Lesson 3 – Modeling the Skateboard Deck Using Extruded Boss/Base
Section II – Modeling Simple Parts 3.3 The Skateboard Deck
3.3 The Skateboard Deck
First, we will model the deck of the skateboard. Drawing SKTBD001 in the Appendix has all the
information we need. We will use the five modeling steps in Section 3. 2 to create the solid
model.
Step 12: Open a new document using the InchPart template and click to select the Front
Plane in the FeatureManager as shown in Figure 3. 2. This will be the plane that we will use to
sketch the cross-section of the part. In a cube, this is the plane in front of you. The other planes
we could use to sketch are the top plane and the right side plane. A good idea is to hand sketch
the assembly that you need and plan how you will create each part, including what plane is the
best to use for sketching.
Configuration Control
Designs are usually re-used and/or modified over the production life of a product. Even if the product
is no longer manufactured or sold, the company must maintain an inventory of replacement parts. For
example, the B-52 bomber was designed during the 1950s and production ended during the 1960s but
it is still in the U.S. Air Force inventory and the plan is to keep it flying until the middle of the
21 st^ century.
When product modifications and upgrades are needed, the changes are easier and safer if the design
is well documented. Unfortunately, well documented designs are the exception. In well-run
organizations, the responsibility of enforcing proper record keeping and of maintaining this information
belongs to the Configuration Control office. They use software variously known as product data
managers (PDM), product life-cycle management (PLM), revision control software or change control
software.
The most important reason for documentation and formal record keeping is legal liability. Drawings,
notebooks, e-mails and other communication can and will be used as legal evidence to determine
liability in court cases.Changes
Changes are inevitable in the design process because design is a learning experience. As you explore
alternatives, you learn that some are better than others. Thus, the better ideas replace the not-so-
good choices and you have to constantly update your model to reflect the latest ideas. Fortunately,
SolidWorks minimizes the work when we make changes. You can make changes in the sketch and in
the extrude distance. It is also possible to change the sketch plane.
The problem with changes is that there will always be a different, or maybe even better, way of
accomplishing a design goal. This can result in a never ending process of “improvements”. At some
point in time the design must be considered complete and ready for manufacture. Always keep in
mind that “better is the enemy of good enough”. If a design solution satisfies the requirements agreed
to at the beginning of the design, do not change it for the sake of a “better design”. Beware also of
“creeping requirements”. New requirements cost more and take more time.