08-16-2017, 10:59 PM
Design Realization
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This time: Manufacturing & Materials
Manufacturing is undergoing a revolution:
Traditional methods:
Casting, molding, fusing, slumping
Milling, lathing (non CNC-versions)
Stamping
Rolling, extrusion
Shape is write-once (not programmable) in these methods.
Next-wave Manufacturing
Reprogramming shape:
CNC machining: A computer outputs a path for a cutting tool to create a specified surface.
Not new, but now inexpensive, PC-based.
Plastics, wood, metal, glass.
Milling
Milling involves a moving XYZ head that cuts into the workpiece:
Bits can achieve different finishes.
Milling Example
CNC milling example (Deskproto web site)
Finish is quite smooth
ballnose cutting tool.
Lots of waste, but can be recycled!
Next-wave Manufacturing
PC-boards:
Created with CAD tools.
Photographic reproduction:
Low cost in volume.
High complexity possible.
Multi-step process, BUT:
Web-based services have 24-hour turnaround, low cost.