STEM MODULE

Manufacturing Technology

Manufacturing Technology
In this Module we will be taking a brief look at the following: 1.CNC Routing 2.CNC Milling 3.CNC Lathe Work 4.CNC Laser Cutting 5.Rapid Prototyping 6.3D Scanning (reverse engineering)

1. CNC Routing
CNC Router

It is now possible to design and manufacture true three dimensional shapes in schools. Modern machines in schools such as the Denford, Boxford or Roland Router can be used to manufacture products designed in software such as Solid Works with a combination of accuracy and speed. The router can shape a variety of materials including Perspex, wood, MDF and model board.
3D modeling brings modern design and manufacturing technology into the school workshop.

1. CNC Routing

1. CNC Routing

Gallery of Aspire V Carve work

2. CNC Lathe Work

CNC Lathe

Using a Lathe it is possible to turn complex designs in metal based on a design imported form drawing packages such as solid works.

Step one:
You must first create a CAD drawing of the Part you want to Manufacture:

In this case we have used Solid works to draw a Bottle stop.

Bottle Stop
To create a revolved part a half profile is drawn as a sketch:

Bottle Stop
This the can be used as the basis for a revolve feature:

Bottle Stop
Here is the completed part File:

Bottle Stop
The completed part File is then exported as a DXF into the Lathe Software :

2. CNC Milling
CNC Mill

It is now possible to design and manufacture true three dimensional shapes in schools. Modern machines in schools such as the Denford, Boxford or Roland Mill can be used to manufacture products designed in software such as Solid Works with a combination of accuracy and speed. Unlike a router a Mill is used to machine metal.
3D modeling brings modern design and manufacturing technology into the school workshop.

Step one:
You must first create a CAD drawing of the Part you want to Manufacture:

In this case we have used Solid works to draw a Bottle Opener.

Bottle Opener
To create a extruded part you must first draw a sketch:

Bottle Opener
Here is the completed Part file:

4. Laser Cutting:
With a Laser cutter various materials including plastic wood and glass can be cut at etched to an extremely high tolerance. Also unlike cutting materials by hand every part will be exactly the same size.

5. Rapid Prototyping:
All the other manufacturing techniques we have seen today involve taking a material and cutting parts away to make a finished product but with Rapid Prototyping a part is built up in hundred of layers of durable ABS plastic.

6. 3D Scanning:
Not all parts that are manufactured are designed on CAD software. Some are made first by hand then scanned and reproduced accurately with CNC machinery.

How are cars designed in Industry?

Professional clay modelling

Do you recognise the car?

Professional clay modelling: