Over the years, I’ve used a wide range of powerful CAD tools from Rhino 3D and Shapr3D to Fusion 360 and SOLIDWORKS. Recently, I decided to take on a more complex engineering project using Onshape, and I’m happy to say it exceeded my expectations.

For those new to parametric 3D CAD software, these tools allow you to create precise 3D models and detailed engineering drawings of parts and assemblies, essential for manufacturing in virtually any industry.

Why I Chose Onshape

I’ve worked with several CAD tools, and Onshape quickly stood out to me. It’s cloud-based, easy to access, and has a clean interface that feels familiar if you’ve used SOLIDWORKS or Fusion 360. What I really appreciate is that the basic version is completely free, yet still powerful enough for real engineering work. Everything is organized, simple to find, and the workspace stays clean without unnecessary clutter.

A Smooth and Flexible Design Experience

What truly makes Onshape enjoyable is how smoothly it handles design. You can work on parts and assemblies in one window, switch between tabs effortlessly, and see every change update instantly. It keeps the workflow fast and intuitive. I also love how each new part automatically gets its own color—it makes the whole model easier to understand at a glance.

TYPICAL ONSHAPE INTERFACES

The typical Onshape free version interface begins with a user account interface, where you can see a blue button with the word create on it, among other characteristics like the list of recent projects (if any), profile icon on the right hand corner and many more. By clicking the create button, a drop down menu appears, with this, you can create a new document, or import files to begin a new 3D CAD modelling project.

The creation of new document leads you to a typical Onshape part interface, with the part file labelled as ‘Part Studio (x)’ on a tab located at the bottom of the window interface, where in (x) represent the part file number. To add more part file tabs, you would have to click a plus icon right beside your part file tab, while the Assembly tab automatically appears right beside the part studio tab.  See images below.

Fig .1. User profile interface

Fig. 2. Typical part studio interface

Fig.3. Typical assembly interface

Onshape Jet Engine Project

I have been using Onshape for a while, but this simple jet engine would be my first complex engineering model on it. The simple personal, self-imagined (personal because it wasn’t modelled after any existing model, the model is entirely at my discretion, from engineering sketches to DFM 3d model) jet engine below was modelled using Onshape. While jet engines are generally a complex engineering marvel, I decided to model a simplified version at my own discretion and engineering dimensions, even though Onshape can handle far more complex engineering projects. The project was approached in parts and assembly style, where I created several parts models and assembled them at the end. Below are the steps and processes involved.

PART 1: MAIN FRAME

The project began with the first part being the main metallic enclosure for the jet engine, and the main foundation of the eventual/final assembly. This was modelled using the surface modelling method. The tools used were sketch tool, revolve (surface) tool, thicken tool, extrude tool, circular pattern tool, boolean tool and many more.

Fig.4. The jet engine main frame part model.

PART 2: CENTER BALL BEARINGS

Next, I went ahead to model the ball baring, using the sketch tool, revolve (surface) tool, thicken tool, extrude tool, circular pattern tool, and boolean tool, as well.

Fig .5. The ball bearings of the jet engine part model.

PART 3: COMPRESSORS AND TURBINES

The next parts were the compressors and turbines, which were modelled in to a single part file in order to enable easy assembly. Tools such as, sketch tool, revolve (surface) tool, thicken tool, offset tool, split tool, extrude tool, circular pattern tool and boolean tool.

Fig.6. Compressor and Turbine part model.

PART 4: JET ENGINE FAN

Since this is an open end jet engine, meaning I could easily convert it to a turbofan from a turbojet jet engine, by simply removing the intake fan. This was modelled using sketch tool, revolve (surface) tool, thicken tool, extrude tool, loft tool, circular pattern tool, and boolean tool.

Fig. 7. The jet engine intake fan

PART 5: CIRCULAR PATTERNED BOLTS AND NUTS

I modeled a bolt and nut, then arranged them in a circular pattern using the sketch tool, extrude tool, boolean tool, and circular pattern tool.

Fig. 8. The jet engine bolts and nuts arranged in circular pattern

PART 6: COMBUSTION CHAMBER

Next, I created the combustion chamber. I used the sketch tool, revolve (surface) tool, thicken tool, extrude tool, circular pattern tool, and boolean tool.

Fig.9. The jet engine combustion chamber

PART 7: FUEL INJECTOR

Next, I modeled the jet engine injector using the sketch tool, loft (surface) tool, thicken tool, extrude tool, circular pattern tool, and boolean tool.

Fig.10. The jet engine fuel injector module

PART 8: HIGH VOLTAGE SUPPLIER

The next step was to model the voltage supplier using the sketch tool, loft tool, thicken tool, and shell tool. The aviation spark plug was imported from an external source.

Fig.10. The jet engine high voltage module

PART 9: END CONE

The next step was modeling the end cones for the shaft that holds the compressor and turbines. I created them using the sketch tool, revolve (surface) tool, thicken tool, and boolean tool.

Fig.12. Jet engine end cone

ASSEMBLY: ALL PART STUDIOS ASSEMBLED TOGETHER

The next and final step was assembly of all the distinct part in the assembly interface.

Fig.13. The full assembly of the jet engine part

Conclusion

Conclusively, my experience with Onshape has been wonderful so far. It feels intuitive, especially if you already have some background in 3D CAD software. In terms of capability, it is a strong alternative to SOLIDWORKS and works smoothly alongside it. I also appreciate how part files and assemblies update in real time within the same window it makes the workflow fast and seamless.

As mentioned earlier, Onshape combines the strengths of both SOLIDWORKS and Fusion 360. If you enjoy using either of those tools, you will likely enjoy Onshape as well. I highly recommend it to both experienced users and beginners looking to explore 3D CAD design.

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Oluwatobi Adeoye

Founder at Tobby3D Studios

Oluwatobi Adeoye is the Founder and Lead Industrial Designer at Tobby3D Studios, and Founder and Mechanical Engineer at 3D NOVA. He combines engineering expertise with creative vision to deliver innovative product and industrial design solutions.

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