3D Guitar Design and Assembly

 

Using Google SketchUp, students will create a 3D model of a complete assembled guitar.  Students will choose individual kit parts to model and upload to the 3D Warehouse (Google’s online user-generated 3D model repository).  These individual parts will now be a resource for the class as a whole, as well as other STEM programs to use in guitar modeling.  Students will then use these part to assemble and customize their guitar in SketchUp’s 3D space.  When finished applying custom shapes, colors, and finishes, students will upload their completed guitar to the 3D Warehouse as their own.  The completed model will also serve as a reference for physical assembly of their guitar.

Learning Objectives:

• Students will engage in a collaborative learning process, both with their classmates, as well as other STEM programs that use the 3D Warehouse.
• 3D model replication of existing guitar components, such as pickups, tuning pegs, etc.
• Design customization using SketchUp using components such as the blank headstock to design and model a custom shape.
• Referencing the 3D model as a guide for physical production.

Materials Required:

–       Guitar inventory sheet

–       STEM Guitar Kit

–       Google SketchUp software license (free)

Deliverable:  Students will model individual guitar components for sharing on the 3D Warehouse, as well as a custom designed and fully assembeld 3D guitar model.

References: 

–       3D Warehouse:  sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse

–       STEM:  guitarbuilding.org

 

Setting up Google 3D Warehouse :

Students will create a class Google account for uploading component models and completed guitar models to the 3D Warehouse.  This name should consist of the school name and class year, such as grauerguitarbuilding2011@google.com.  This will allow students from other schools to identify STEM programs that are also using the 3D Warehouse, creating a forum for which to share components, models, and design ideas.

Guitar Part Inventory:

Using the STEM guitar kits and guitar part inventory sheet, search the 3D Warehouse for existing models of components.  Make a list of any missing or inaccurate components and assign students to model each component.

Getting Started with SketchUp:

Google SketchUp is available for free at sketchup.google.com.  Students can model their assigned component models by translating physical components from the STEM guitar kits to 3D computer models by measuring and recreating full scale models in the 3D Space.  Students can then upload these component with the appropriate name and description using the class Google Account, providing the model as a resource for other students to use and edit in their own guitar models.

Guitar Modeling and Assembly using SketchUp:

Students can open existing guitar models and guitar component models directly from the 3D Warehouse.  Using these models, they can start to assemble and customize their guitar.  Starting with the body and neck, students can make custom shapes and colors to later derive scale templates and CAD drawings.

Uploading Student Finished Guitar Models:

Student models can now be uploaded to the 3D Warehouse using the class Google Account.  This will provide student ownership of their design and completed model, as well as a resource gallery for other schools and students.

3D Models as a Resource for Physical Guitar Assembly:

Students will now use their 3D model as a resource and guide for assembling and building their physical guitar!