Home | Study Home | Study 1 | Study 2

STUDY OVERVIEW

KEY THEMES

STUDY BREAKDOWN

FINAL OUTCOME

This study introduced reverse engineering by observing, measuring, and recreating an everyday object. It gave me a solid foundation to build on before moving on to more complex engineering components in later studies.

OBJECTIVE

Develop the ability to observe, measure, and recreate the geometry of a real object through engineering drawings and CAD modelling. The study focuses on turning measurements from a real object into accurate two-dimensional and three-dimensional models.

WHY THIS OBJECT?

Geometry: The pencil introduces common geometric shapes found throughout engineering, including hexagons, cylinders, and cones.

Proportion: Every feature must remain correctly sized in relation to the rest of the object to produce an accurate representation.

Dimensioning: Dimensions communicate the size, position, and relationship of features within an engineering drawing.

Accuracy: Careful observation, measurement, and drawing reduce errors and improve the quality of the final result.

Scale: Engineering drawings can represent real objects at different scales while maintaining correct proportions and dimensions.

ENGINEERING CHALLENGE

To produce accurate engineering drawings from direct observation by maintaining the correct proportions and relationships between features.

REAL OBJECT

The images below show the complete pencil, detailed views of key features, and the individual components used throughout the study.

ENGINEERING IN PRACTICE

Observation, measurement, dimensioning, and technical communication are all important parts of engineering. Taking the pencil apart also showed that even small features can have an important purpose. For example, the dimples in the ferrule help grip the wooden body and hold the eraser in place. This study showed how these engineering principles can be applied to a simple everyday object before moving on to more complex components and assemblies.

ENGINEERING DRAWING

This study introduces basic engineering drawing techniques used to communicate simple geometric shapes accurately.

Drawing Conventions Introduced

• Visible outlines

• Orthographic views

• First-angle projection

• Drawing border and title block

• Scale indication

CAD MODELS

The complete pencil was modelled first before being deconstructed into its individual components. Each component was then measured and modelled separately, allowing the geometry and relationships between them to be examined in greater detail.

Individual CAD Components

ENGINEERING REFLECTIONS

What Was The Most Difficult Feature To Represent Accurately?

The ferrule was the most difficult feature to represent accurately. Its small size and relatively soft material made it more difficult to measure precisely. Using a steel rule also introduced more measurement uncertainty than would be acceptable for features of this size, reducing the accuracy of the recorded dimensions.