Activity 1: Programmable Machines

Assignment:

Limitations:

2. Each member of the team must submit her or his original complete process summary, including a copy of any drawings or programs required.

3. Each member of the team must create a separate sample of the machined part, plus the team should create one for the class archives. In other words, each group of two students is to make three identical parts.

4. Since time on the equipment is very limited, delays or absences which may prevent completion of this assignment should be avoided. Students are expected to arrange lab time outside of regularly scheduled class hours when needed.

5. The equipment is expensive, delicate and hazardous. All safety precautions must be observed.

6. Before activating the robot, lathe, mill, or laser, secure the supervisor's immediate permission.

Deliverables:

Lathe:

2. Each group member will separately submit a process summary in the format specified. This must be original work, not a group effort. However, group
members may jointly prepare the drawings and nc code, and submit a copy from their teammate for these items only.

3. The nc file is to be permanently stored on the hard drive of the lathe control computer under the appropriate directory for this class.

4. In order to receive an A, your design is to use linear and circular interpolation as well as multiple tool programming. Simpler programs will not be considered "outstanding" and may receive grades up to a B+.

CAD/CAM

Milling:

3. The nc file is to be permanently stored on the hard drive of the mill control computer under the appropriate directory for this class.

4. The complexity of machining tasks may impact the grade.

Laser

Machining:

2. Each group member will separately submit a process summary in the format specified. This must be original work, not a group effort. However, group members may jointly prepare the drawing and a worksheet used to determine laser settings, and submit a copy from their teammate for these items only. Please attach to the process summary the worksheet used to determine machine settings, and clearly indicate all final settings and the process used to determine them in the "Steps Followed" section.

3. The laser control drawing is to be resident on the laser control computer under the appropriate folder for this class.

4. The use of the laser cutter/engraver for simple signage is likely not challenging enough for college students, and you are encouraged to experiment and to select a laser machining activity of sufficient challenge.

Robotics:

2. Each group member will separately submit a process summary in the format specified. This must be original work, not a group effort. However, group members may jointly prepare a drawing, the control program, and the positions list, and submit a copy from their teammate for these items only.

3. The programs used are to be resident on the robot control computer under the appropriate folder for this class.

Process

Summary

Format:

Technologist: (Your name)

Other Team Member(s):

Date:

Area of Exploration: (Robotics, CNC Lathe, CAD/CAM Milling, Laser Machining)

Basic Overview of the Process: (In a single paragraph, introduce the reader to the area of exploration. For example, answer the question, "What is CAD/CAM milling?" Use general terms; for example, describe how all laser machining works, not just our CO₂ laser.)

Task Description: (Describe the part to be machined or the robotic action to be performed.)

Drawings: (Include dimensioned sketches to illustrate part specifications. These sketches should contain sufficient information to manufacture the product.)

Equipment: (Be sure to list absolutely all hardware, software, tools, and other non-consumables.)

Materials: (Be sure to list all consumables. Specify quantity and dimensions.)

Steps Followed: (Record a numbered list of the steps followed. You may attach other sheets. Be precise. Indicate decision conditions. Indicate specific settings used, as in laser machining.)

Description of Problems: (List any problems encountered in completing the task, speculate on the cause, and describe actual or probable remedies.)

Industrial Applications: (Cite at least two specific industrial applications of this process. List actual products commonly produced. You may not list products produced in this class as examples.)

References: (List at least two reference sources on this process (even if you did not use any.) Use APA style, but add page numbers. Make sure your sources are specific and appropriate. Do not use experts, class handouts, dictionaries, encyclopedias, notes, or any of your text books as sources. (That is, you can list them, but only in addition to two other sources.) Avoid the use of Websites of retailers and wholesalers of equipment, and other commercial sites - instead, find reliable information).

Notes: (Include special notes helpful in completing the task.)

Control Programs Developed: (Include the program developed to accomplish the task, and line-by-line documentation and notes regarding stock specifications, stock placement, and operator actions.)

Appendix: (For the laser activity, attach all sheets used to determine proper settings.)

Due Date: