Introduction to FreeCAD Part 2: Sketches, Constraints, and Part Design | DigiKey

This tutorial is designed for beginners and intermediate users who are ready to dive into the capabilities of FreeCAD. In our previous session, we explored the unique advantages of FreeCAD over other CAD software. Now, we move forward to actual designing, starting with the creation of a simple SD card holder using the Part Design workbench.
This is the second video in our 10-part Introduction to FreeCAD series. You can find the FreeCAD files used in this tutorial in this GitHub repository: https://github.com/ShawnHymel/introdu...

The written version of this guide can be found here on Maker.io: https://www.digikey.com/en/maker/tuto...

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to navigate the interface of FreeCAD, focusing on the Part Design workbench, which involves sketching, constraint setting, and feature manipulation. We begin by measuring an SD card and using these dimensions to sketch and model a basic holder. This project will not only enhance your CAD skills but also provide a practical solution to organize your workspace.

For those of you with access to a 3D printer, this session is especially exciting. You'll have the opportunity to bring your digital designs into the real world by printing the SD card holder. I'll walk you through the entire process, from sketching to printing, and challenge you to apply what you've learned by creating a personalized pen cup. Whether your desk is cluttered or neat, these custom accessories are sure to add a touch of personalization and functionality.

This video is more than just a tutorial; it's a hands-on workshop to equip you with the necessary skills to start designing parts in FreeCAD. By the end of this session, you will understand how to use sketches, apply constraints, and create features effectively. The tools and techniques covered here are the building blocks for more complex projects, which we will explore in future episodes.
Don’t forget to practice the skills covered in this video by taking on the challenge to design your own desk organizer. If you’re proud of what you’ve made, print it out, and share a photo on social media. Tag your creations with #DKFreeCAD and tag @DigiKey to showcase your work and connect with other FreeCAD users. Stay tuned for more advanced tutorials where we'll dive deeper into the capabilities of FreeCAD, helping you to master this powerful open-source CAD tool.

00:00 Intro
01:06 Specifications or Measuring Objects
01:35 Creating a Sketch
07:22 Defining Constraints
15:47 Creating a Pad from the Sketch
16:58 Overlay Icons
19:12 Defining the Pad
19:59 Navigating the Tree View
22:31 Creating the Second Sketch
33:13 Symmetry/Mirror a Sketch
37:45 Create a Pocket from the Sketch
40:00 Export Body for 3D Printing
42:05 Challenge: Pen Cup
42:38 Conclusion

LulzBot SideKick 747 3D Printer: https://www.digikey.com/en/products/d...
3D printer filament: https://www.digikey.com/en/products/f...

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