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Hands on Solid Modeling Experiences in a Course Project

Abstract:

This paper focuses on the hands-on experience of 3-D solid modeling technique and prototyping employed in product design and realization process. Engineering Graphics and CAD/CAM are two of the core courses in the Manufacturing Engineering program. Computer aided design and drafting, as well as solid modeling of parts, are strongly emphasized in the Engineering Graphics curriculum which is taught in the sophomore year. In continuation, both manual and computer aided CNC programming are covered in the CAD/CAM curriculum taught in the junior year. Computer Aided Reverse Engineering of cork opener, gear puller, cell phone case, and cell phone cover were the selected course projects taken by students in the CAD/CAM course. One of the main objectives of the curse project was for the students to extend their knowledge in design process and gain a hands-on experience in the field of solid modeling and product realization. A caliper and a micrometer were used to measure the main dimensions of the parts, and a solid modeling program was used for creating the parts model and assembly as well. This paper describes hands-on solid modeling and prototyping experiences of manufacturing engineering students regarding product realization process at our program.

Introduction:

A survey conducted by Egggert 1, indicates that universities and industries suggest that an engineer should be skilled and capable to design a part and assemble a product using CAD/Solid Modeling upon graduating. Solid modeling is a vital step in a product design and manufacturing. A review of literature indicates the need of industries for engineers with advanced knowledge and skills in engineering design, Design For Manufacture (DFM), Design For Assembly (DFA), manufacturing process, and materials 1, 2 . Among the several competencies desired by job market, engineers having ability and skills to design a part and assembly of a product using solid modeling software are highly in demand. Therefore, like most engineering programs 3 - 6, our manufacturing engineering program at Virginia State University places a great emphasis on hands-on activities in its curriculum in part design and product assembly competencies. Engineering Graphics (ENGR 200) is a two credit hour course which is taught in the sophomore year. In this course students get familiar with 2-D drafting and 3D solid modeling and assembly of simple products. CAD/CAM (MANE 310) is a three credit hour course which is taught in junior year. In this course computer aided solid modeling and assembly are practiced in terms of a course project for design and product realization purpose. Students are asked to search for a product consisting of two or more components and to use our facilities to design and build a prototype model. Students then come up with different ideas to present and discuss in class and select the most feasible one as a course design project. In the second part of the course, which deals with CNC programming and operation, students are asked to produce a simple product utilizing CNC machines. Using 3-D Solid Modeling and CAD/CAM software to design the model and generate the tool path for machining help students to simulate the final product and debug any error or misplacements that may have occurred during the design phase of the product. Only solid modeling and prototyping projects are discussed in this paper.

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Ansari, J. (2007, June), Hands On Solid Modeling Experiences In A Course Project Paper presented at 2007 Annual Conference & Exposition, Honolulu, Hawaii. 10.18260/1-2--2913