Objectives
The group project is designed to allow the student to demonstrate the ability create accurate solid models within a 3D CAD modeling system, as well as to demonstrate the ability to work with other in teams. Furthermore, this project is designed to give students experience in documenting technical data through both graphical, written, and oral communication.
Assignment
Each team will be responsible for creating detailed models and renderings of a machine tool. Each model will represent the components visible from the outside of the machine. The internal components will be omitted. Models must accurately reflect the geometry and functionality of the machine tool. Approach the problem as if a company needed to write an instruction manual that explained every function of the machine. Therefore, each knob must be able to turn, the carriages and tables must move, and any possible setup must be achievable in the model.
The models must be to scale, accuracy is +/- .0625 inches.
Models must completely define the exterior components of the machine tool.
Machine setup must be driven by expressions. (e.g., tailstock_position=10.0).
The following details may be omitted:
- Labels, stickers, scales, and painted decoration
- Knurls and threads
- Graduations on dials may be omitted.
- Vises or other workholding (NOTE: Integrated workholding such as table t-slots and chucks may not be omitted.
- Allowance will be made for exceptionally complicated swept and free-form surfaces. See the instructor.
Each team will submit a Poster and give an oral presentation (including a Powerpoint or similar presentation).
Poster must address the following topics:
- Objectives
- Materials and equipment
- Procedure
- Results/Data
- Discussion
- Conclusion
- Include high quality renderings with appropriate lighting and materials
The structure of the poster is similar to a lab report. You might find this helpful:
Draft due:_______________
Final presentation due:
What not to do:
- DO NOT put unprofessional graphics or “jokes” in your work
- DO NOT use “crooked” pictorial views (Vertical lines should be vertical)
- DO NOT put this project off until the last week of class.
Remember: Most machine tool components have established names (e.g., table, ram, ways, spindle, chuck, etc.). In your presentation and poster please refer to the components by their real name.
___________________________________
As a way to begin thinking about how to talk about your project, you may consider answering some of the following questions:
What is the software you are using?
What are the hardware/system requirements for this software?
How does the PC you used compare with those requirements?
What kind of approach did you take with regard to:
File Structure
Units
Assembly load options
Datum coordination
Subassembly use
Solids/vs. Surfaces
Feature-Based Modeling (CSG)
Sketch-Based Modeling (Brep)
Constraining Sketches
Level of accuracy
Issues regarding teamwork/coordination/planning?
Did you use part families? would this have made anything easier?
Did you use expressions?
Did you use Roles?
What kind of materials did you use?
What kind of rendering method/s did you use? Can you say something about this method, how does it work?
Advantages and disadvantages of any of the above.
What were some of the difficulties?
What are you particularly proud of?
What features of the software were helpful?
Can you compare competing systems, or systems with which you have experience?
