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CAD & SnapCAD

There is more than one way to build with VEX IQ! See below for more information on how to download CAD Files, learn to CAD, or make your own parts!

VEX IQ CAD Downloads

CAD is available as a free download for every VEX IQ part. These files are in the universal STEP format, compatible with SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, and most other CAD software packages. Design your robot virtually before actually building it!

SnapCAD

SnapCAD is a community-built solution for designing virtual VEX IQ models and creating printable, shareable instructions for them. Use SnapCAD to test out a novel idea in the virtual world before building it physically, or to share your creations with the world in the form of step-by-step build instructions!

3D Printing

3D printing technology allows computer models to be quickly turned into real world prototypes. We are excited to support the VEX community’s desire to customize and extend their VEX IQ experience through the use of custom 3D printed elements.

Design Your Dream Robot

Download All VEX IQ CAD (ZIP, 96.27 MB)

Structure

Connectors

Motion

Control

All Structure Components
(ZIP, 7.75 MB)

All Connector Components
(ZIP, 0.62 MB)

All Motion Components
(ZIP, 12.3 MB)

All Control Components
(ZIP, 6.72 MB)

1x Beams
(ZIP, 0.89 MB)

Corner Connectors
(ZIP, 0.22 MB)

Gears, Turntables, Sprockets, Pulleys
(ZIP, 5.26 MB)

Robot Brain, 900 MHz Radio, Battery
(ZIP, 0.85 MB)

2x Beams
(ZIP, 3.42 MB)

Connector Pins
(ZIP, 0.05 MB)

Wheels & Tires
(ZIP, 6.77 MB)

Controller, 900 MHz Radio, Battery
(ZIP, 5.99 MB)

Large Plates
(ZIP, 2.66 MB)

Standoffs
(ZIP, 0.32 MB)

Chain, Tank Tread, Intake Flaps
(ZIP, 0.10 MB)

Smart Motor
(ZIP, 0.14 MB)

Specialty Structure
(ZIP, 0.82 MB)

Standoff Connectors
(ZIP, 0.23 MB)

Shafts, Shaft Collars, Washers
(ZIP, 0.18 MB)

Smart Sensors & Cables
(ZIP, 0.57 MB)

 

Disclaimer: VEX IQ CAD models and 3D printing specifications are made freely available for personal and educational use. Commercial use of 3D printed VEX IQ parts is strictly prohibited. Using custom components on a VEX IQ robot design has the potential to cause unexpected behavior for which VEX Robotics is not responsible. Parts created using 3D printing technology are not eligible for use in the VEX IQ Challenge.

Learn to CAD

Create, Share, & Teach with One Easy-to-Use Program

SnapCAD is a community-built solution for designing virtual VEX IQ models and creating printable, shareable instructions for them. Use SnapCAD to test out a novel idea in the virtual world before building it physically, or to share your creations with the world in the form of step-by-step build instructions!

Transform your VEX IQ Classroom

SnapCAD is a FREE download and available to anyone with a PC running Windows 95 or newer (see below for full system requirements). Students can even install it on their home computers and bring their models (saved in the lightweight .ldr or .mpd file formats) into class the next day.

Click here to download and install SnapCAD for FREE!!

For help with downloading, use the Installation Guide below!

System Requirements

  • Operating system: Windows 95 / 98 / ME / NT4.0 / 2000 / XP / Vista / 7 / 8 or Linux
  • CPU: Pentium processor (Pentium II or higher recommended)
  • Graphics card: VGA graphics card w/ resolution of 800 x 600
    (1024 x 768 with 24bit colors or better recommended)
  • RAM: 32 MB or higher
  • Hard disk space: 512 MB (1 GB or higher recommended)
  • Browser for integrated help

For additional support using SnapCAD,
please visit the VEX IQ Forum!

System Requirements

SnapCAD Repository

Check out the SnapCAD repository to download models and Build Instructions for some amazing community designed creations!

Create Your Own Parts

Creating VEX IQ Compatible Parts Using 3D Printing Technology

Engineers and designers at VEX Robotics often use 3D printing technology to prototype, test, refine, and iterate our products before they are released. 3D printing technology allows computer models to be quickly turned into real world prototypes. We are excited to support our community’s desire to customize and extend the VEX IQ experience through the use of custom 3D printed elements.

To ensure a positive 3D printing experience, we’ve compiled a few useful tips that will help your 3D printed parts correctly interface with the VEX IQ system.

Use Correct Part Dimensions

All VEX IQ parts use the same 12.70 mm (1/2 in) spacing and 3.18 mm (1/8 in) square shaft as VEX EDR. The specification drawing (PDF) to the left shows the important dimensions to take into account for beams, holes, and parts that interface with shafts.

Keep in mind that there is a large variety of 3D printer types, materials, and precision levels, and you may need to tweak the parameters of your particular 3D printer to have your personalized part achieve a proper fit with the VEX IQ system. If your 3D printer is not capable of printing in high resolution, it may be helpful to print the 4.2mm holes slightly smaller and use a 4.2mm drill bit to clean them out.

To help get you started, 3D CAD models of all VEX IQ elements are available for download above.

Use this specification drawing to understand the critical dimensions of the VEX IQ System.

Understand the Limitations of 3D Printing Technology

All 3D printers function slightly differently, so don't forget to do plenty of test prints!

We highly recommend that you avoid 3D printing any parts that contain snap geometry, such as connector pins, standoffs, and corner connectors. It is very difficult to reproduce a snap geometry via 3D printing that achieves both the necessary precision to have a snug connection while still remaining durable enough not to break on its first or second use. We suggest that all 3D printed VEX IQ compatible parts should be designed with only holes, to be mounted using existing VEX IQ connector pins, standoffs, and/or corner connectors.

As always, be sure to follow all guidelines and procedures for your specific 3D printer model.

Share Your Creations

Do you have any questions about using a specific model of 3D printer? Did you create a cool VEX IQ compatible element? Looking for fun ideas for potential parts to make on your 3D printer? Let the community know through the VEX IQ Forum!

The Fine Print

VEX IQ CAD models and 3D printing specifications are made freely available for personal and educational use. Commercial use of 3D printed VEX IQ parts is strictly prohibited. Using custom components on a VEX IQ robot design has the potential to cause unexpected behavior for which VEX Robotics is not responsible. Parts created using 3D printing technology are not eligible for use in the VEX IQ Challenge.

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