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A Hands-on Approach To Teaching CAD/CAM for Manufacturing and Rapid Prototyping Applications

Abstract

This paper describes an integrated laboratory-oriented course IT445 in computer-aided design/manufacturing and computer numerical control. Teaching this subject in an 11-week of academic quarter is a challenging task requiring a combination of instructional delivery methods. We used a hands-on learning approach involving in-class computer-based exercises and team- based laboratory projects. The course content is designed around four major subjects: software familiarization, hardware familiarization, design and manufacturing integration, and industrial applications. The author will share his observations and experience with educators in the field.

Introduction

Many industrial and engineering technology programs offer laboratory-oriented manufacturing courses with the mission of providing students with a practical experience in product design and manufacturing. Common courses in these programs may include manufacturing automation, computer-integrated manufacturing and/or numerical control systems1,2,3. These courses typically cover a wide range of topics such as control theory, robotics, and programmable logic controllers, and limited coverage of computer numerical control (CNC) and computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM).

This paper describes a new laboratory-oriented course at the industrial technology (IT) program of California Polytechnic State University exclusively dedicated to CAD/CAM-CNC. The course provides students with an in-depth hands-on experience in integrated product design and manufacturing and exposure to available options for rapid prototyping. The course benefits other areas of the IT program such as plastics processing and packaging laboratories by enabling students to fabricate molding tools for plastic processing equipment through the capstone use of senior projects or special projects.

The learning outcome of the new CAD/CAM-CNC course includes: • Understanding the role of CAD/CAM in product development • Relating CAD/CAM to various industrial applications • Relating CAD/CAM to traditional rapid prototyping methods • Creating 3-dimensional CAD models • Creating/simulating cutter toolpath • Set-up/operation of industrial grade CNC machines • Comparing final products (prototypes) with corresponding CAD model for validation • Demonstrating successful execution of a complex CAD/CAM-CNC project • Managing team-based projects

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Djassemi, M. (2007, June), A Hands On Approach To Teaching Cad/Cam For Manufacturing And Rapid Prototyping Applications Paper presented at 2007 Annual Conference & Exposition, Honolulu, Hawaii. 10.18260/1-2--2154