The rapid prototyping project was devised to test our new skills at the different rapid prototyping processes. We also had to work together as a cohesive class in order to ensure that the final assembly fit correctly. Our group was assigned the view plate of the assembly. Since this part would be the easiest to make if single cuts on the mill were used, we tried very hard to keep from having to enlarge the holes to accept the standoffs. In order to do this, we talked to the standoff group-they were already making their design narrower in order to accommodate the base of the design, and it was only a small step to make the whole piece narrower. After our design had been finalized, I discussed possible production methods with Mike Vande Weghe. Our team had decided that the only feasible method was CNC milling, but the method by which to transform the 3d model into machine passes was still a point of contention. I decided that since our part was relatively un-complex, Using Pro-Manu facture was unnecessary. Instead, I designed the machine passes by hand, and coded them using G-codes into the mill. The resulting part was very accurate, and worked with no finishing needed at all. I am really glad that I got to participate in this project. I have never worked in a group environment this large before, nor on a project of this scope. I was also very pleased that I was able to learn and understand G-codes so quickly-I would really like to work with them more in the future.

The most important lesson I took away from this lab was that learning on your feet is a good thing, but only as long as you don't bite off more than you can chew. Many other groups tried to produce their parts in ways that they did not fully understand, and they were not able to learn the production method (or find someone who could help them) fast enough to meet the production deadline. I was able, with the help of Mike, to learn the minimum information required to make the part in the time alloted-an efficient strategy, and one that I will apply to my future work.

Viewplate Model

Final Assembly