Finding the Art in Engineering - STEM to STEAM

Explore conceptual design blending and random combinations that drive radical engineering innovation, and cross-pollinate ideas with everyday objects using core commands like the Helix Command, loft, and the suite.

Learn how mathematical formulas become art by drawing famous equations and golden ratios in Solid Edge, using construction geometry and equal constraints to create arc-based patterns.

Apply the golden ratio to design a new bookshelf product, blending aesthetics with traditional geometry using offset and extrude for shelves and borders.

Generate creative ideas by exploring geometry in art online, then apply Solid Edge CAD steps by drawing circles, offsets, and extrusions to create and refine circle patterns.

Observe a supermarket logo to spark creativity and replicate it in CAD by forming a star from triangles, offsetting edges, trimming lines, and extruding patterns around the Y axis.

Switch from circle or square to a triangle, model tangent circles, offset the lines and arcs, extrude the outside triangle, apply fillets, and add a chain to create a necklace.

Explore motion rotation in an engineering assembly by creating concentric circles, extruding shapes, offsetting lines, and applying a rotational motor with a 360-degree limit, then simulate and export.

Transform 2D sketch ideas into wearable jewelry through computer-aided design steps such as offset circles, rotate, extrude, cut, and scale for 3D printing.

Design a jewelry themed bracelet by placing circles on the x y plane, using rectangle by center and circle commands, and applying a sweep with two turns to refine fit.

Explore creative weave variations by changing turns, adding a central circle or X pattern, and using revolve and sweep to produce a printable, interconnected weave.

Design an open-ended cross-curve bracelet by creating elliptical profiles and sweeping a cross-curve along them. Add surface text using sketch text and extrude through.

Explore cross-curve variations by placing circles in the y-z plane, trimming excess, and sweeping along the cross-curve, then add a sphere and apply offset.

Explore a product design technique to create an X cross surface that rolls in both directions, built with reference planes, bounded surfaces, and lips forming a container lid and base.

Explore how random combinations spark innovation by lofting four circles on two reference planes to blend art and engineering in a CAD workflow.

Explore creating a lofted component by replacing four legs with a symmetric four-circle loft using lines, rectangles, circles, arcs, offsets, and constraints.

Experiment with adding a second loft from sketches—circles and ellipses—and use paired high and low profiles to create a stable loft that avoids twisting.

Explore creating a protrusion with the loft command, circular rotate, and patterns to generate interconnected parts, adjusting angle, length, and center location for diverse shapes.

Construct a simple Mobius loop by sketching on the XY plane, defining a 100 radius, then using sweep with a single path and cross section, and set turns to 2.5.

Experiment with Mobius loop variations by adding circles and ellipses, then apply sweep, densify, and rotate to create multiple unique forms.

Learn to build a bracelet loop with multiple rolling spheres by sketching circles on planes, applying constraints, performing a three-turn sweep, and patterning spheres around a center axis.

Explore loop bracelet variations by constructing circles on xy and xz planes, adding an ellipse and a V shape with equal constraints, and a pattern of spheres around z axis.

Explore creative sketching and sweep techniques to twist loops with spheres, using circles, mirror, trim, fillet, and circular patterns for engaging, varied sphere-based designs.

Explore loop twist variations by sketching circles and rectangles on the xz plane, adjusting turns and widths, and using the sweep and cross-curve tools to create goggles outlines. Experiment with multiple turns, two circles, trimming inner layers, and centering constraints to build diverse, creative engineering sketches.

Sketch the light cover on the XZ and XY planes. Use sweep and revolve with path scale, pattern around the Z axis, and add a scaled light bulb.

Refine the light cover by adjusting sweep scale and turns around the Z axis, then add a bottom circle and revolve for a complete 360-degree finish.

Master solid modeling by building a spiral sweep and a 360-degree revolve, using planes, intersections, and dimensioning to form a light pod and bulb assembly.

Explore orange peel sweep variations by revisiting the intersection, turning off the sweep and revolve, and switching to rectangle to refine the section.

Draw a line at 200, bring it down at an angle, and perform a four-arc sweep to illustrate an interesting sweep variation in engineering art.

Create a mechanism using a letter from the alphabet to explore art in engineering and design thinking in this STEM to STEAM lecture.

Explore additional ideas by reviewing variations of examples we've covered in this class, and use these images to inspire new directions in art and engineering.