Integration Of Polymer Processing, Computer Integrated Manufacturing, And Metal Casting Processes Via Rapid Prototyping

Abstract

Facility preparation and curriculum design issues have been studied and a Stereolithography Apparatus has been purchased to be used by students of Polymer Processing, Computer Integrated Manufacturing, and Metal Casting-at "GMI Engineering& Management Institute. The apparatus was installed in January of 1996. This is being followed by six months of training in solid modeling and use of the equipment, as well as finalization of early implementation plans for the Polymer Processing and Computer Integrated Manufacturing classes in the summer and fall of 1996. These plans will begin as part design information along with mold design requirements, derived and gathered by Polymer Processing students, are fed to students of Computer Integrated Manufacturing. Upon interfacing with the Polymer students, and equipped with SLA requirements, CIM students will develop appropriate solid models for prototyping. The development of permanent molds by students of metal casting is planned for long term. Plans for the use of this apparatus in pre-college programs is also planned for, with vision toward developing small focus groups comprised of faculty, graduate students, undergraduate students, and prospective students. Young people will be exposed to modern rapid prototyping technology and how it is implemented within an actual manufacturing system. It is expected that in the future, the addition of stereolithography to GMI's Polymer Processing/Computer Integrated Manufacturing laboratories will provide current exposure to manufacturing systems engineering for GMI students and inspiration in the area of Manufacturing Systems Engineering (MSE) to young people considering further education in this field.

Using Cad Analysis Tools To Teach Mechanical Engineering Technology

“…This machine is not appropriate for use in undergraduate classes because the models are expensive and they take too long to build (about six hours). This point was reinforced by the experience of the GMI Engineering and Management Institute where 8 hours of SLA time are budgeted for each student 8 . For a class of 100 students, this is over 800 hours.…”