A Team-Based CAD Project Utilising the Latest CAD Technique and Web-Based Technologies

Abstract

This paper describes a newly created third-year CAD project in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Bristol University which brings together the most current CAD practices and web-based technologies to provide a stimulating and dynamic learning environment for the students. The project involves the design of a machine that sorts chips of different materials. The main objective is to provide a complete and up-to-date CAD experience for the students. The CAD project provides the opportunity for students to practise geometric modelling, mechanism design, assembly modelling, product visualisation (simulation and animation) and product customisation in an active learning environment. It also teaches the students parametric modelling and how quickly and efficiently to build, visualise and animate a CAD model of a proposed design, with further customisation using CAD principles.

The Integrated Application of Microcontrollers in the Team-Based ‘Design and Make’ Project

“…This is done by the secretary of the design session electronically circulating the minutes, including actions for individual students. This is to promote team working and active learning [5,6]. Typically, different students within each team will also have different tasks.…”

“…At the University of Bristol, we feel it is essential for mechanical engineering students to know, at the early stages of their study, how these complex technologies can be used and integrated in product design [4]. Consequently, the Design and Manufacture courses in years 1 and 2 were reviewed and novel approaches introduced, taking on board good practice [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12].…”

Integrating a Machine Shop Class into the Mechanical Engineering Curriculum: Experiential and Inductive Learning

“…These skills and knowledge are enhanced by project activities that span theory, design and construction [4,5], as well as direct experience with actual machine models [6]. Integrated computer-aided design/manufacture (CAD/CAM) activities are important in learning the principles of design for manufacture and concurrent engineering [7], and a practical understanding of machining operations enhances an engineer's ability to design cost-effi cient machined components.…”

A Team-Based CAM Project Utilising the Latest CAD/CAM and Web-Based Technologies in the Concurrent Engineering Environment

“…The field of computer-aided engineering (CAE) is changing rapidly, with advances in computer hardware/software, the web, three-dimensional computer graphics, virtual reality modelling language (VRML), product lifecycle management (PLM) and rapid prototyping (RP) technologies to help companies to remain competitive and to respond quickly to market demands. It has already been reported by several researchers that, due to rapidly changing industrial practice, educational institutions have been making significant changes to their curricula [1,2] and making investments in CAE systems [1].…”

“…This paper reports only the CAM part of this project, which is a direct response to the importance of machining in industry. The CAD part of the project has already been reported by the author [1].…”