Thirty-Minute CAD Sprint

Engineering Context

Rapid CAD work is useful when engineers need a concept model for a meeting or prototype decision.

What You Will Practice

• Plan an efficient feature sequence
• Use constraints and parameters quickly
• Prioritize critical geometry
• Review CAD quality under time pressure

What You Need

• Fusion 360
• One approved object or dimension card
• Calipers or ruler
• Timer
• Engineering notebook

Instructions

1. Draw or receive an object such as a LEGO-style brick, die, battery spacer, USB shell, or simple bracket.
2. Spend three minutes identifying the base feature, repeated features, symmetry, and likely parameters.
3. Record a short modeling plan before opening a sketch.
4. Model for 25 minutes.
5. Use the final two minutes to rename features, check constraints, and inspect dimensions.
6. Export one screenshot showing the browser and completed model.
7. Compare the model with the object or dimension card.
8. Record one shortcut that helped and one rushed decision that caused rework.

Engineering Requirements

• Use at least one named parameter
• Keep all major sketches fully constrained
• Include every critical feature
• Use patterns or symmetry where appropriate
• Finish within 30 minutes

Constraints & Safety

• No imported models
• No help from another student during the timed period
• Accuracy is more important than decorative details
• Object must be teacher-approved

What You Submit

• Modeling plan
• Fusion file
• Final screenshot
• Accuracy checklist
• Short time-management reflection

Reflection Questions

1. Which feature should have been created first?
2. Where did you lose the most time?
3. Did a pattern or parameter improve speed?
4. What would you change in a second attempt?