Learning Targets
- Identify when Revolve is appropriate.
- Create and constrain a half-profile with an axis.
- Use Revolve and edit source dimensions parametrically.
IED Unit 2 • Lesson 2.8
Creating Rotational Parts with Revolve
Focus question: How can engineers create rotationally symmetric 3D parts from a 2D profile?
Your lesson guide
Objective
Identify when Revolve is appropriate. Create and constrain a half-profile with an axis. Use Revolve and edit source dimensions parametrically.
Materials
For the online work: a browser and your engineering notebook. Follow the activity’s materials list for any physical build, and get teacher approval before using equipment.
Plan your time
Suggested work block: 45–60 minutes. Physical builds and projects may span several classes; follow your teacher’s schedule.
Lesson Overview
What You Are Learning
How to Approach the Work
Use the instructor demonstration to understand the tool or design decision, then complete the assigned work independently and verify the result before submission.
LearnModelVerifyReviseSubmit
Reference Drawing
Revolve Part Drawing
Use this drawing as the dimensional reference for the rotational part you will create with the Revolve tool.
Modeling focus: Create a single half-profile from the drawing, use a construction centerline as the axis of revolution, and build the finished part with the Revolve command. Use the drawing PDF as the dimensional authority for this lesson.
Assignment
Creating Rotational Parts with Revolve
Revolve is used when a part is primarily defined by a profile rotated around an axis. You will build a rotational component from a dimensioned half-profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Interpret the drawing: Identify the center axis and determine which half of the part should be represented in the sketch.
- Create the half-profile: Sketch only one side of the cross-section. Use a construction centerline for the axis of rotation.
- Constrain and dimension the profile: Apply the required geometric relationships and dimensions until the profile is fully defined.
- Create the Revolve feature: Select the profile, choose the construction centerline as the axis, and revolve the profile 360 degrees.
- Test parametric behavior: Edit one assigned source dimension and confirm that the 3D model updates correctly. Then return the value to the specified final dimension.
- Verify the solid: Use Inspect/Measure to confirm the major diameters, lengths, and any stepped geometry.
Before You Submit
- Only a half-profile was needed to create the full part.
- The revolve axis is a construction line.
- The model updates when a source dimension changes.
- Final values match the assigned drawing.
Submission
What You Will Submit
File requirements: Export the editable design using File → Export → Fusion 360 Archive Files (*.f3d). Save both evidence images as PNG.
LockwoodSTEM Tutorial
Lesson Video
LockwoodSTEM Tutorial — IED 2.8
Use this instructor-recorded tutorial to review the Fusion skills demonstrated for this lesson. Pause, rewind, and follow along in your own Fusion file as needed.
Resources
Lesson Resources
IED Unit 2
Return to the Unit 2 lesson list and course sequence.
Introduction to Engineering Design
Return to the IED course hub for units, resources, certifications, and current course information.
Build your lesson report
Checkpoint: is your evidence ready?
- Check calculations, units, labels, and measurements against the activity requirements.
- Record what actually happened, including unexpected results.
- Explain what you changed and why; attach required drawings, photos, CAD, or code in your classroom assignment.
Fusion archive: completed rotational component exported as LastName_FirstName_2_8_Revolve.f3d. Profile screenshot: fully constrained half-profile with dimensions visible. Save as LastName_FirstName_2_8_Profile.png. Final model screenshot: completed revolved solid in isometric view. Save as LastName_FirstName_2_8_Final.png.
A PDF download is not a submission. Review it, then upload it and any required attachments through your classroom assignment system.