Week 12 + 13 Progress (11/23-30/16)

For the week of 11/16 to 11/23, we finished our second rapid prototype. This model utilized a thicker cardstock material and our goal was to portray how a longer column structure would be built. The pieces interlap and interlock similar to a puzzle, with opposite sides reinforcing each other.

       

The left picture is a side view of the column. You can see that the structure is brick-like in placement of the interlocking pieces. The right is a top view, where the structural integrity is visible. Once the column is filled with concrete, it would then be extremely solid and strong.

Our rapid prototype was just a quick model so that we could have something tangible for Dr. Furman and Ron to see and show off to sponsors and other companies. Otherwise, our entire week was dedicated to the fabrication and construction of this simple model, which really takes more time to make than would seem. Our next model will be more of a depiction of how the clamping mechanisms would attach the column to the footings and to the guideway.

On 11/18, we met with Scott Bryant at Vander-Bend to discuss possible manufacturing of our model, any questions we had, and we received a tour of the site. Here is what we learned:

• Our model will be laser cut, since we want a thickness of around 3 mm which is about 1/8 inch steel. Their laser cutters can cut up to 3/8 thickness, if thicker, water-cutting is utilized.
• The laser cutters accomodate up to 60x120 inches of material. This is more than the typical standard of 48x120.
• Vander-Bend doesn't handle casting painting, injection molding, etc. -type services.
• They manufacture a lot for the hospital industry, fuel cells, fruit industry, etc.
• We will make a model of what we need constructed on SolidWorks. We will construct the 3D model of it so that they can assemble as portrayed. They will need the step file and drawing.
• Our model will be cold-rolled steel, either 10-10 or 10-08. Bend radius of 1/32 inch.
• Claude will talk with Andres.
• Manufacture time will be at least 3 weeks, so we need to plan around that.

For the week of 11/23 to 11/30, we are focusing on our end-of-semester prototype while enjoying our Thanksgiving break with our families. We need to work on our Bill of Materials, so therefore we need to figure out all of the material we need to obtain for our prototype for the class.