Over the last decade, I have made many 3D models, for robotics and personal projects. Many of the projects would go through iterations to see the final item come to light through 3D printing or CNC machining. In 2015 many of our 3D printed parts, prototypes, and CAD (Computer Aided Design) models were included in a book published for the robotics season. FIRST Robots: Behind the Design featured teams across the globe and in-depth analysis of their robot. My team and students were featured for our use of 3D printing, rapid prototyping, and CAD design, especially when 3D printing was still not as commercially available and integrated. Since then, I used 3D modeling as a way to help teach other students, and create parts for myself or my friends.
The CAD model for the 2020 robot and the final robot before shutting down due to covid. The CAD model can be found here.
Following covid causing robotics to be put on pause, I worked with students in Rochester teaching them Onshape, which is a browser-based CAD program, allowing collaboration similar to Google Suite.
Gearboxes and a test frame designing during 2020, to teach Onshape and design new parts used on our competition robots. Test and 3 motor gearbox link. 2 motor gearbox link. The exercise was designing items the students have modeled before in other software, and creating new components while learning Onshape.
During the Summer of 2020, I designed a swerve module for FRC teams to use. During the Fall of 2020, students in Rochester built a prototype of the swerve modules and using the feedback provided a new version is currently being designed. Onshape Link.