Mechanical · CAD and Product Design
Mechanical CAD and 3D Product Design Internship
Translate a product brief into parametric parts, assemblies, drawings and a design review.
A design-focused mechanical internship covering CAD fundamentals, design intent, assembly constraints, manufacturing-aware modeling and a complete product-design portfolio artifact.
Program overview
Eligible branches: Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial and Product Design, Manufacturing Engineering
Target learner level: Learners with basic geometry who are beginning parametric product design and CAD documentation.
Prerequisites: Basic geometry and interest in product design · CAD software access or a compatible learning tool
Technologies and tools
Parametric CAD · sketch constraints · feature trees · parts and assemblies · engineering drawings · BOM · design for manufacturing
Practical assignments
- Create constrained sketches and a feature-based mechanical part
- Build an assembly with a bill of materials and exploded view
- Prepare drawing sheets and check fit, dimensions and design intent
Capstone project
Translate a scoped product brief into a parametric design package and present the resulting engineering choices.
Expected deliverables
- Part and assembly files
- Drawing sheets and BOM
- Design rationale and revision history
- Fit and manufacturability checklist
- Design review presentation
Learning outcomes
- Create parametric parts with clear design intent
- Assemble components and produce engineering drawings
- Review a design for fit, function and manufacturability
Week-by-week curriculum
The program follows a 13-week core pathway. Weeks 14–15 are optional advanced work when the project scope calls for it.
Weeks 1–2
Orientation, fundamentals and setup
- Orientation, design process, file management and CAD workspace setup
- Units, sketches, constraints, dimensions and engineering drawing basics
Weeks 3–5
Core concepts and guided learning
- Extrude/revolve, patterns, fillets and robust parametric feature trees
- Part modeling, materials, tolerances and design intent
- Assembly mates, exploded views, BOM and drawing sheets
Weeks 6–8
Intermediate concepts and practical exercises
- Design for manufacturing, fasteners, fits and component selection
- Surface/loft tools, sheet-metal or plastic-part considerations
- Model a product subassembly and create a controlled drawing package
Weeks 9–11
Advanced topics, specialist tools and project development
- Configuration management, design revisions and collaboration workflow
- DFM review, ergonomics, serviceability and basic cost trade-offs
- Develop a product capstone from brief through CAD and design review
Weeks 12–13
Capstone completion, testing, documentation and evaluation
- Complete parts, assembly, drawings, BOM and design rationale
- Check constraints, interference, dimensions and manufacturing notes
- Present concept, iteration history and final CAD portfolio
Weeks 14–15 · Optional
Advanced extension and final presentation
- Add an alternate configuration or manufacturing-ready refinement
- Improve drawing package and present a final design review
Frequently asked questions
Is prior experience required?
The prerequisites listed on this page describe helpful preparation. The opening weeks include a guided refresher; learners should be ready to practise consistently and complete project work.
Which CAD software will be used?
The curriculum is software-agnostic. Access to a specific CAD product or licence is not guaranteed; an equivalent educational tool may be used.