Reference
Glossary
Don't know a term? Look it up here. Sorted alphabetically.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Assembly | A model that combines multiple parts together — for example, a complete robot is one assembly |
| Bearing | A component that allows a shaft to rotate smoothly, mounted on a C-Channel to support the shaft |
| BOM | Bill of Materials — a list of all parts with their names, quantities, and sources |
| Branch | An independent line of work created from a version, allowing experimentation without affecting the main line |
| C-Channel | The most commonly used VEX structural component, with a C-shaped cross-section, used to build the robot frame |
| CAD | Computer-Aided Design — using a computer to design products |
| CAM | Computer-Aided Manufacturing — using software to generate CNC machining toolpaths |
| Chain | Connects two sprockets to transfer rotation, delivering motor power to wheels |
| CNC | Computer Numerical Control — using a computer to control a machine for automated part manufacturing |
| Comment | Leave notes on a model to communicate with teammates |
| Construction (line) | A dashed reference line used for drawing guidance that won't generate solid geometry |
| Copy workspace | Copy someone else's Onshape document to your own account so you can freely modify it |
| Corner rectangle | Draw a rectangle by specifying two diagonal corners |
| Document | The project unit in Onshape — one document can contain multiple parts and assemblies |
| Drivetrain | The part of the robot responsible for movement, including wheels, motors, and brackets |
| Drawing | A 2D mechanical drawing with dimension annotations |
| DXF | A 2D vector file format used for laser cutting and CNC machining |
| Elephant's Foot | A common 3D printing defect where the bottom layer bulges outward, usually caused by first layer temperature being too high |
| Extrude | Add depth to a flat sketch to create a solid body |
| Fastened mate | A mate type in Onshape that locks two parts together with no relative movement allowed |
| Fillet | Round off a sharp edge to make it smooth |
| Flip primary axis | Adjust part orientation when creating a mate by flipping the part 180 degrees |
| Folder | A container for organizing multiple documents |
| G-code | The instruction code that controls CNC machine movement |
| GIF | A short animation that can demonstrate robot motion |
| History | A timeline of all modifications made to a document |
| Hole tool | Create holes in a part according to standard specifications |
| Import | Bring external files (STEP/STL etc.) into Onshape |
| In-context | Designing parts within the assembly environment, referencing geometry from other parts |
| Inscribed polygon | Draw a regular polygon inscribed within a circle |
| Insert | Place a part into an assembly — you can insert from the current document or other documents |
| Intake | A mechanism on the robot for picking up or pulling in game elements (balls, discs, etc.) |
| Interference | When two parts overlap in space — this must be avoided in your design |
| Iteration | The process of repeatedly refining a design, gradually improving through multiple revisions |
| Kerf | The width of material removed by a cutting tool — must be compensated for in the design |
| Launcher | A mechanism on the robot for throwing or launching game elements |
| Layer Height | The thickness of each layer in 3D printing, affecting precision and print speed |
| Lightweight | A mode that only loads essential data to improve performance with large assemblies |
| Line tool | Draw straight line segments |
| Link Tab | Embed an external web link within a document |
| Mate | A relationship between two parts that defines how they can move relative to each other (fixed, rotating, sliding, etc.) |
| Mate connector | A reference point on a part used to create mates — shown as white dots in Onshape |
| Measure tool | A tool for measuring distances, angles, and areas in Onshape |
| Mirror | Symmetrically copy a sketch along a line or plane |
| Multi-document | A design approach where each subsystem is managed in its own document |
| Named View | A saved camera angle and display setting |
| Nylock Nut | A nut with a nylon insert that resists loosening — commonly used in VEX robots |
| OneIPM | Real-time collaboration — multiple people editing the same document simultaneously |
| Origin | The coordinate center of an assembly (0,0,0) — typically the first part is fixed at the origin |
| Pan | Move the view left/right/up/down without rotating the model |
| Part | A single individual component — such as a shaft, gear, or plate |
| Part Studio | The workspace in Onshape where you model parts |
| Render | Generate high-quality images of a model |
| Reorient secondary axis | Rotate a part to the correct position when creating a mate — fine-tune the orientation |
| Retraction | Pulling back filament in 3D printing to prevent stringing |
| Revolute mate | A mate that allows two parts to rotate around a single axis |
| Rotate | Spin the view around the model to observe from different angles |
| Share | Grant others permission to view or edit your Onshape document |
| Show mates mode | A display mode that shows icons for all mate relationships between parts |
| Single-document | A design approach where all subsystems are placed in the same document |
| Size constraint | The maximum robot size specified by VEX competition rules (18" x 18" x 18") |
| Sketch | A combination of lines drawn on a plane — the foundation of 3D modeling |
| Slicer | Software that converts a 3D model into printing instructions, such as Cura or PrusaSlicer |
| Solve | Have Onshape calculate and preview where parts will move after modifying a mate |
| Spacer | A small part that fills extra space on a shaft, preventing wheels and sprockets from wobbling side to side |
| Sprocket | A toothed wheel that works with a chain to transfer power |
| Standard content | Onshape's built-in library of standard parts like bolts and nuts |
| Standoff | A spacer column that connects two plates, used to build frame structures |
| STEP | A universal 3D model exchange format used for CAM and other CAD software |
| STL | A 3D model file format commonly used for 3D printing |
| Subassembly | A smaller assembly nested within a larger one — for example, a drivetrain pod is a subassembly of the full drivetrain |
| Support | Temporary structures needed for 3D printing overhanging sections, removed after printing |
| T-Slot | A joint structure used for connecting flat parts together |
| Tangent | Two curves sharing the same direction at their connection point |
| Team | An organizational unit in Onshape for managing multi-user permissions |
| Use tool | Project existing geometry onto the current sketch plane |
| Version | A snapshot of the current design state — like a save point |
| View cube | The small cube in the upper-right of Onshape — click different faces to quickly switch to top, bottom, or side views |
| Workholding | Methods for securing parts during CNC machining |
| Workspace | An editable version of a document, similar to a code branch |
| Zoom | Enlarge or shrink the model view |