Breaking Down Classroom Walls: Fostering Improved Communication and Relations Between Engineers and Tradesmen Through a Joint Semester Project

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael W. Martin ◽  
Cale T. Polkinghorne
Keyword(s):  
Engineering Students ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Cnc Machining ◽  
Numerical Control ◽  
Shop Floor ◽  
Engineering Student ◽  
Primary Student ◽  
Multidisciplinary Education ◽  
Simple Assembly ◽  
Engineering Education Research

Recent engineering education research has suggested that most engineering curricula does not promote attainment of many characteristics desired in practicing engineers [1][2]. One such characteristic is effective communication with workers in other disciplines. A method to attain improved communication is simulation of workplace situations in the educational environment [3][4]. In an effort to improve communication between trades and to foster a higher appreciation for the other field, a project simulating the working relationship between engineers and machinists was implemented via a joint semester project coupling a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining course and an engineering design course. A significant body of knowledge exists regarding multidisciplinary education for engineering students. Nearly all of the multidisciplinary projects involve one discipline of engineering working with another engineering discipline (i.e. mechanical engineering students working with electrical engineering students). The multidisciplinary work between different disciplines of engineering students has documented benefits; however, the two groups of students are on a similar communication level. By coupling junior and senior level bachelor degree-seeking engineering students with students primarily pursuing a 1 year CNC machining certificate, many communication barriers are encountered that are not seen in typical university multidisciplinary projects. The students from the engineering class were tasked with designing a simple assembly that performs a specified function. The engineering student was responsible for generating a complete set of manufacturing prints. Each engineering student was matched with a group of two or three CNC machining students, who were responsible for manufacturing the parts designed by the engineering student. This type of collaboration closely simulates the design engineer working with the manufacturing shop floor employee in determining how a part is best produced and taking the project to completion by manufacturing and assembly of that part. Data collection methods included student surveys and instructor observations. Primary student outcomes appeared to be; 1) an appreciation for the importance of communication and, 2) greater understanding of the complete process needed to produce a product. The primary difficulties the students encountered were due to communication issues and project management breakdowns. Efforts to address these issues and other lessons learned will be discussed.

On CNC Machining and Part Program Preprocessing Based on STEP-NC

2004 ◽  
Vol 471-472 ◽  
pp. 326-329
Author(s):  
Cheng Rui Zhang ◽  
Ri Liang Liu
Keyword(s):  
Milling Process ◽  
Cnc Machining ◽  
Numerical Control ◽  
Shop Floor ◽  
Prototype System ◽  
Numerical Control Machining ◽  
Nc Programming ◽  
Part Program ◽  
Nc Milling ◽  
Nc Data

STEP-NC is a new CAM/CNC interface and an extension of STEP into numerical control machining. It has been partly formed into draft international standard (ISO 14649) and is expected to replace ISO 6983 in the near future. In the first section of this paper, the STEP-NC data model is analyzed and those parts that are relevant to NC milling process are abstracted. Then issues involved in NC part machining based on STEP-NC paradigm are discussed including NC programming and the machine control. Based on the analysis, a prototype system is outlined and partly developed with libraries and software tools in ST-Developer environment to interpret the part program into internal data format and to assist the shop floor level planning. Finally the user interface of this system is introduced.

scholarly journals Design and Fabrication of Automatic Spring Type Chip Conveyor

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 917-920
Keyword(s):  
Cnc Machining ◽  
Numerical Control ◽  
Shop Floor ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Metal Chips ◽  
Spring Type ◽  
Increase Productivity ◽  
Belt Conveyors ◽  
Chip Removal ◽  
Removal System

It is necessary to use an efficient chip removal system to increase productivity on the shop floor. Conventional conveyor systems such as belt conveyors are being used in industries. The Belt conveyors used in the computer numerical control (CNC) machining firms, remove the metal chips falling from the machine. A machine shop is operated on a small scale certainly has limitations to adopt these chip removal systems economically and precisely. In order to simplify the process, decided to develop an efficient and economical solution for the chip removal process. The spring type chip conveyor is designed to overcome the problems faced while using a belt conveyor and also to remove the metal chips from the machine in a faster and cheaper rate.

Adaptive spiral tool path generation for computer numerical control machining using point cloud

2021 ◽  
pp. 095440622199007
Author(s):  
Mandeep Dhanda ◽  
Aman Kukreja ◽  
SS Pande
Keyword(s):  
Tool Path ◽  
Cnc Machining ◽  
Numerical Control ◽  
Numerical Control Machining ◽  
Form Errors ◽  
Spiral Tool Path ◽  
Novel Method ◽  
Mesh Grid ◽  
Cloud Of Points ◽  
Cam Software

This paper reports a novel method to generate adaptive spiral tool path for the CNC machining of complex sculptured surface represented in the form of cloud of points without the need for surface fitting. The algorithm initially uses uniform 2 D circular mesh-grid to compute the cutter location (CL) points by applying the tool inverse offset method (IOM). These CL points are refined adaptively till the surface form errors converge below the prescribed tolerance limits in both circumferential and radial directions. They are further refined to eliminate the redundancy in machining and generate optimum region wise tool path to minimize the tool lifts. The NC part programs generated by our algorithm were widely tested for different case studies using the commercial CNC simulator as well as by the actual machining trial. Finally, a comparative study was done between our developed system and the commercial CAM software. The results showed that our system is more efficient and robust in terms of the obtained surface quality, productivity, and memory requirement.

scholarly journals ENGINEERING STUDENT ATTAINMENT AND ENGAGEMENT THROUGHOUT THE DESIGN PROCESS

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 1373-1382
Author(s):  
Avril Thomson ◽  
Hilary Grierson
Keyword(s):  
Design Process ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Project Work ◽  
Design Engineering ◽  
Engineering Student ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Design Students ◽  
Major Project

AbstractThe paper reports on a study that aims to gain an understanding of how senior engineering design students engage and attain throughout the various stages of the design process during a major design project. Following a literature review it sets out to answer 3 main research questionsQ1. Do students engage more with certain stages of the design process during major project work?;Q2. Do students attain better during certain phases of the design process during major project ?Q3. Is there a difference in this attainment between year groups of the same degree programme ?The methodology adopted employs an analysis of marks and an online questionnaire to collect data. Patterns and trends in how senior BEng and MEng Product Design Engineering students engage and attain within the design process are presented, identified and discussed and in turn used to inform reflection on the research questions set.

Adaptive neuro-fuzzy fusion of multi-sensor data for monitoring of CNC machining

Sensor Review ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Srdjan Jovic ◽  
Obrad Anicic ◽  
Milivoje Jovanovic
Keyword(s):  
Selection Process ◽  
Spindle Speed ◽  
Cnc Machining ◽  
Numerical Control ◽  
Periodic Component ◽  
Sensor Data ◽  
Depth Of Cut ◽  
Inference System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Neuro Fuzzy

Purpose Acoustic emission (AE) could be used for prevention and detection of tool errors in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining. The purpose of this study is to analyze the AE form of CNC machining operations. Design/methodology/approach Experimental measurements were performed with three sensors on the CNC lathe to collect the data of the CNC machining. Adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) was applied for the fusion from the sensors’ signals to determine the strength of the signal periodic component among the sensors. Findings There were three inputs, namely, spindle speed, feed rate and depth of cut. ANFIS was also used to determine the inputs’ influence on the prediction of strength of the signal periodic component. Variable selection process was used to select the most dominant factors which affect the prediction of strength of the signal periodic component. Originality/value Results were shown that the spindle speed has the most dominant effect on the strength of the signal periodic component.

An RFID-Driven Graphical Formalized Deduction for Describing the Time-Sensitive State and Position Changes of Work-in-Progress Material Flows in a Job-Shop Floor

2013 ◽  
Vol 135 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pingyu Jiang ◽  
Wei Cao
Keyword(s):  
Radio Frequency Identification ◽  
Manufacturing Systems ◽  
Job Shop ◽  
Numerical Control ◽  
Shop Floor ◽  
Cnc Milling ◽  
Rfid Technology ◽  
Material Flows ◽  
Work In Progress ◽  
Frequency Identification

As a key advanced manufacturing technology in next generation manufacturing systems, radio frequency identification (RFID) technology is considered to be one of the most promising technological innovations with the potential to increase visibility and improve efficiency. Therefore, research about RFID and its applications are increasing by blasting with all kinds of RFID models in various fields, especially in manufacturing. By introducing RFID technology into the job-shop floor, this paper proposes a systematic RFID-driven graphical formalized deduction model (rfid-GFDM) for describing the time-sensitive state and position changes of work-in-progress (WIP) material flows and guiding where to deploy RFID devices and how to use them for collecting real-time on-site data. Four steps including RFID configuration based on the process flow model, state blocks model, automatic event generation, and extended event-driven model are proposed one by one to support the implementation of rfid-GFDM. The nature of RFID technology is revealed, too. A use case about a computer numerical control (CNC) milling system is studied, and it demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed model. Finally, the possibility of popularizing the model to other field is discussed, too. It is expected to establish a normative RFID modeling method that will facilitate the convenience of RFID applications in a broad scope.

Building the Entrepreneurial Mindset Through Cross-Functional Innovation Teams

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Schoonmaker ◽  
Robert Gettens ◽  
Glenn Vallee
Keyword(s):  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Student Outcomes ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Student Learning Outcomes ◽  
Engineering Student ◽  
Course Assessment ◽  
Course Changes ◽  
Functional Teams ◽  
Development Course

This learning innovation article’s purpose is to provide educators with a course assessment tool that can be used to improve student outcomes in an undergraduate, production innovation, and development course, comprised of cross-functional teams (business and engineering students). We demonstrate how over a period of three years, we used the assessment tool to help make course changes that would influence student learning outcomes. In addition, we illustrate how the tool helped us to focus on particular student skills, make specific changes targeted at selected skills, and measure if these course changes were effective with engineering student outcomes.

Rethinking reverse logistics: role of additive manufacturing technology in metal remanufacturing

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 124-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle Strong ◽  
Michael Kay ◽  
Thomas Wakefield ◽  
Issariya Sirichakwal ◽  
Brett Conner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Facility Location ◽  
Reverse Logistics ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Real Data ◽  
Cnc Machining ◽  
Numerical Control ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa

Purpose Although the adoption of metal additive manufacturing (AM) for production has continuously grown, in-house access to production grade metal AM systems for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is a major challenge due to costs of acquiring metal AM systems, specifically powder bed fusion AM. On the other hand, AM technology in directed energy deposition (DED) has been evolving in both: processing capabilities and adaptable configuration for integration within existing traditional machines that are available in most SME manufacturing facilities, e.g. computer numerical control (CNC) machining centers. Integrating DED with conventional processes such as machining and grinding into Hybrid AM is well suited for remanufacturing of metal parts. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach Classical facility location models are employed to understand the effects of SMEs adopting DED systems to offer remanufacturing services. This study identifies strategically located counties in the USA to advance hybrid AM for reverse logistics using North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) data on geographical data, demand, fixed and transportation costs. A case study is also implemented to explore its implications on remanufacturing of high-value parts on the reverse logistics supply chain using an aerospace part and NAICS data on aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities. Findings The results identify the candidate counties, their allocations, allocated demand and total costs. Offering AM remanufacturing services to traditional manufacturers decreases costs for SMEs in the supply chain by minimizing expensive new part replacement. The hubs also benefit from hybrid AM to repair their own parts and tools. Originality/value This research provides a unique analysis on reverse logistics through hybrid AM focused on remanufacturing rather than manufacturing. Facility location using real data is used to obtain results and offers insights into integrating AM for often overlooked aspect of remanufacturing. The study shows that SMEs can participate in the evolving AM economy through remanufacturing services using significantly lower investment costs.

CoBIs

2011 ◽  
pp. 551-558
Author(s):  
Patrik Spieß ◽  
Jens Müller
Keyword(s):  
Ubiquitous Computing ◽  
Real World ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Use Cases ◽  
Hazardous Substances ◽  
Shop Floor ◽  
Computing Technology ◽  
Corporate Environment ◽  
Retail Environment

This chapter describes example use cases for ubiquitous computing technology in a corporate environment that have been evaluated as prototypes under realistic conditions. The main example reduces risk in the handling of hazardous substances by detecting potentially dangerous storage situations and raising alarms if certain rules are violated. We specify the requirements, implementation decisions, and lessons learned from evaluation. It is shown that ubiquitous computing in a shop floor, warehouse, or retail environment can drastically improve real-world business processes, making them safer and more efficient.

Incorporation of Manufacturing Process Design Into the Senior Capstone Design Course

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas V. Gallagher ◽  
Ronald A. L. Rorrer
Keyword(s):  
Process Design ◽  
Manufacturing Process ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Cnc Machining ◽  
Senior Design ◽  
Solid Models ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Design Projects ◽  
The University ◽  
Capstone Design

At the University Colorado Denver, a manufacturing process design course was specifically created to raise the level of the as constructed senior design projects in the department. The manufacturing process design course creates a feed forward loop into the senior design course, while the senior design course generates a feedback loop into the process design course. Every student and student project has the opportunity to utilize CNC mills and lathes where appropriate. Specific emphasis is placed upon the interfaces from solid models to CAM models and subsequently the interface from CAM models to the machine tool. Often the construction of many senior design projects approaches the level of blacksmithing due to time constraints and lack of fabrication background. Obviously, most engineering students have neither the time nor the ability to become expert fabricators. However, the wide incorporation of CNC machining in the program allows, an opportunity to not only raise the quality of their prototypes, but also to immerse in the hands on experience of living with the ramifications of their own design decisions in manufacturing. Additionally, some of the art of fabrication is turned into the science of fabrication. The focus of this paper will be primarily on examining the effect of formal incorporation of the manufacturing process in the capstone design course.

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