Nathan W. Hartman .Ed.D.

Department of Computer Graphic Technology

School of Technology
SME PLM Module Topic: Top down Modeling Laboratory Module

A. Introduction – This module is a laboratory module that discusses the main points of
creating a skeleton model for an assembly of a product. It should be used in conjunction with
the lecture module “Top Down Modeling.” This module provides an overview of the major
steps of creating a skeleton model and reasons for doing so. It also provides assessment
criteria and examples.

B. Competencies addressed – Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:
a. Compare and contrast top-down and bottom-up assembly modeling.
b. Describe top-down modeling as a method for capturing design intent within a product
model.
c. Create a skeleton model for a basic assembly.

C. Estimated time required for this module – 2 hour laboratory (This time estimate is likely
to vary based on the software being used and the proficiency of the students.)

D. Facilitator readiness – The following skills and experience would be beneficial for a
facilitator delivering this module:
a. Working knowledge of part modeling in a contemporary constraint-based CAD tool
(e.g., CATIA V5, Pro/ENGINEER, UGS NX 3, SolidWorks, etc.).
b. Working knowledge of assembly modeling in a contemporary constraint-based CAD
tool (e.g., CATIA V5, Pro/ENGINEER, UGS NX 3, SolidWorks, etc.).
c. Working knowledge of the creation of datum geometry in a contemporary constraint-
based CAD tool (e.g., CATIA V5, Pro/ENGINEER, UGS NX 3, SolidWorks, etc.).
d. Working knowledge of how to edit and redefine geometry within a constraint-based
CAD system.
e. Basic understanding of how complex products are built.

E. Participant Prerequisites – Participants using this module should have:

a. Basic knowledge of part modeling in a contemporary constraint-based CAD tool
(e.g., CATIA V5, Pro/ENGINEER, UGS NX 3, SolidWorks, etc.).
b. Basic knowledge of assembly modeling in a contemporary constraint-based CAD tool
(e.g., CATIA V5, Pro/ENGINEER, UGS NX 3, SolidWorks, etc.).
c. Basic knowledge of the creation of datum geometry in a contemporary constraint-
based CAD tool (e.g., CATIA V5, Pro/ENGINEER, UGS NX 3, SolidWorks, etc.).
d. Basic understanding of traditional and contemporary product design processes.
e. General understanding of how components are assembled in contemporary products.

F. Teaching notes for this material:

a. This module is meant to provide an overview of the creation of a skeleton model to be
used in the top-level assembly model of a product. It is not meant to teach specific
software commands and functions.
b. This module is best used to accompany software-based demonstrations which show
the use of solid and assembly modeling in particular scenarios, and the creation of
datum features within a model.
 Nathan W. Hartman .Ed.D.
Department of Computer Graphic Technology
School of Technology
c. The material in this module is currently used with sophomore- and junior-level
university students.
d. The concepts in this module are typically demonstrated in a lab with technical PCs
with at least 256MB of RAM and 2.4 GHz processors running Windows XP
Professional. Each workstation is also equipped with 19” flat-panel monitor. Software
(e.g., CATIA V5, Pro/ENGINEER, UGS NX 3, SolidWorks, etc.) is loaded on a
server and accessed as necessary by students.
e. This module is meant to accompany the “Top Down Modeling” module.
f. This module is designed to provide a guide that can be used with many different
software brands, and the techniques to get the end result will likely vary.

G. Support information: See information in the PowerPoint file.