CAD for VEX Robotics

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) for VEX Robotics, specifically utilizing the Onshape platform. Whether you're a student or a hobbyist, mastering CAD is essential for designing and building VEX robots effectively. This guide will help you set up your Onshape account and navigate the basics of creating your first design.

Step 1: Set Up Your Onshape Account

• Visit the Onshape website: Onshape Education
• Click on the "Sign Up" button.
• Choose the option for students or educators to create your free account.
• Fill out the required fields, including your email, password, and any other necessary information.
• Verify your email address if prompted.

Practical Tip

Make sure to remember your password and keep your login details secure, as you will need them to access your projects later.

Step 2: Familiarize Yourself with Onshape Interface

• Log in to your Onshape account.
• Take a moment to explore the interface:
  • Workspace: This is where you will create and edit your designs.
  • Toolbar: Contains tools for sketching, modeling, and assembly.
  • Document Manager: Here, you can manage your projects and files.

Common Pitfall

Don’t rush through the interface. Understanding where tools are located will save you time in the design process.

Step 3: Create a New Document

• In the Document Manager, click on the “Create” button.
• Select “Document” from the dropdown menu.
• Name your document appropriately (e.g., “VEX Robot Design 1”) and click “OK”.

Practical Advice

Keep your document names organized and descriptive to easily locate them later.

Step 4: Start a New Sketch

• Click on the “Sketch” tool in the toolbar.
• Select a plane to sketch on (Top, Front, or Right).
• Begin by drawing basic shapes that will form your robot components.

Key Shapes to Consider

• Rectangles for chassis
• Circles for wheels
• Lines for structural elements

Step 5: Use Dimensions and Constraints

• Use the dimension tool to specify sizes for your sketches.
• Apply constraints (e.g., parallel, perpendicular) to ensure your design behaves as expected.

Explanation of Constraints

Constraints control the relationships between parts of your sketch, making it easier to adjust and maintain the design.

Step 6: Extrude Your Sketch

• Once your sketch is complete, exit the sketch mode.
• Select the “Extrude” tool to convert your 2D sketch into a 3D model.
• Specify the thickness or depth for the extrusion.

Tip

Experiment with different extrusion depths to understand how they affect the overall design.

Step 7: Save Your Work

• Regularly save your document by clicking on the save icon.
• Use version control features to track changes over time.

Reminder

Saving frequently helps prevent data loss and allows you to experiment without fear of losing your progress.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you learned how to set up your Onshape account, navigate the interface, create sketches, and turn them into 3D models. As you gain confidence, explore more advanced features like assemblies and simulations to enhance your VEX Robotics projects. Start designing today, and let your creativity drive your robotics journey!