Model engine project 3: Rod

Sample process plans, setup sheets, cutting data, and inspection reports are provided but use your judgment, the tools, and machines you have available, and your knowledge to complete the project.

Project scenario:
A customer has asked your company to redesign a model engine assembly and to machine a prototype. They have provided engineering drawings of the original parts. This project requires you to model and redesign the rod while maintaining the length between bores and overall thickness. Use the engineering drawing as a reference for the bore sizes, spacing, and thickness. Consider various stock sizes and shapes to incorporate your unique design.

This project also requires you to set up and program toolpaths for the rod provided. Begin with the supplied engineering drawing and the CAD model.  Use the engineering drawing as a reference to plan tools required and work out any work holding requirements. Consider various stock sizes and shapes and think about the number of operations required to machine the part. 

The rod requires the use of a soft jaw, which is supplied. To find your soft jaw dimensions, you can use the supplied engineering drawing or source a soft jaw model that matches the soft jaws used in your shop. For more details on designing soft jaws, refer to Model engine project 2: Rod soft jaw. Sample process plans, setup sheets, cutting data, and inspection reports are provided but use your judgment, the tools, and machines you have available, and your knowledge to complete the project.

Instructor resources

Teaching this project to students in the classroom? 
Use this instructor guide to incorporate this and our other model engine projects into your lesson plans. You'll understand how to use CAD and CAM workflows to combine this and other projects into a model engine assembly. Then, machine the model engine using standard stock sizes.  

Want to create custom learning playlists to share with your students?
Share modules and courses using Playlists. Once you create a Playlist, share the URL with your students and they can sign into their Autodesk Account to access. Choose and share the modules that best fit your curriculum using the links below.

• To create a Playlist, select [+] 'Add to list' from the banner above.
• To share a list with others, set the list visibility to Public and share the link.

Need to teach the skills covered this project? 
Send your students to our Introduction to CAD, CAM, and Practical CNC Machining for Milling self-guided course. They can learn at their own pace, track their own progress, and earn a certificate of completion when they get 75% or more on the final test.