CNC Machining

I am still amazed when I see a 5 axis CNC machine. Wow! These things are fun to watch. What is a CNC machine you might ask? Well, a CNC (computer numerical control) machine is a tool used to remove material (metals, plastics, etc.) to make products. These machines come in different configurations, and are used in many industries. Some use metal bits to remove the materiel; some use lasers, and some even use water. Crazy right? The CNC machines are controlled by CAD (computer aided design) and CAM (computer aided manufacturing) software. The one that I wanted to talk about is a newer machine that has five axes. The machine is able to move a part or a tool on five different axes at the same time. 3-axis machining centers a part in two directions (X and Y), and the tool moves up and down (Z). 5-Axis machining centers access two additional rotary axes. I know this might be a bit confusing, so check out the video at the top. It is very cool and might help to clear things up.

Having Fun with Legos

Most people might think that 3D CAD is all business and no play; well here is one example to prove them wrong. I came across this tutorial one day when I was trying to figure out how to make an assembly in SolidWorks. An assembly is when you take basic components and turn them into something whole (like building something with Legos); the tutorial was actually building a car with virtual Legos. I really had fun with the activity and learned what I need at the same time. In all reality CAD can be used for other fun things. Hobbyists can use it to further their passions, whether that’s model train enthusiasts, interior designers, or anyone that would like to take their projects to the next level.

Click here to see the outcome of my Lego lesson.

3D Printing

Did you ever see something on your computer or television that you wish you could push a button and have it appear before you? Well it is more of a reality than most people might think.  3D printers can use a verity of different plastics to create solid models, and these models can have moving parts right out of the printer. The printer uses a 3D CAD file to build the model, and can print anything you can think. The printer has a print head that melts plastic rods—that come on spools, and come in a variety of different colors—and is then extruded through a hollow nozzle. The print head then moves on an X and Y axis, laying down the material layer upon layer until it has finished. These models are good for: prototyping, checking your designs before they go to production; mass production, using the printed product to use in a final product or as a final product itself; and in personal use, to use in hobbies like train models or for any model enthusiasts. There are many applications for 3D printing and they come in a variety of sizes.

Here is an example of how they work: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ak03wmi-3FE

Pumpkin Chunkin

What can CAD do? It can use real world physics to test products. When I first started using SolidWorks; I found a video that demonstrated how you could use it to test designs in a real world environment. In this video, they were testing the design of a Pumpkin Chunkin catapult; the video explained how the program used: gravity, physics, and the parts of the catapult to simulate how far the pumpkin could fly. It also demonstrated how you could rearrange your design to get the most efficient product. The more I learn about SolidWorks and CAD, the more I am amazed. I am always tying to learn more about how to create new and better designs. With CAD you are only limited by your imagination.

If you have a minute check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHFeuOrqKTI