Project Contributions

I worked on the fixture design for the CNC function group. I designed two fixtures. The first features a quick release cam lock for quick replacement of test coupons. The sliding mechanism involved was determined to be too likely to bind.  A simplified fixture design was created using a 3 x 2 x 1 reference frame. To lock to test coupons in place, a toggle clamp was used to apply pressure.

After a teammate designed the test coupons, I implemented a CAM program for CNC Milling the coupons. It included a facing operation, followed by a pause where the qualified face would be roughened to provide a contrast against the machined surface of the pitting, then the simulated pitting was added using an 1/8” endmill.

After the fixture and coupon were designed, I implemented part drawings for each component. The coupon drawings featured hole tables to locate all the divots for the pitting. These drawings are essential to the manufacturing process as they include all the essential features of the components.

During meetings, I did the majority of note taking. I kept careful records of our feedback and information we learned during meetings with guest speakers. I shared images of the paper notes and digitized general notes that were necessary for the group. My notes were crucial to the review of material and the collection of information that would in turn influence team decisions and designs.

I was moved to work on the end effector design to improve the design. I researched material choice for FDM and reached out to a representative of PADT Inc. Together, we determined the parts could be printed using PLA. After finishing the design, I worked with Dan Koltsov on documentation for the end effector.

As we ran into the time crunch at the end of the semester, I worked very hard to get my portions of the work done so that we could move forward. This included:

I finalized drawings for both the coupons and the fixture.

• I finalized drawings for both the coupons and the fixture.

• I streamlined the file organization so that our documents could be shared.

• I started the operation sheets before they were passed off to another team member.

• I made sure the coupon stock was labeled and sorted to prevent errors during machining. 

• I setup a CAM for the coupons.

• When I was moved to working on the end effector, I carefully timed out when each part of the design would need to be done to get each prototype done within the week.

• While the prototypes were being verified, I spoke to a representative of PADT to work out what material the part should be printed in and together we decided on PLA. 

• Once the end effector was finished, Dan and I wrote documentation for the end effector and used the next workday to test our mounting instructions and finalize them.

Value of the Project

The experience of the project was very valuable. It gave me an understanding of the chaos that can embroil an engineering team if given the chance. I also got to see how specifications can change rapidly from week to week. One of the most valuable skills I learned is how to deal with a team member who is actively working against the other members of the team. I think all these lessons will be very useful in my upcoming Capstone Project and in my career after that.

Finalized End Effector