Learning Targets
- Identify which parts need CAD, fabrication, or manual construction.
- List materials, tools, and build steps for the prototype.
- Check whether the plan is realistic before building.
IED Unit 5 • Lesson 5.7
CAD, Fabrication, and Prototype Planning
Focus question: How do engineers prepare a design for fabrication before building a prototype?
Mission Briefing
Today’s Plan
Use this page with the lesson presentation, your engineering notebook, and the tools or evidence assigned for Plan CAD, Fabrication, and Prototype Work.
Success Looks Like
You can plan CAD files, materials, fabrication methods, and build steps before construction begins.
LaunchLearnApplyCheckSubmit
Opening Prompt
How do engineers prepare a design for fabrication before building a prototype?
Connect your response to the decision, evidence, or quality standard required for Plan CAD, Fabrication, and Prototype Work.
Reveal: useful engineering move
This lesson is ready to move forward when the evidence meets this standard: The plan can be completed with available time, tools, materials, and team skills.
Core Skill
What We Are Practicing
Fabrication planning reduces wasted time and materials.
A build-ready plan includes parts, dimensions, materials, tools, and sequence.
Prototype planning should consider safety, access, and evidence collection.
Your Task
Plan CAD, Fabrication, and Prototype Work
Convert the selected concept into a practical build plan that identifies parts, materials, tools, interfaces, and readiness checks.
- Break the concept into parts or subsystems.
- Identify which items require CAD, fabrication, or purchased components.
- Choose available materials and tools.
- Create the build sequence and pre-build checks.
Quality check: The plan can be completed with available time, tools, materials, and team skills.
Lesson Interactive
Match Parts to Fabrication Processes
Choose a process that fits each part’s geometry, material, accuracy needs, and whether the part should be made or purchased.
| Part | Best process |
|---|---|
| Complex custom plastic handle with internal ribs | |
| Flat 3 mm acrylic guard with a precise outline | |
| Standard M4 screw and locknut | |
| Simple foam grip sleeve adjusted to fit by trimming |
Match the process to the geometry, then verify that the file and assembly information are complete.
What You Will Submit
Prototype Build Plan
Submission standard: The plan can be completed with available time, tools, materials, and team skills.
Resources
Lesson Resources
Lesson 5.7 PowerPoint
Use the lesson slides for guided practice, interactive checks, and the exit ticket.
Introduction to Engineering Design
Return to the IED course hub for units, resources, certifications, and current course information.