Southern Utah University

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Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Introduction to CAD/CAM 3D Design (Face-to-Face)

CCET 1030-01

Course: CCET 1030-01
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: ET
CRN: 30552

Course Description

An introductory course open for all majors which includes applying Computer Aided Design, Computer Aided Manufacturing, Solid Modeling and Computer Numeric Control concepts to fabricate a physical product. The course includes basic instruction in several CAD and CAM software programs as well as some introductory CNC skills. Students spend a significant amount of time in a shop environment under the supervision of lab assistants, manufacturing the designs they create using the CAD/CAM/CNC software and techniques presented in the course. (Fall, Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Registration Restriction(s): Intensive English Program majors may not enroll

Required Texts

All course content is delivered on Canvas.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, students should be able to:
  • Utilize 2D sketching functions to construct accurate 2D geometries in various coordinate systems to define sketched objects with dimensions.
  • Use Solidworks 3D software to generate a solid model.
  • Use Solidworks 3D software to generate multi-view drawings from a solid model.
  • Use Solidworks 3D software to generate a full assembly model using individual parts and sub-assemblies.
  • Generate a complete assembly drawing with multiple views, balloons, and bill of materials.
  • Use various rapid prototyping techniques such as 3D printing, laser cutting and CNC routing to produce the prototype.
  • Identify and explain the function of the major components of a CNC machine (router).
  • Understand and show how NC machine movements are identified by three primary axes.
  • Identify the types of drive systems used in NC machines.
  • Use a post-processor to generate G and M codes for the CNC router.
  • Safely and accurately fixture a part in a CNC machine and set the program reference zero (PRZ).
  • Demonstrate all possible methods of disabling a CNC machine in the event of an emergency.
  • Read technical drawings to identify the dimensional tolerances and limits.
  • Measure parts using both standard inch and metric systems and converting between metric and
    standard inch systems.
  • Make precision measurements using various measurement tools to the degree of accuracy
    required. 
  • Check dimensions, compare shapes, indicate centers and check parallel surfaces.
  • Use CAM to take CAD models and prepare them for fabrication.

Course Requirements

Course Work (homework) - 10% 
The criteria, due dates, and grading methods for coursework will belisted in Canvas
Project - 40% 
The project for the course is the design and manufacture of an electric guitar. The project will span the entire semester. Project milestones and deadlines are listed in Canvas.
Project Assessments - 30%
 Assessments take the form of quizzes, exams, performance assessments, or a combination of these. Assessments address the key concepts and skills for each module and the project.
Final Exam & Portfolio - 20% 
The final portfolio is a summary of the electric guitar project.  The criteria and rubric for the final portfolio is included in Canvas at the beginning of the semester.

GRADING SCALE
 A    100 % to 93.3 %
A-  < 93.3 % to 90.0 %
B+ < 90.0 % to 86.6 %
B   < 86.6 % to 83.3%
B-  < 83.3% to 80.0 %
C+ < 80.0 % to 76.6 %
C   < 76.6 % to 73.3 %
C-  < 73.3 % to 70.0 %
D+ < 70.0 % to 66.6%
D   < 66.6% to 63.3 %
D-  < 63.3 % to 60.0 %
F   < 60.0 % to 0.0 %

Responsibility to Learning: Students are responsible for their own learning. Reading the book and completing the homework assignments may not be enough for some students to learn the material and does not guarantee a passing grade. The responsibility rests upon the student to: re-read, do more problems than assigned,  seek help from a classmate or tutor, and complete other activities as needed to increase understanding. A textbook reading schedule is provided for students to follow along with the topics as they are covered in class.

Course Outline

Students use Solidworks 3D software to create sketches used to generate solid models of electric guitar
parts. To create these sketches and parts students must:
• Utilize 2D sketching functions to construct accurate 2D geometries in various coordinate systems.
• Define sketched objects with dimensions and geometric constraints and modify sketched features.
• Analyze drawings with built-in measurement, dimensioning and repair tools.
• Transition between cartesian and polar coordinates.
• Be able to store, retrieve copy, and output drawing files in various formats and filetypes.
Students use Solidworks 3D software to generate multi-view drawings of electric guitar parts from a
solid model. To create these drawings students must:
• Apply annotations and reference dimensions as per established drafting standards.
• Update model and drawing views
Students use Solidworks 3D software to generate a full assembly model of an electric guitar using
individual parts and sub-assemblies.
Students generate a complete assembly drawing with multiple views, balloons, and bill of materials.
Students use the models and drawings they have created to prototype an electric guitar.
• Students learn and use various rapid prototyping techniques such as 3D printing, laser cutting and
CNC routing to produce the prototype.
• Students are instructed of many industry-wide prototyping methods.
Students complete a series of assignments that explore:
• Types of Computer Controlled Machines and their use in private industry.
• The application of CNC machines in manufacturing.
• The types of machine tools, controllers, and software used in programmable machines.
Students use a CNC router to fabricate the body of an electric guitar. As part of this process, students:
•Identify and explain the function of the major components of the CNC router.
• Understand that NC machine movements are identified by three primary axes.
• Identify the types of drive systems used in NC machines.
• Identify significant points on geometries.
• Identify the optimum location for the program reference zero point.
• Are able to plot points using absolute, relative (incremental) and polar coordinates.
• Use the three categories of machine movement: straight line, curved line, and non-regular shape.
Students select appropriate cutting tools and fixturing devices to fabricate the electric guitar body. To
make this selection, students:
• Analyze part geometry to select appropriate cutting tools and fixturing devices
• Select the speed and feed rates used by machine tools based on the material and cutting paths.
• Calculate and verify appropriate spindle speeds and feed rates specific to each cutting tool
• Select appropriate cutting tools to efficiently, safely and accurately cut parts using a CNC machine.
• Apply various work holding devices commonly used for CNC machining.
Students use a post-processor to generate G and M codes for the CNC router to fabricate the guitar body.
Additionally, students must:
• Modify a NC part program using a text editor and a CAM package..
• Identify the three sections of their program; Initial Commands, Program Body, and Program End.
• Analyze, identify and correct errors found in their NC part program file.
• Use Aspire simulation software to graphically verify NC program operation.
• Perform a "Dry Run" to verify the machine setup and program operation.
Students employ Aspire CAD/CAM/CNC software to create the electric guitar body. Students execute
the build on the CNC router by:
• Safely and accurately fixturing a part in a CNC machine and setting the program reference zero
(PRZ).
• Verifying the NC part programs using a Aspire simulation software before machining the part.
• Demonstrating all possible methods of disabling a CNC machine in the event of an emergency.
• Demonstrating with a lab assistant the ability to safely setup, maintain and operate a CNC machine
center.
• Operating a CNC machine to cut the electric guitar body to specifications.
Students convert computer-generated geometry from Solidworks and AutoCAD into Aspire to direct the
operation of CNC machine tools. Students create these geometries by:
• Reading technical drawings to identify the dimensional tolerances and limits.
• Measuring parts using both standard inch and metric systems and converting between metric and
standard inch systems.
Students make precision measurements using various measurement tools to the degree of accuracy
required. Students
• Check dimensions, compare shapes, indicate centers and check parallel surfaces.
Students use CAM to take CAD models and prepare them for fabrication. They accomplish this by:
• Completing and assignment where they define the acronym CAM and explain what the purpose of
a CAM package is.
• Demonstrating their ability to operate the user interface of a CAM package by bringing CAD files
from Solidworks into Aspire and creating toolpaths.
• Performing basic file operations using a CAM package such as saving, opening, printing and
editing part program files.
• Importing and exporting Solidworks and AutoCAD files using a into the Aspire CAM package.
• Creating a CAM package in Aspire that includes the material and tool libraries, the stock sizes, and
the appropriate post processor.
• Using fundamental and advanced milling and turning procedures to create the electric guitar body
from the CAM package.
• Using the Aspire CAM package to generate and edit tool paths and execute the build using Mach 3
software. 

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Late assignments will not be accepted for credit unless pre-arranged and approved by the instructor. Any unexcused absence on an exam day will result in a zero for that exam (with the exception of emergencies mentioned below)

Attendance Policy

Class attendance is required. If you miss class, you are responsible for all the material covered and any material (due and/or assigned). Students are responsible to notify the instructor of their absence in order to arrange for assignments to be turned in for credit.

Acceptable and Unacceptable Use of AI

The use of generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Dall-e, etc.) is permitted in this course for the following activities:
  • Brainstorming and refining your ideas;
  • Fine tuning your research questions;
  • Finding information on your topic;
  • Drafting an outline to organize your thoughts; and
  • Checking grammar and style.

The use of generative AI tools is not permitted in this course for the following activities:
  • Impersonating you in classroom contexts, such as by using the tool to compose discussion board prompts assigned to you or content that you put into a Zoom chat.
  • Completing group work that your group has assigned to you, unless it is mutually agreed upon that you may utilize the tool.
  • Writing a draft of a writing assignment.
  • Writing entire sentences, paragraphs or papers to complete class assignments.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.