Learning Targets
- Use Mirror to reproduce symmetric features.
- Use Rectangular Pattern to repeat a source feature.
- Edit a source feature and observe dependent geometry update.
IED Unit 2 • Lesson 2.9
Mirror and Pattern Tools
Focus question: How can symmetry and repetition be used to create CAD models more efficiently?
Your lesson guide
Objective
Use Mirror to reproduce symmetric features. Use Rectangular Pattern to repeat a source feature. Edit a source feature and observe dependent geometry update.
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
Assignment
Mirror and Pattern Tools
You will build an equipment mounting plate while learning to reuse geometry efficiently. Repeated features should be controlled from a source feature rather than manually recreated.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Create the base plate: Sketch and extrude the plate using the assigned dimensions.
- Create one mounting hole: Position and create a single source mounting hole accurately.
- Mirror symmetric geometry: Use Mirror to reproduce the mounting hole across the appropriate centerline/plane rather than drawing a second independent hole.
- Create one ventilation opening: Model a single opening that will become the source for the repeated ventilation pattern.
- Build the rectangular pattern: Use Rectangular Pattern to control the number of instances and spacing. Make sure the pattern remains inside the usable plate area.
- Complete the engineering change request: Edit the source ventilation feature quantity/spacing and the mounting-hole diameter as directed. Confirm that the mirrored and patterned features update automatically.
- Inspect the Timeline: Verify that the repeated geometry is represented by Mirror/Pattern features instead of a long sequence of individually modeled duplicates.
Before You Submit
- Repeated geometry comes from source features.
- The ECR can be completed by editing source features.
- Pattern quantity and spacing are intentional.
- No manually duplicated holes are used to imitate a pattern.
Submission
What You Will Submit
File requirements: Export the Fusion model using File → Export → Fusion 360 Archive Files (*.f3d). Save both evidence images as PNG.
LockwoodSTEM Tutorial
Lesson Video
LockwoodSTEM Tutorial — IED 2.9
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 equipment mounting plate exported as LastName_FirstName_2_9_PatternPlate.f3d. Final model screenshot: isometric view with Timeline visible. Save as LastName_FirstName_2_9_Final.png. ECR evidence screenshot: model after editing the source feature and allowing dependent patterned/mirrored features to update. Save as LastName_FirstName_2_9_ECR.png.
A PDF download is not a submission. Review it, then upload it and any required attachments through your classroom assignment system.