn 180
3. Define geometric properties: Area = 1m2
4. Define material properties : E= 2.1 x 105 N/m2
5. Creating nodes:
Preprocessor > (modeling) create > Nodes> in – active C/S
1 0,0,0
2 1.8, 3.118, 0
3 3.6,0,0
4 5.4,3.118,0
5 7.2,0,0
6 9.0,3.118,0
7 10.8,0,0
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6. Create Link Elements:
Preprocessor > (modeling) create > elements > thro nodes
RESULT: Thus the analysis on the given TRUSS is performed using ANSYS and values are
noted.
VIVA QUESTIONS
1. Ansys needs the final element model (FEM) for its final solution.(T/F)
2. Element attributes must be set before meshing the solid model. (T/F)
3. In a plane strain, the strain in the direction of thickness is assumed to be zero.(T/F)
4. The elements are used for in-plane bending problems.
5. Which Element is required to define the thickness as a real constant?
6. What is Pre Processor?
7. What is Post Processor?
8. Define Truss?
9. What is DOF?
10. Stiffness is to the length of the element.
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EXPERIMENT 6
DESIGN AND DETERMINATION OF DEFLECTION AND STRESSES
FOR CANTILEVER BEAM
AIM:
To find the maximum deflection, shear force, bending movement and draw shear force and
bending moment diagrams.
PREPROCESSING:-
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Height = 0.01m
Ex = 206800 x 10 6 N / m2
µ = 0.3
X Y Z
Node 1: (0,0,0)
Node 2: (1,0,0)
POST PROCESSING:
General post processing > plot results>contour plot> nodal solution> DOF> Solution>Ux
Dmx = -0.193501m
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General post processing >element table > define table > add > by sequence num > LS2
results > element table data.
SF & BM Diagrams:
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User table for item :BM j
RESULT:
Thus the analysis on the given beam is performed using ANSYS and values are noted.
VIVA QUESTIONS
1. If a cantilever beam has a uniformly distributed load, will the bending moment diagram be
quadratic or cubic?
2. Name the element type used for beams?
3. Define Analysis and its Purpose?
4. What are the modules in Ansys Programming?
5. What are the Real Constants & Material Properties in Ansys? Explain?
6. How to apply loads in Structural Analysis?
7. What is load?
8. What is structure?
9. What is beam?
10. What is Shear force?
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EXPERIMENT 7
To find the stresses and sections in corner bracket having a thickness of 20mm
Procedure:
Define the discipline
Preprocessor
Preprocessor Enter
a thickness of 0.5 inches.
Define material properties
Preprocessor
20
Ex = 30 e6 psi
Ѵ= 0.27
1. Define Rectangles
Preprocessor
X1 = 0 X2 = 6
Y1 = -1 Y2 = 1
X1 =4 X2 = 6
Y1 = -1 Y2 = -3
Creating circles:
Preprocessor
X = 0 Y = 0 Radius =1
X = 5 Y = -3 Radius = 1
Preprocessor
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Pick ok in picking the menu
Enter fillet radius 0.4 inches
Preprocessor
X = 0 , Y = 0 Radius = 0.4
X = 5 , Y = -3 Radius = 0.4
6. Subtract pin holes from bracket.
Preprocessor
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8. Apply pressure load
(a) Apply displacement constraint to 1st hole.
Solution ) displacements
General post proc – plot results – (contour) nodal solution SMx = 3416 psi
RESULT: Thus the analysis on the given component is performed using ANSYS and values are
noted.
VIVA QUESTIONS
1. What is ANSYS?
2. Why ANSYS is used?
3. What is node?
4. What is element?
5. What is difference between node and element?
6. The degrees of freedom of a two-node bar element?
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7. What is Von misses stress?
8. What is the difference between stress and strain?
9. What is Deflection?
10. What are the different types of analysis?
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EXPERIMENT 8
AIM:
Transient heat transfer analysis of a slab with thermal conductivity (k) of the material is 5
W/m*K and the block is assumed to be infinitely long. Also, the density of the material is 920
kg/m^3 and the specific heat capacity (c) is 2.040 kJ/kg*K.
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3. Create geometry
Preprocessor > Modeling > Create > Areas > Rectangle > By 2 Corners X=0,
Y=0, Width=1, Height=1
BLC4,0,0,1,1
Preprocessor > Element Type > Add/Edit/Delete... > click 'Add' > Select Thermal
Mass Solid, Quad 4Node 55
ET,1,PLANE55
For this example, we will use PLANE55 (Thermal Solid, Quad 4node 55). This
element has 4 nodes and a single DOF (temperature) at each node. PLANE55 can
only be used for 2 dimensional steady-state or transient thermal analysis.
Preprocessor > Material Props > Material Models > Thermal >
Conductivity > Isotropic > KXX = 5 (Thermal conductivity)
MP,KXX,1,10
Preprocessor > Material Props > Material Models > Thermal > Specific Heat > C =
2.04
MP,C,1,2.04
Preprocessor > Material Props > Material Models > Thermal > Density > DENS = 920
MP,DENS,1,920
6. Mesh Size
Preprocessor > Meshing > Size Controls > Manual Size > Areas > All Areas > 0.05
AESIZE,ALL, 0.05
7. Mesh
Preprocessor > Meshing > Mesh > Areas > Free > Pick All
AMESH, ALL
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Assigning Loads and Solving
Set Time at end of load step to 300 and Automatic time stepping to ON.
Set Number of sub steps to 20, Max no. of sub steps to 100, Min no. of sub
steps to 20.
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Click on the Non Linear tab at the top and fill it in as shown
For a complete description of what these options do, refer to the help file. Basically,
the time at the end of the load step is how long the transient analysis will run and the
number of sub steps defines how the load is broken up. By writing the data at every
step, you can create animations over time and the other options help the problem
converge quickly.
3. Apply Constraints
For thermal problems, constraints can be in the form of Temperature, Heat Flow,
Convection, Heat Flux, Heat Generation, or Radiation. In this example, 2 sides of the block
have fixed temperatures and the other two are insulated.
Note that all of the -Structural- options cannot be selected. This is due
to the type of element (PLANE55) selected.
o Thermal > Temperature > On Nodes
Click the Box option (shown below) and draw a box around the nodes on the top line
and then click OK.
o Using the same method, constrain the bottom line to a constant value of 100 K
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Orange triangles in the graphics window indicate the temperature constraints.
Solution > Define Loads > Apply > Initial Conditon > Define > Pick All
Fill in the IC window as follows to set the initial temperature of the material to
100 K:
Plot Temperature
General Postproc > Plot Results > Contour Plot > Nodal Solu ... > DOF solution,
Temperature TEMP
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RESULT: Thus the analysis on the given Problem is performed using ANSYS and values are
noted.
VIVA QUESTIONS
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INTRODUCTION TO 3D PRINTING
3D Printing, also known as Additive Manufacturing (AM), is a modern manufacturing process that
creates three-dimensional objects by adding material layer by layer, based on a digital 3D model. Unlike
traditional subtractive methods (such as machining), which remove material to shape an object, 3D
printing builds objects from the ground up, allowing for complex geometries and minimal material
waste.
The process begins with designing a digital 3D model using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software.
This model is then converted into a file format (usually STL or OBJ), which is sliced into thin layers by
specialized slicing software. The 3D printer reads this data and deposits material — typically plastic,
resin, or metal — layer by layer until the object is complete.
Before starting a 3D print, several steps are necessary to ensure a smooth and successful printing process.
The key steps include modeling, saving the CAD file into STL format, slicing, and material process. The
key steps include modeling, saving the CAD file into STL format, slicing, material loading, and printing
parameter selection.
D Modelling
Create a 3D design using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software such as Fusion 360,
SolidWorks, Tinker cad, or Blender.
Ensure the model is watertight (no holes or gaps) and has proper wall thickness
Optimize the design for the chosen 3D printing method (FDM, SLA, SLS, etc.).
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2. Saving the CAD File as an STL File
The STL file needs to be processed using slicing software (e.g., Cura, Bamboo Slicer,
Simplify3D).
The slicer converts the 3D model into G-Code, a set of instructions for the 3D printer.
• Important slicing settings:
o Layer height (affects print quality and speed).
o Infill percentage (determines strength and material usage).
o Support structures (for overhangs and complex parts).
o Print speed (higher speeds reduce time but may affect accuracy).
o Cooling settings (for material-specific requirements).
After finalizing the settings, save the G-Code file to an SD card or send it directly to the printer.
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5. Selecting Printing Parameters & Starting the Print
• After the print is finished, carefully remove the model from the print bed.
• Perform any necessary post-processing (e.g., sanding, painting, or removing support
structures).
• Ensure the printer is cleaned and maintained for future use.
• Carefully remove the printed flange coupling and knuckle joint using a scraper or spatula.
After post-processing, inspect the 3D printed parts for accuracy and defects.
5. Final Steps
• Apply paint or coating if needed for aesthetics or additional strength.
• Assemble the printed components (if applicable).
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• Perform functional testing (if required).
(B) Support Removal • If supports were used, remove them using pliers or a cutter.
(C) Surface Finishing • FDM prints: Use sanding (starting from coarse to fine grit) to smooth
rough surfaces.
• SLA prints: Wash in isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to remove excess resin, then cure under UV
light.
• SLS prints: Use bead blasting or tumbling to improve the finish.
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EXERCISE 9
Aim: To design a customized keychain or name plate using Tinker CAD/Fusion /SolidWorks and
fabricate it using a 3D printer.
Software/Tools Used:
Tinker CAD/Fusion 360/SolidWorks
Ultimaker Cura (or similar slicing software)
FDM 3D Printer (PLA material)
Procedure:
A. Designing in SolidWorks:
Result:
Successfully designed and 3D printed a customized name plate/keychain using SolidWorks and FDM
printer.
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Viva Questions:
1. What file format is used for 3D printing?
2. Which feature is used to add text in SolidWorks?
3. What is PLA and why is it commonly used?
4. How is slicing important in 3D printing?
5. What is the purpose of the keyhole in a keychain design?
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EXERCISE 10
Aim: To design a spur gear in Tinker CAD/Fusion /SolidWorks and fabricate it using 3D printing.
Software/Tools Used:
Tinker CAD/Fusion/SolidWorks
Ultimaker Cura (or compatible slicer)
FDM 3D Printer with PLA
Procedure:
Result: Spur gear successfully modeled and 3D printed with functional tooth geometry.
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Viva Questions:
1. What is a spur gear used for?
2. How do you define pitch circle diameter?
3. Why is 100% infill recommended for gears?
4. What is the pressure angle in gear design?
5. How do you ensure accuracy in gear tooth design?
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EXERCISE 11
DESIGN AND 3D PRINTING OF A BRACKET
Aim:
To design a support bracket (e.g., wall-mount bracket or L-bracket) using SolidWorks and fabricate it
using 3D printing.
Software/Tools Used:
Tinker CAD/Fusion/SolidWorks
Ultimaker Cura (or equivalent slicer)
FDM 3D Printer (PLA/ABS material)
Procedure:
A. Designing in SolidWorks:
B. 3D Printing Preparation:
Result: A functional 3D-printed bracket with predefined dimensions was successfully created.
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Viva Questions:
1. What are brackets used for in mechanical structures?
2. Why are fillets important in mechanical brackets?
3. How does infill percentage affect strength?
4. What is the function of a shell feature in SolidWorks?
5. Why do some brackets require support during printing?
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EXERCISE 12
Aim: To design a heat dissipating fin (e.g., straight or pin-type fin) using SolidWorks and fabricate it
using a 3D printer.
Software/Tools Used:
Tinker CAD/Fusion/SolidWorks
Cura (slicer software)
FDM 3D Printer (PLA for model representation)
Procedure:
A. Designing in SolidWorks:
B. 3D Printing Setup:
Result: Successfully modeled and 3D printed a fin structure representing a thermal heat sink.
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Viva Questions:
1. What is the function of a fin in heat transfer?
2. Which type of fins have higher heat dissipation — straight or pin?
3. Why is thermal conductivity important in actual heat sink design?
4. Can PLA be used for real heat sinks? Why or why not?
5. What features ensure strength and stability in fin design?
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