The design and manufacturing process is not a simple task. When given a proposal for a certain design, the first thing that is needed is a strategy. A strategy describes how the machine will function in order to meet the requirements of the proposal. From the initial strategy, a concept is then created which describes a specific machine that will execute the strategy. To climb further down the ladder, a module is the next needed assembly in the design process, which describes a part of the machine that will execute a certain function. A component is the last step in the design process that describes an individual subassembly of the machine. Once the initial design process is finished, the drawing begins. Drawing requires the use of solidworks. Within drawings, specific dimensions, hole placements and material choices are needed. Once the drawings are finished, users can turn them into sketches which help with the machining process.
The manufacturing process varies depending on the components of the machine that are being built and the material that is being used. Machines that were used in ME 250 were the water jet, lathe, mill, laser cutter, and drill press. The water jet is used to cut metal with specific holes and outlines that would be difficult with the mill. The mill is used to cut metal to specific lengths and widths and also drill holes with low tolerances to ensure accuracy. The Laser cutter is similar to the water jet, but it is specifically meant for non-metals, for example, woods and polymers. The drill press is quick and easy, but it does not ensure accuracy. So it is useful for holes that don’t need to be in a precise position. There is also a saw in the machine shop that is useful to cut metals and woods quickly. The saw will cut the metal needed and then the dimensions can be trimmed more precisely with the mill.
Teamwork is the key component for a group project to be successful. There was only so much time to build the machine in the workshop so every member had to be doing something to take advantage of the valuable time given to us. For example, while someone is working on the mill, another team member could be on the laser cutter, and someone else on the drill press while the last member could be in the CAEN lab finishing up final sketches. In a usual team, people have their strengths and weaknesses, so an efficient team assigns people tasks that involve their strengths.
Communication is crucial for a team to be successful. Even if you think the whole team knows the time and place of tomorrow’s meeting, a reminder text or email should still be sent out. Communication is also important for a team to come up with the best idea for a machine. Everyone’s input can attribute to an idea.
Time management plays into communication and teamwork. Good communication will involve planning calendars and dates for project goals. Efficient teamwork means that everyone is contributing during machine shop hours and discussion sessions. Time management, communication and teamwork are all important for a successful project.
ME 250 for fall 2010 required a lot of work from its students. That is not a problem because students should be challenged. But I thought the layout of the course was disorganized, meaning all the work was concentrated in such a short time segment. The first 6 weeks of the course moved relatively slow until people grouped up as teams. Once teams were brought together, the class pace picked up with the design process that was required. Each team was left about two weeks to machine their design and strategy which was stressful for first year manufacturers. So my one suggestion would be to try to push down the schedule by one week so the teams can have three weeks to manufacture.
I also could have improved my performance for this course. I don’t consider myself the most technical person so I strayed away from doing a lot of solidworks. I should have put more of an initial effort into learning solidworks so I could have contributed more to my team. I also came in late with my team and the initial strategy was decided, so I did not put a lot of input into the initial design process. I should have discussed more with my team about other strategies just to throw out some other ideas.
Overall ME 250 was quite the ride. I think The Underdogs’ machine failed because our strategy was too complex with the time and experience we had. If we focused on one machine and strategy, besides three, I think the Underdogs would have been more successful. Overall, a lot was learned from this class and the knowledge will be carried into next semester.
No comments:
Post a Comment