3D Modeled Chevrolet 350 Small Block Engine
I developed an interest in technical drawing and 3D modeling when I was introduced to it in the first couple years of high school. It is a skill where I can use artistic and technical knowledge to create and invent. It is a space where I can nurture my imagination into reality. 3D modeling became a passion for me and through this project I realized that I could turn my passion into a feasible career.
This was my final project in a 3D modeling independent study I did in high school. It took me three semesters to complete and underwent three major revisions. I modeled the engine block using the 2016 version of SolidWorks and 3D printed it using a MakerBot Replicator 3000. I printed out several technical drawings throughout the revisions and wrote an informal engineering log at the end of each of the revisions.
Unfortunately, I am not able to get ahold of the pictures of the 3D printed model, older technical drawings, or engineering log right now, but in little over a month I will be back home and add them to this portfolio.
I picked this project because I saw a picture of a simplified 3D printed engine block online and thought I could do something similar. The original intent was to design a block with the crankshaft and pistons that could rotate via handle and 3D print it using the MakerBot 3D printer my school had. I wanted to showcase the mechanical movement of an engine and make a simple machine with the 3D printer.
I love cars and 3D modeling, so I was very interested in this project to begin with. I quickly became invested the more I worked on it. I already had some experience with the 3D printer and wanted to push its limits. I started with the block and made it as physically large as the MakerBot could print. From there I kept adding parts like the air filter, the belt system, and the exhaust. loved the idea of having this 3D modeled engine sitting on my desk. I explored the settings of the 3D printer to optimize the printing of each part so that an efficient amount of PLA filament was used while retaining detail. Despite restrictions on the amount of filament I was allowed to use, I still intended to push the limits of the 3D printer. After much testing and rescaling, I successfully managed to print every part as one complete part using a high resolution.
I decided that, since this project was designed to be 3D printed, I would take artistic liberties with it. Similar to the how the design of a sports car or architecture of an ornate building is meant to evoke emotion while still being functional, I wanted my project to carry multiple purposes. I intended to show that engineering isn’t just a field dominated by mathematics and science, but one that can carry culture and artistry as well.
I based the model off of the Chevrolet 350 small block V8 engine I had in my 1980 Camaro at the time. I translated the theme from that car to the aesthetic of the engine model. I wanted to represent the power and ferocity of a V8 engine. Much like the heart of an animal keeps it functioning, an engine of a car keeps it alive. With those ideas in mind, the Dark Heart was born. The color schemes and design of some parts were made to fit the theme of a sinister hot rod.
The results of this project were successful. I managed to design, and 3D print the project in its completeness while maintaining deadlines. With each revision, I underwent the steps of the engineering design process numerous times to overcome challenges. I learned to appreciate organized designing skills when managing large assemblies. I gained experience in the rapid prototyping capabilities of a 3D printer and how to design parts capable of being made in the real world. Finally, I sparked a passion that is fueling my engineering career.
This was my final project in a 3D modeling independent study I did in high school. It took me three semesters to complete and underwent three major revisions. I modeled the engine block using the 2016 version of SolidWorks and 3D printed it using a MakerBot Replicator 3000. I printed out several technical drawings throughout the revisions and wrote an informal engineering log at the end of each of the revisions.
Unfortunately, I am not able to get ahold of the pictures of the 3D printed model, older technical drawings, or engineering log right now, but in little over a month I will be back home and add them to this portfolio.
I picked this project because I saw a picture of a simplified 3D printed engine block online and thought I could do something similar. The original intent was to design a block with the crankshaft and pistons that could rotate via handle and 3D print it using the MakerBot 3D printer my school had. I wanted to showcase the mechanical movement of an engine and make a simple machine with the 3D printer.
I love cars and 3D modeling, so I was very interested in this project to begin with. I quickly became invested the more I worked on it. I already had some experience with the 3D printer and wanted to push its limits. I started with the block and made it as physically large as the MakerBot could print. From there I kept adding parts like the air filter, the belt system, and the exhaust. loved the idea of having this 3D modeled engine sitting on my desk. I explored the settings of the 3D printer to optimize the printing of each part so that an efficient amount of PLA filament was used while retaining detail. Despite restrictions on the amount of filament I was allowed to use, I still intended to push the limits of the 3D printer. After much testing and rescaling, I successfully managed to print every part as one complete part using a high resolution.
I decided that, since this project was designed to be 3D printed, I would take artistic liberties with it. Similar to the how the design of a sports car or architecture of an ornate building is meant to evoke emotion while still being functional, I wanted my project to carry multiple purposes. I intended to show that engineering isn’t just a field dominated by mathematics and science, but one that can carry culture and artistry as well.
I based the model off of the Chevrolet 350 small block V8 engine I had in my 1980 Camaro at the time. I translated the theme from that car to the aesthetic of the engine model. I wanted to represent the power and ferocity of a V8 engine. Much like the heart of an animal keeps it functioning, an engine of a car keeps it alive. With those ideas in mind, the Dark Heart was born. The color schemes and design of some parts were made to fit the theme of a sinister hot rod.
The results of this project were successful. I managed to design, and 3D print the project in its completeness while maintaining deadlines. With each revision, I underwent the steps of the engineering design process numerous times to overcome challenges. I learned to appreciate organized designing skills when managing large assemblies. I gained experience in the rapid prototyping capabilities of a 3D printer and how to design parts capable of being made in the real world. Finally, I sparked a passion that is fueling my engineering career.
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