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Embedded Design in Parametric Modeling, and CAM Abstract The Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) BS degree recent curriculum enhancements have brought about the development of new courses for the 2006-07 academic year. The present course sequence requires a freshman level introduction to engineering fundamentals course where the Unigraphics NX 3D modeling software and various other engineering software are introduced. Later in the curriculum during upper level courses students are expected to utilize these engineering software programs to create project documentation and/or 3D models for analysis and manufacture. This computer graphics course requires students to become proficient with the graphics software through lecture, demonstration, lab projects, and online tutorials.

Usually, the graphics courses taught in engineering technology programs do not integrate design topics along with the operation of the software. During a recent restructuring of the BSMET program at Michigan Technological University (Michigan Tech) certain traditional courses were eliminated and embedded into new courses. Some of the courses that are not offered as stand alone courses are geometric dimensioning and tolerances, descriptive geometry, manufacturing processes, and machining fundamentals. The new sequence of computer graphics courses in the BSMET curriculum are Technology Computer Applications, Practical Applications in Parametric Modeling, and Computer Aided Manufacturing.

The Technology Computer Applications course introduces the multiple applications of the Unigraphics NX software capabilities in the context of a design project involving modeling, drafting, structures, manufacturing, and motion. The course also introduces applications in the Microsoft Office Suite related to the computer graphics project using Excel, Project, PowerPoint, and Word. The Practical Applications in Parametric Modeling course integrates Unigraphics NX modeling, assemblies, motion and drafting modules also using a design project approach. This course utilizes the smart models tools in the CAD software to apply embedded geometric dimensioning and tolerances on 3D models, uses the drafting and analysis tools to solve descriptive geometry problems, and uses the scenario motion application to solve kinematics/dynamic related problems. Finally, the Computer Aided Manufacturing course utilizes the Manufacturing module to generate virtual tool paths for verification, machine tooling interference checking, and post processing while creating design projects that integrate manufacturing processes and principles.

Upon completion of the courses in the computer graphics sequence the goal is that students will be better prepared to accomplish tasks required during the senior project capstone courses. The pedagogical challenges, advantages, and disadvantages, as well as student reaction to the computer graphics courses will be discussed. Actual examples of student design projects will be presented as examples to illustrate the embedded nature of the integration of design related topics in the graphics courses curricula.

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Irwin, J. (2007, June), Embedded Design In Parametric Modeling And Cam Paper presented at 2007 Annual Conference & Exposition, Honolulu, Hawaii. 10.18260/1-2--2299