3D Visualization (ETD1842)

Course Description

This course introduces students to the principles and application of three-dimensional (3D) visualization within the Engineering Design Drafting discipline. Students learn to navigate the 3D coordinate system, generate and modify 3D models of parts and assemblies, and document those models in fully annotated print layouts. Topics include conceptual design workflows, material application, rendering, and an introduction to fabrication technologies such as 3D printing and computer numerical control (CNC) machining. The course is part of the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS) taxonomy under Engineering Technologies > Engineering Design Drafting (prefix ETD) and carries 1 credit hour.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Navigate the 3D coordinate system (X, Y, Z axes; UCS management) within CAD software.
• Create basic 3D solid primitives (box, cylinder, sphere, cone, wedge, torus) using standard CAD commands.
• Apply Boolean operations (union, subtract, intersect) to combine or modify solid geometry.
• Generate 3D models from 2D profiles using extrude, revolve, sweep, and loft operations.
• Modify solid models using edge and face editing tools (fillet, chamfer, shell, press/pull).
• Produce a fully dimensioned print layout (drawing sheet) from a 3D model, including a title block and standard orthographic views.
• Apply visual styles and basic rendering settings (materials, lighting) to communicate design intent.
• Extrapolate 2D engineering drawing data into accurate 3D representations.

Optional / Enrichment Outcomes

Depending on institutional emphasis, students may also:

• Create and document a basic assembly model with constraints or mates from individual part models.
• Prepare a model file for 3D printing or CNC machining (STL export, tool-path awareness).
• Utilize surface and mesh modeling techniques for complex organic shapes.
• Produce a photorealistic rendering or simple animation / walk-through of a 3D model.
• Perform a basic motion or interference analysis on an assembly within parametric CAD software (e.g., Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks).
• Export models to BIM-compatible formats for interdisciplinary project use.

Major Topics

Required Topics

• Introduction to the 3D CAD Environment — workspace navigation, ViewCube/Orbit/Pan, visual styles, coordinate systems (WCS vs. UCS).
• Solid Primitives and Boolean Operations — creation of standard primitives; union, subtract, and intersect commands.
• Profile-Based Modeling — sketching closed profiles; extrude (with taper/path), revolve, sweep, loft operations.
• Solid Editing Tools — fillet, chamfer, shell, press/pull, move face, copy face, delete face.
• 2D-to-3D Interpretation — reading orthographic and isometric engineering drawings to construct accurate 3D models.
• Documentation and Print Layouts — creating paper-space layouts; placing and scaling viewports; adding dimensions, annotations, and a title block.
• Basic Rendering and Visual Communication — applying materials/textures, setting up lighting, rendering a presentation image.

Optional / Supplemental Topics

• Assembly Modeling — assembling multiple parts; applying constraints or mates; interference detection.
• Surface and Mesh Modeling — creating and editing NURBS surfaces or mesh objects for complex geometries.
• Rapid Prototyping / 3D Printing Workflow — model validation, STL file export, slicing software overview, print orientation best practices.
• Parametric / Feature-Based Modeling — introduction to history-tree–based CAD (Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, or Creo Parametric) and design intent management.
• Animation and Walk-Through Paths — creating motion paths or camera animations for design presentations.
• CNC Machining Awareness — basic tool-path concepts and how 3D models interface with CAM software.

Resources & Tools

• Primary Software: Autodesk AutoCAD (3D workspace) — industry standard for 2D/3D drafting and the most commonly required platform at Florida colleges for this course level.
• Supplemental Software (varies by institution): Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, PTC Creo Parametric, Autodesk Revit, or Civil 3D depending on program track.
• Hardware: Workstation-class computer with dedicated GPU; 3D printer (lab access) for rapid-prototyping exercises where available.
• Reference Standards: ASME Y14.5 (Dimensioning and Tolerancing), ANSI drawing standards.
• Autodesk Education Community — free student licenses for Autodesk software suite (autodesk.com/education).
• Florida Shines / FLVC Library Resources — open-access tutorials and e-textbooks available to enrolled Florida college students.

Career Pathways

Successful completion of ETD1842 supports entry into the following career areas and stackable credential programs:

• CAD/Drafting Technician — mechanical, architectural, civil, or structural drafting roles in engineering firms and construction companies.
• 3D Modeling Specialist — product design, prototyping, and manufacturing support in industrial settings.
• BIM Technician — Building Information Modeling coordination in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries.
• Manufacturing / CNC Operator — roles requiring model-to-machine workflows in production environments.
• Engineering Design Technologist — pathway toward an A.S. in Computer-Aided Design & Drafting or a B.S. in Engineering Technology.

This course is a component of the Engineering Design Drafting certificate and A.S. degree programs offered at Florida colleges such as Eastern Florida State College, Daytona State College, FSCJ, and others participating in the Florida SCNS.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

• Autodesk Certified User (ACU) — AutoCAD: Course content aligns with the AutoCAD ACU exam objectives covering 3D modeling, documentation, and visualization skills.
• Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA): Where SolidWorks is used as the instructional platform, coursework supports preparation for the CSWA exam, an entry-level industry certification.
• Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP): Students continuing in the drafting program may use this course as foundational preparation for the advanced ACP credential.

Program Notes

As a 1-credit-hour laboratory/skills course, ETD1842 is typically delivered in a hands-on computer lab format with a high ratio of applied practice to lecture. It often serves as a co-requisite or sequenced follow-on to a foundational CAD course (such as ETD1320C or equivalent) within a drafting certificate or A.S. degree program. Students should confirm software availability and lab access requirements with their institution prior to enrollment.