Why I Chose It: I'm really interested in how machines are put together. I picked this common motor end cap for my first big solo project because it's a real part used everywhere, and it smartly combines protecting the motor with letting air flow through to cool it.
What I Aimed For: My main goal was to accurately copy the physical part and create a precise digital version using NX CAD. This was a great way to practice and get better with the design software.
A Tricky Part: The toughest challenge was figuring out how to make the air vents on the curved surface. I learned how to use the NX Emboss tool, which was perfect for creating those complex shapes correctly.
How I Did It: I built the model step-by-step in NX. I started with careful sketches, used basic tools like Extrude and Revolve for the main shape, used Patterning for repeating parts like holes, applied the Emboss tool for the vents, and finished with details like rounded edges (Fillets, Edge Blend, Face Blend).
What I Gained: I ended up with an accurate 3D model that looked just like the real end cap. This project proved I could use NX CAD effectively and showed I know how to take a physical object and recreate it digitally. It was a solid first step that made me feel ready for more challenging design projects.
HOME
Motor End Cap
Project Timeline
May 2025 - Jul-2025
OVERVIEW
This project involved recreating a common motor end cap using NX CAD as my first major independent modeling task. Inspired by its frequent use in machines and its clever design combining protection with ventilation, I aimed to build an accurate digital copy. The main challenge was modeling the complex air vents on its curved surface, which I solved by learning and applying the Emboss tool in NX. Completing this project successfully gave me hands-on experience with core CAD techniques and the confidence to take on more complex engineering designs.
SKILLS
NX CAD Proficiency2D SketchingParametric ModellingCore Solid Modelling Features: Extrude, RevolveAdvanced Modelling Feature: Emboss, PatternDetailing Features: Fillet, Chamfer, Edge Blend, Face BlendReverse EngineeringAttention to DetailProblem-Solving
Additional Details
lowinertia
Portfolio Builder for Engineers