CAD and making by machine · seed 1 · A4, ink-friendly. The answer key prints on its own page for grown-ups.

Draw it so a machine can make it

Design & Technology · Designing & Making · ages 14-16
Name ______________________   Date ____________

  1. You need to cut an outline from sheet material suitable for laser cutting. Which machine matches the job?

    • A filament printer building plastic layers
    • A laser cutter cutting the flat sheet
    • A CNC mill removing chips from a block

  2. Which feature distinguishes CAD from a paper drawing?

    • Editable digital shapes with dimensions
    • A list of real sizes written on paper
    • Notes about each part's material

  3. A filament printer can deposit plastic that floats freely in air, with no connection to the part or any support.

    Circle one:   True   False

  4. Your filament-printing plan flags a wide overhang as needing support. Which action addresses that warning?

    • Change only the filament's colour
    • Rename only the CAD file on the computer
    • Review the supports, orientation or shape

  5. A bracket must be machined from a solid steel block. Which option matches that requirement?

    • A filament printer using plastic filament
    • A CNC mill with tools suited to steel
    • A laser cutter making flat sheet outlines

  6. Why review a part after choosing its making method?

    • To check the design against the process limits
    • To replace every size with a new estimate
    • To reuse the same instructions on every machine

  7. You need one 3-D plastic knob with a rounded body and internal channels. A suitable filament printer is available and its print plan has been checked. Which route fits?

    • Print the 3-D knob from the checked file
    • Laser-cut its outline from a flat sheet
    • Mill the finished knob from a steel block

  8. Lee planned a printed part, then learns it must be milled from steel. What should he do before manufacture?

    • Send the printer's file straight to the mill
    • Check cutter access and prepare a milling file
    • Cut steel before checking cutter access
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Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

Draw it so a machine can make it W1-mt_jNf8g85YbY-s1

  1. A laser cutter cutting the flat sheet · The laser cutter matches the stated sheet-cutting process.
  2. Editable digital shapes with dimensions · CAD stores editable digital geometry. Paper can also show exact dimensions and material notes.
  3. False · Deposited filament needs attachment. It cannot remain freely floating.
  4. Review the supports, orientation or shape · These changes can address support needs. Colour and file names do not.
  5. A CNC mill with tools suited to steel · A suitably equipped CNC mill removes material from the steel block.
  6. To check the design against the process limits · The review checks suitability. Changes are needed only where requirements or process limits call for them.
  7. Print the 3-D knob from the checked file · The checked printing route matches the required material and 3-D form.
  8. Check cutter access and prepare a milling file · Lee needs to check whether the part suits milling and prepare instructions for that machine.
Worksheet · LightMySky