Custom Engineering with Solid Modeling Tools

Learn how to use Microvellum's Solid Modeling Tools to design, engineer, and create manufacturing data for a custom reception desk.

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Introduction

This training plan will walk you through designing and engineering a custom reception desk using the Solid Modeling Tools in Toolbox, Microvellum's AutoCAD-based design-for-manufacturing software. You’ll learn how to configure settings, create 2D and 3D die wall entities, prepare the model for analysis, and generate manufacturing data.

Objective

After completing this plan, you should be able to:

Create 3D products from 2D drawings using Extruded Product Builder and Smart Layers.
Configure and modify Smart Layers for materials, construction methods, and offsets.
Create and adjust paths for extrusion, part alignment, and joint placement.
Add and customize parts, hardware, and machining operations with precision.
Use the Solid Model Analyzer to ensure product designs meet specifications.
Implement various joint types to customize assembly.
Modify 2D and 3D models in real-time for design flexibility.
Troubleshoot issues and restore modeling sessions as needed.

Prerequisites

Windows Operations:

Before starting this training, it is essential to have a basic understanding of using Windows operating system. This includes familiarity with tasks such as navigating through files and folders, managing applications, and basic system settings. This foundational knowledge will ensure a smoother learning experience throughout the training.

Installed Software

To get the most out of this training, ensure that you have an installed version of Toolbox (2022, 2023, or 2024) ready for use on your computer before proceeding with this training plan, so you can follow along. If you need to install Toolbox, these videos will assist you:

Preparing Your ComputerInstalling Toolbox

Activated Modules

To follow along with this training plan you need to have the Solid Modeling Tools: Extruded Tools and Solid Model Analyzer modules activated within your Toolbox license. If you don't have access to this module or need more details, please reach out to your Account Manager.

Basic Microvellum Software Knowledge

The training provided in this series of videos is delivered on the assumption that those watching have already completed the four Core Training Plans available within the MVU eLearning library.

Training Environment

If you or your company already use Microvellum software, it may be beneficial to create a new local training configuration in Toolbox to separate projects and work you do from your production configuration. These videos will assist you in setting up this new configuration.

Creating a new configurationManaging Configurations

Exercises

We recommend following along with each video, attempting to replicate the processes outlined to achieve the same results within your Toolbox project. After watching all the videos, engineer a new custom product, making customizations like those shown in the videos.

Attempt to rely on what you've learned. This will solidify your understanding and ability to apply it independently.