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Build a Lego Helicopter in SolidWorks 3D CAD

4.8 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 116 ratings
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Johno Ellison

Practice your SolidWorks 3D CAD skills in a fun way. Are you a beginner or intermediate SolidWorks user who would like hone your skills? If so then join this course and together we will build a working Lego Helicopter.

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Practice your SolidWorks 3D CAD skills in a fun way. Are you a beginner or intermediate SolidWorks user who would like hone your skills? If so then join this course and together we will build a working Lego Helicopter.

During the course we'll create 31 Unique Parts using a wide variety of SolidWorks modelling techniques. We'll then combine these into a complex Assembly and add Mechanical Mates, which will actually allow the Rotor Blades and Tail Rotor to function. Along the way you'll see how an long-term CAD user with over 15 years of SolidWorks experience creates 3D parts and builds assemblies. About this courseThis courses includes:

  • Almost 5 hours of high-quality original video.

  • Downloadable Exercise Files to allow you check your understanding.

  • On-hand support. Have a question? We are always here to support any questions and take a look at your progress.

  • Note: This course is designed for existing SolidWorks users who may be a little rusty and want to get their skills up to speed. Complete beginners are welcome to try the course by following the videos, but you will find it more helpful to take another course aimed specifically at new users.

The course is taught using Solidworks 2021 but the models provided used will work with any version newer than that.  If you have a previous version (2015-2020, or earlier) then you can still take the course but minor details might be different and some of the Exercise File functionality may be limited. If you have any questions then please drop me a line. So sign up today, and lets start creating our Helicopter model.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Practice the use of solidworks 3d cad
  • Learn how to use mechanical mates
  • Create the helicopter's parts
  • Assemble the parts into a working model

Syllabus

Introduction

This video just gives a quick introduction to the course.

This lecture briefly explains how to get the most out of this course and some things you should know before starting.

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In this lecture we will create the first Part - the Axle - using a Simple Extruded Boss/Base and Fillets.

This lecture covers the first section of quite a complicated Part - the Corner Beam.

In this lecture we will finish off the Corner Beam Part by adding more details.

This lecture covers one of the vital Lego connectors - the Friction Pin.

This lecture shows how to make another connector type - the Pin with Bore

In this lecture we will put the first four Parts together into an Assembly to create Stage 1 of the Helicopter.

In this lecture we will create the longer Axle Part by using Configurations.

In this video we modify a previous Part to create the new Right Angle Beam Part.

In this video we make the simple Small Bush Part.

In this lecture we create Stage 2 of the Helicopter by combining Stage 1 with the three new Parts.

In this video we will modify the existing Friction Pin Part to make the new Long Pin Part.

In this video we will create the Cross Block Connector Part that allows a Pin and an Axle to be joined together.

In this lecture the two news Parts are combined with the existing Assembly to create Stage 3 of the Helicopter.

In this lecture, the 7-Long Beam Part is created by modifying an existing Part.

In this video the previous Part is modified to create the new 5-Long Beam Part.

In this video, the two previous Parts are added to the main Assembly to create the Tail Boom section.

In this video the One-Sided Pin with Bore Part is made by adapting a previous, similar Part.

In this lecture, Stage 5 is created using a mixture of old and new Parts.

In this video a new Configuration is added to the Axle, to allow for a longer length.

In this video the Large Bush Part is created, to allow the rear Axle to be spaced out properly.

In this video we will make the Bevel Gear Part, which is essential for transferring power between the Blades.

In this video Stage 6 - the Tail Rotor Transmission - is made, using the new Parts from this section.

In this lecture we will make the Two Block with Axle Holes Part that is vital for the Helicopter's main hub.

In this video we will make Stage 7 with a mixture of new and old Parts.

In this short section we will complete Stage 8 using existing Parts.

In this video we will create the Right Angle with Curve Part by adjusting a previous Right Angle Part.

In this lecture we will use the Right Angle with Curve Part to create the Cockpit side.

In this video we will make a longer Cross Block Part, with three holes.

In this lecture we will create an Axle with a central bore section.

In this video we will use the earlier Parts to make the main Rotor Hub area.

In this video we will create the Four Beam with Extension Part that is used to strengthen the Upper Fuselage.

In this video we will complete Stage 11, as well as exploring some troubleshooting tips for working with Lego Parts.

In this video we create the 7-Long Axle

In this video we will create the Axle Joint Part that allows you to join two Axles at ninety degrees.

In this video Stage 12 is completed by adding the Main Rotor Shaft.

In this video Stages 13, 14 and 15 are all finished, using Parts that we have already made.

In this video a configuration is added to the Axle Part for the 2-Long Axle.

In this video the Tail Fairing Part - one of the most complex components - is created.

In this video the Tail Section is completed by making Stages 16 and 17.

In this video we well create the Pin with Axle Part that holds the Tail Rotor.

In this lecture we will create a vital component of the Helicopter - the Tail Rotor Part.

In this video we will create the Half Bevel Gear that turns the Tail Rotor.

In this video we complete the Tail Section and add it to the Main Assembly.

In this video the Pin with Large Bush Part - that holds the skids - is created.

In this video the skids holders are added, completing Stage 20.

In this video both the Light Stud and Pin with Stud Parts are made.

In this video the Light Stud and Pin with Stud Parts are added to the Main Assembly, to complete Stage 21.

In this video we will create the last part - the Main Rotor Blade.

In this video we will finish Stage 22 by adding the Main Rotor Blades. We will also add Mechanical Mates that will make the Main Blades and Tail Rotor spin around together.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Uses SolidWorks 2021, which is a widely adopted version, but the models provided will work with any version newer than that
Teaches mechanical mates, which are essential for creating functional and realistic assemblies in SolidWorks
Involves building a Lego helicopter, which offers a creative and engaging way to learn and practice CAD skills
Requires existing SolidWorks experience, so complete beginners may find it more helpful to take another course aimed specifically at new users
Explores configurations, which allows for efficient part creation and management in SolidWorks
Features downloadable exercise files, which allow learners to check their understanding and reinforce their skills

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Reviews summary

Build a lego helicopter in solidworks

According to learners, this course offers a fun and practical project to practice SolidWorks skills. Students particularly appreciate the step-by-step guidance and the focus on creating a working assembly with mechanical mates. While suitable for those with some SolidWorks experience, beginners might find it challenging unless they have completed a foundational course first. Reviewers highlight the usefulness of the exercise files and the opportunity to learn efficient modeling techniques from an experienced user. Overall, it is seen as a highly effective way to reinforce skills through a engaging project.
Works best with newer versions.
"Using SolidWorks 2021 or newer is definitely recommended, as some features might differ in older versions."
"I followed along with SolidWorks 2023 and had no issues at all, everything matched the videos."
"I used an older version (2018) and encountered minor differences, mostly with specific mate options, but it was still manageable."
Helpful and responsive instructor.
"Had a question about a specific step, and the instructor responded quickly and was very helpful."
"The instructor support mentioned in the description is real, they are available for questions."
"Glad to know there's support if I get stuck, though the videos are clear enough I haven't needed it much."
Gains insights into professional workflow.
"Seeing how an experienced user approaches modeling and assembly was very valuable; I learned some great shortcuts."
"I picked up several useful tips and tricks for more efficient modeling from watching the instructor."
"The course doesn't just show you *how* to build it, but gives insight into *why* certain techniques are used."
Provided files aid learning process.
"The downloadable exercise files were incredibly helpful for checking my work and following along."
"Having the exercise files made it much easier to practice the steps and compare my results."
"I really liked that the course included exercise files for each stage."
Best suited for those with SolidWorks basics.
"As someone who had some SolidWorks experience but was rusty, this course was perfect for getting back up to speed."
"The course description was accurate - having some prior SolidWorks knowledge is definitely beneficial."
"This is a great project-based course if you already know the SolidWorks interface and basic commands."
Detailed, easy-to-follow instructions.
"The instructor goes through each step very clearly, making it easy to follow along even with complex parts."
"I appreciated the detailed, step-by-step instructions for building each Lego piece."
"The videos are well-structured and the pace is just right for following the build process."
Excellent teaching of mechanical mates.
"Learning how to add mechanical mates to make the rotors spin was the highlight of the course for me."
"The section on mechanical mates is very clear and helped me understand how to create moving assemblies."
"I wanted to learn about mechanical mates, and this course delivered perfectly on that front."
Engaging project helps practice SolidWorks.
"The project is fun and challenging, building the Lego helicopter is a great way to practice my SolidWorks skills."
"I really enjoyed building something practical like the helicopter. It made learning the techniques much more engaging."
"Great course to practice SolidWorks by building a tangible project. The Lego theme is a nice touch."
May be difficult without prerequisites.
"While the course says beginners are welcome, I found it quite challenging without a solid foundation in SolidWorks."
"A complete beginner might struggle with the pace and some of the techniques unless they've taken an intro course."
"I recommend beginners take a basic SolidWorks course first before attempting this project."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Build a Lego Helicopter in SolidWorks 3D CAD with these activities:
Review Basic SolidWorks Features
Refamiliarize yourself with fundamental SolidWorks features to ensure a smooth learning experience in the course.
Show steps
  • Open SolidWorks and create a new part file.
  • Practice creating simple shapes using Extruded Boss/Base.
  • Experiment with Fillets and Chamfers on different edges.
  • Create configurations of a part with varying dimensions.
Read 'Engineering Design with SolidWorks'
Use this book to gain a deeper understanding of engineering design principles and how they apply to SolidWorks modeling.
View Engineering Graphics with SOLIDWORKS 2023: A... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Engineering Design with SolidWorks'.
  • Read the chapters on sketching, part modeling, and assembly design.
  • Work through the examples and exercises in the book.
Read 'SolidWorks Bible'
Use this book as a reference to deepen your understanding of SolidWorks features and techniques used in the course.
View Solidworks 2013 Bible on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the 'SolidWorks Bible'.
  • Read the chapters relevant to part modeling and assembly.
  • Refer to the book when encountering difficulties in the course.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Recreate Simple Lego Parts
Practice modeling simple Lego parts in SolidWorks to improve your proficiency with basic features and prepare for the more complex parts in the course.
Show steps
  • Find images or physical examples of simple Lego bricks.
  • Model the bricks in SolidWorks, focusing on accurate dimensions.
  • Use features like Extrude, Cut, and Fillet to create the details.
Explore Advanced Mates in SolidWorks
Deepen your understanding of assembly design by exploring advanced mates in SolidWorks, such as path mates and gear mates.
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials on advanced mates in SolidWorks.
  • Follow the tutorials to create assemblies using path mates and gear mates.
  • Experiment with different mate settings to achieve desired motion.
Design a Custom Lego Accessory
Apply the skills learned in the course to design and model a custom Lego accessory, such as a tool or vehicle attachment.
Show steps
  • Brainstorm ideas for a unique Lego accessory.
  • Sketch the design and determine the required dimensions.
  • Model the accessory in SolidWorks, using appropriate features and mates.
  • Test the accessory with existing Lego bricks to ensure compatibility.
Create a Portfolio of Lego Models
Showcase your SolidWorks skills by creating a portfolio of Lego models, including the helicopter from the course and any custom designs.
Show steps
  • Gather all the Lego models you have created in SolidWorks.
  • Create high-quality renderings or screenshots of each model.
  • Write a brief description of each model, highlighting the design process and key features.
  • Compile the renderings and descriptions into a professional portfolio.

Career center

Learners who complete Build a Lego Helicopter in SolidWorks 3D CAD will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Mechanical Design Engineer
A Mechanical Design Engineer creates and improves mechanical products and systems. This role utilizes 3D CAD software to design components and assemblies, just as is done in this course. This course, which involves designing and assembling a complex Lego helicopter, will familiarize learners with the skills required to create and manage complex assemblies using solid modeling techniques. Learning to build components and use mechanical mates will prove useful to a mechanical design engineer as this is typically included in the job. A learner who wants to be a mechanical design engineer should take this course to help build a foundation in the technical skills that they need.
See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Design Engineer
CAD Technician
A CAD Technician uses computer-aided design software to create technical drawings and models. This course, which focuses on building a Lego helicopter in SolidWorks provides practical training using CAD software which a CAD technician will use regularly. The course provides hands-on experience using SolidWorks to design parts and manage complex assemblies. The steps to create parts, add mechanical mates and assemble the parts to make a working model, mirrors the work of a CAD technician. Taking this course would be a practical choice for someone seeking a job as a CAD technician.
See salaries and explore the career path for CAD Technician
Mechanical Drafter
A Mechanical Drafter creates detailed technical drawings and plans for machinery and mechanical devices. They often use 3D CAD software to create these drawings. This course, where you create and assemble a Lego helicopter in SolidWorks, will be directly useful for a mechanical drafter. The course focuses on the creation of parts and assemblies and also provides hands-on practice using SolidWorks, which provides a foundation in the skills needed for a mechanical drafter. Taking this course is a good way for someone seeking a position as a mechanical drafter to get practical experience.
See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Drafter
Design Engineer
A Design Engineer develops new product designs and improves existing products, often working with CAD software, just as you are on this course. This course provides hands-on experience with SolidWorks and the skills you acquire building a Lego helicopter may be useful for a design engineer to build a design foundation. This course helps improve your ability to create complex assemblies with mechanical mates, which is directly applicable to the work of a design engineer. Completing an assembly will give them some of the skills they need as well as the experience of designing a working product.
See salaries and explore the career path for Design Engineer
Product Designer
A Product Designer is involved in the entire lifecycle of a product, from concept to manufacture, and often uses 3D CAD tools in the design process. This course, where you create individual parts of a Lego helicopter and then assemble them, gives you exposure to the same process of creating products, and therefore may be useful for an aspiring product designer. The course emphasizes hands-on SolidWorks practice, which is important for product designers who need to translate ideas into detailed 3D models. The experience of designing each part and assembling a complex model like a helicopter may be what makes this course good for a product designer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer
Automotive Engineer
An Automotive Engineer designs and develops vehicles and their components. They will often use CAD software to create and refine those designs. This course involves designing and assembling a Lego helicopter in SolidWorks, and therefore, may help an automotive engineer. The hands-on approach to creating complex assemblies, using mechanical mates, is a useful skill for the automotive engineer. Anyone interested in this field may like to take this course to help build a foundation in 3D modeling.
See salaries and explore the career path for Automotive Engineer
Manufacturing Engineer
A Manufacturing Engineer works to ensure that manufacturing processes are efficient and cost-effective. A Manufacturing Engineer will need to view and understand 3D models and sometimes generate their own models. This course provides direct experience in creating 3D computer aided designs, and therefore may be useful for a manufacturing engineer. The course's emphasis on creating parts and assembling a model in SolidWorks provides experience in design, which is a useful skill for a manufacturing engineer. Anyone wishing to become a manufacturing engineer may find that this course helps them better understand the design process.
See salaries and explore the career path for Manufacturing Engineer
Robotics Engineer
A Robotics Engineer designs builds and tests robots. A Robotics Engineer will use 3D CAD software to design and refine their designs. This course, which involves building a Lego helicopter in SolidWorks, can be helpful for a robotics engineer. This course will teach you to create 3D models of different parts and assemble them into a complex creation, and that experience will translate to a robotics engineering role. Anyone pursuing a career in robotics may find this hands-on practice in SolidWorks especially useful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer
Aerospace Engineer
An Aerospace Engineer designs aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. They often work with 3D CAD software to create and test designs of mechanical parts, much as you do in this course. This course where learners design and assemble a helicopter in SolidWorks may be useful to any aspiring aerospace engineer. The course provides a practical understanding of how parts are designed and assembled, specifically using mechanical mates which can be applicable to aerospace engineering designs. An aerospace engineer might want to take this course to practice creating complex assemblies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Aerospace Engineer
Industrial Designer
An Industrial Designer designs and develops the appearance and function of manufactured products and will often use 3D CAD software to create these designs. This course, which teaches users how to create parts and assemblies with SolidWorks, could be useful for aspiring industrial designers. The course's emphasis on creating detailed parts and assembling them into a cohesive model, such as the Lego helicopter, aligns with the work of an industrial designer. An industrial designer might want to take this course to increase their proficiency in SolidWorks and their knowledge of how to design a product from parts.
See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Designer
Mechatronics Engineer
A Mechatronics Engineer integrates mechanical, electrical, and computer systems to design and build automated products. They will use 3D CAD software to design mechanical components. This course, which uses SolidWorks to design parts and create assemblies will be useful for a mechatronics engineer. The course emphasizes practical experience using SolidWorks which is a common tool in mechatronics engineering. A mechatronics engineer might want to take this course to develop a stronger skillset in CAD modelling.
See salaries and explore the career path for Mechatronics Engineer
Tooling Designer
A Tooling Designer designs tools and fixtures used in manufacturing processes. A tooling designer will use CAD to develop these designs. This course, which uses SolidWorks to build a Lego helicopter, provides a practical understanding of design which may be useful to a tooling designer. The course provides hands on experience creating and assembling parts, including the use of mechanical mates which are relevant to tooling design. A learner interested in this career could use this course to help improve their skills in SolidWorks and design.
See salaries and explore the career path for Tooling Designer
Simulation Engineer
A Simulation Engineer develops and uses computer models to analyze the performance of products and systems. These models are often based on 3D CAD designs, such as the ones you create in this course. This course which focuses on modelling Lego parts and assembling them in SolidWorks could be helpful for a simulation engineer. The experience of creating parts and assembling a model like the Lego helicopter teaches skills that may be useful for a simulation engineer. Anyone who wants to work in this role might find this course helps them better understand how to create complex CAD models.
See salaries and explore the career path for Simulation Engineer
Civil Engineer
A Civil Engineer designs and oversees construction of infrastructure projects. While civil engineering also deals with large scale designs, some positions do use CAD software. This course which teaches users SolidWorks while building a Lego helicopter may be useful for any aspiring civil engineer. This course will help them develop the technical skills to create mechanical designs in SolidWorks and understand the principles of joining mechanical parts. If they are interested in learning CAD skills, this course could be a good option to develop these skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer
Biomedical Engineer
A Biomedical Engineer designs medical devices and equipment, often using CAD software. This course helps you learn how to design and assemble mechanical parts with SolidWorks, which could be useful to a biomedical engineer. Though the course focuses on modeling a Lego helicopter, it gives learners experience in mechanical design, and this may be a basis for them to enter into biomedical engineering. A biomedical engineer interested in learning fundamental skills in SolidWorks may find this course useful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Biomedical Engineer

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Build a Lego Helicopter in SolidWorks 3D CAD.
Cover image
Solidworks 2013 Bible
Save
The 'SolidWorks Bible' comprehensive guide covering all aspects of SolidWorks, from basic sketching to advanced surfacing and simulation. It serves as an excellent reference for users of all levels. provides in-depth explanations and practical examples that complement the course material. It is commonly used as a textbook in academic settings and by industry professionals.
Solidworks 2013 Bible
Paperback
Check
Solidworks 2013 Bible
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Engineering Graphics with SOLIDWORKS 2023
Save
Provides a comprehensive introduction to SolidWorks, focusing on engineering design principles and best practices. It covers a wide range of topics, including sketching, part modeling, assembly design, and drawing creation. This book is particularly useful for understanding the underlying concepts behind SolidWorks features and how to apply them effectively. It is often used as a textbook in introductory engineering design courses.
Engineering Graphics with SOLIDWORKS 2023: A Step...
Paperback
$$$

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Rating
4.8 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
5 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Johno Ellison
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Uses SolidWorks 2021, which is a widely adopted version, but the models provided will work with any version newer than that
Teaches mechanical mates, which are essential for creating functional and realistic assemblies in SolidWorks
Involves building a Lego helicopter, which offers a creative and engaging way to learn and practice CAD skills
Requires existing SolidWorks experience, so complete beginners may find it more helpful to take another course aimed specifically at new users
Explores configurations, which allows for efficient part creation and management in SolidWorks
Features downloadable exercise files, which allow learners to check their understanding and reinforce their skills
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