3D Computer-Aided Drafting and Solid Modeling

Course Description

ETD2364C – 3D Computer-Aided Drafting and Solid Modeling is a 3-credit, combined lecture/laboratory course within the Engineering Technologies > Engineering Design Drafting taxonomy of Florida's Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). The course provides an introduction to solid modeling using new designing techniques and the unique capabilities of SolidWorks software. Students learn to integrate SolidWorks' parametric modeling and drawing tools to create accurate 3D mechanical parts, assemblies, and production drawings. The "C" designator indicates that lecture and laboratory instruction meet together in the same session, providing hands-on reinforcement of every concept covered.

This course is a foundational requirement in the Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) Certificate and Associate in Science (A.S.) degree programs offered at Florida colleges, and serves as a prerequisite for advanced solid modeling coursework.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

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

• Navigate and configure the SolidWorks user interface, including menus, toolbars, the FeatureManager Design Tree, and the PropertyManager.
• Create and fully constrain 2D sketches using geometric and dimensional relations as the basis for 3D features.
• Build parametric 3D solid part models using base and secondary features such as extrusions, revolves, cuts, fillets, chamfers, and holes.
• Apply and edit design intent through parametric dimensions and relationships, and modify models by editing feature parameters.
• Construct multi-part assemblies by inserting components and applying standard mates (coincident, concentric, parallel, distance, angle).
• Generate 2D engineering drawings from 3D models, including standard orthographic views, section views, detail views, and title block information conforming to ASME/ANSI standards.
• Apply correct dimensioning and tolerancing practices to drawings in compliance with accepted engineering drawing standards.
• Manage and organize SolidWorks files, including parts, assemblies, and drawing documents using proper file-referencing practices.

Optional Outcomes

Depending on institutional emphasis and available time, students may also:

• Create and export STL files for 3D printing and rapid prototyping workflows.
• Perform basic rendering and photo-realistic visualization of solid models using SolidWorks Visualize or PhotoView 360.
• Use the SolidWorks Design Library and Toolbox to insert standard hardware components (fasteners, bearings, etc.) into assemblies.
• Create basic sheet metal parts, including base flanges, edge flanges, and flat-pattern drawings.
• Apply motion analysis or animation to demonstrate assembly movement and verify design function.
• Conduct introductory design simulation (stress/strain analysis) using SolidWorks Simulation tools.
• Prepare models for output to CNC or laser-cutting workflows by understanding CAM integration concepts.

Major Topics

Required Topics

The following content areas are covered across all known Florida college offerings of this course:

• SolidWorks Interface and File Management – User interface layout, document types (part, assembly, drawing), templates, units, and file management best practices.
• 2D Sketch Fundamentals – Sketch entities (lines, arcs, circles, splines), sketch relations, smart dimensioning, sketch states (under/fully/over-defined), and sketch planes.
• Basic 3D Feature Modeling – Extruded Boss/Base, Extruded Cut, Revolved Boss/Base, Revolved Cut; feature order and parent-child relationships in the FeatureManager.
• Applied Features – Fillets, chamfers, shells, ribs, drafts, linear and circular patterns, and mirroring of features and bodies.
• Work Planes and Reference Geometry – Creating and using reference planes, axes, and coordinate systems to support complex feature placement.
• Assembly Modeling – Bottom-up assembly approach, inserting components, applying standard mates, interference detection, and bill of materials (BOM) generation.
• Engineering Drawing Production – Drawing templates, standard views, projected views, section views, auxiliary views, detail views, annotations, dimensions, geometric tolerances, and title block completion.
• Parametric Design and Design Modifications – Editing feature dimensions, suppressing features, design tables, and configuration basics.

Optional Topics

The following topics appear in select Florida college offerings and may be included based on program emphasis:

• Advanced 3D Sketching – 3D sketch curves used as sweep paths or loft guide curves.
• Sweep and Loft Features – Creating complex geometry along a path or between multiple profiles.
• Sheet Metal Design – Base flanges, edge flanges, bends, flat patterns, and sheet metal drawings.
• Mold Design Concepts – Draft analysis, parting lines, and basic cavity/core generation.
• SolidWorks Toolbox – Inserting standard hardware components from the Toolbox library into assemblies.
• Rendering and Visualization – Applying materials and appearances; rendering scenes for presentation.
• Rapid Prototyping / 3D Printing Integration – Exporting STL files, reviewing print orientation, and understanding layer-based additive manufacturing preparation.
• Introduction to CAM Concepts – Awareness of G-code generation and model preparation for CNC-controlled machines.

Resources & Tools

• Primary Software: Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks (Education Edition typically provided through institution lab licensing)
• Reference Text: SolidWorks: A Primer or Engineering Design with SolidWorks (David Planchard) — titles vary by institution
• ASME Y14.5 Standard: Dimensioning and Tolerancing standard referenced for drawing production
• SolidWorks Online Tutorials: Built-in tutorial suite within the SolidWorks application (Help > SolidWorks Tutorials)
• MySolidWorks: my.solidworks.com — official free online learning portal with role-based courses and certification preparation
• Hardware: CAD-capable workstation with a dedicated graphics card; a 3-button mouse is strongly recommended
• 3D Printer Access: Some institutions provide lab access to FDM printers for optional prototyping exercises

Career Pathways

Successful completion of ETD2364C prepares students for entry-level roles and supports advancement in the following occupational areas:

• CAD Technician / Drafter – Creating and revising 3D models and engineering drawings in manufacturing, construction, and consulting environments
• Mechanical Design Drafter – Supporting engineers in mechanical product design using parametric solid modeling tools
• Product Design Technician – Developing part and assembly models for consumer products, industrial equipment, or medical devices
• Manufacturing Technician – Using solid models to support machining, tooling, and production planning workflows
• Rapid Prototyping Specialist – Preparing STL files and managing 3D printing operations for prototype development
• Engineering Technology A.S. / CAD Certificate Graduate – This course is a core requirement in CADD certificate and A.S. degree programs at Florida colleges including St. Petersburg College, Gulf Coast State College, Eastern Florida State College, Polk State College, and Florida SouthWestern State College

Special Information

Certification Preparation

This course provides direct preparation for the Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA) examination, the industry-recognized entry-level credential offered by Dassault Systèmes. The CSWA exam tests skills in part modeling, assembly modeling, and drawing interpretation — all topics covered in this course. Students who earn the CSWA credential demonstrate a verifiable, employer-recognized proficiency in SolidWorks and 3D solid modeling.

Students seeking advanced SolidWorks credentials may continue to the Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP) after completing follow-on coursework in advanced solid modeling.

Lab Fee

A lab fee is typically assessed for this course at participating Florida colleges to cover software licensing, hardware maintenance, and consumable materials. Students should confirm the current fee with their institution prior to enrollment.

Articulation

As an SCNS-numbered course, ETD2364C is designed to facilitate credit transfer between Florida public postsecondary institutions. Transferability to specific programs remains at the discretion of the receiving institution.