CAD/CAM in schools initiative 10 years on... where are we now? John Lee June 2009
what is CAD/CAM? Engineering Design & development Rapid prototyping Virtual testing DATA management Production scheduling Systems & Control Circuit design/testing Instrumentation PCB design/manufacture CAM Graphic Products Data presentation Desk top publishing Packaging Design Modelling Marketing Product Design Product Development Rapid prototyping CAM Marketing materials Packaging Design Food Technology Product Development Data logging Nutritional Analysis Packaging Design Textiles Technology Product Development Digital printing Layout/patterns CAM
CAD/CAM in Schools Initiative : 1999 to present Aim : to modernise the design and technology curriculum through CAD/CAM Pro/DESKTOP 3D solid modelling Sept 1999 (currently 10,000 + teachers accredited) ArtCAM 3D art & design modelling Dec 1999 (currently 961 teachers accredited) Speedstep textile design 2002 (currently 1195 teachers accredited) Pro/ENGINEER advanced 3D solid modelling Oct 2007 (currently 757 teachers accredited)
strengths & opportunities professional software high quality images & products motivational across ability range CAD/CAM in Schools supported self study transferable skills raising profile of D&T
the big issues! assessment of outcomes de-skilling? integration into the product development process resourcing developments building in progression technical support & maintenance effective teaching & learning strategies
2D CNC manufacture laser cutter rapid prototyping rapid / soft tooling engineering drawing STL export 3D CNC manufacture 2D CAD 2D/3D design 3D CAD injection mould tooling CAD/CAM pathways configurations animations rendered presentations
computer aided manufacturing pathways material wastage eg. cnc manufacture spark erosion waterjet cutting material addition eg. LOM modelling fused deposition modelling material remoulding eg.injection moulding gravity die casting silicone tools/moulding
3D CAM : 'wastage' processes 3D CNC manufacture : router / miller / lathe 3D CNC manufacture uses a router, miller or lathe to convert 3D CAD data into 3D physical forms. This is a subtractive process where the final form is created by removing waste from a billet of material. 3 main types of 3D CNC output : Production parts the finished component is made in the end use material. Prototyping a developmental model is made, mainly to evaluate the design as it progresses Toolmaking a tool is created from which a batch of components can be moulded or formed.
3D CAM strategies toolmaking 1 : producing a 'plug' for plastics forming (press/vacuum) 3D form developed in CAD software vacuum formed casings produced 3D form machined on router / miller
3D CAM strategies toolmaking 2 : producing mould tools Desired 3D form developed in CAD software use component, intersect or similar is used to create mould tool(s) mould tool manufactured on CNC router moulded forms batch produced
3D CAM strategies toolmaking 3 : producing a silicone soft tool CNC manufactured prototypes used to produce silicone soft tools - tools produced for small production quantities of parts in the end use material. normally associated with low cost prototype production
3D CAM strategies 2 stage 3D manufacture : top and bottom allows for manufacture of complex shapes in full 3D allows both sides of a part to be machined parts can be manufactured in end use material
3D addition processes : 3D printer 3D Printing Parts made by curing a starch based powder. Speed is an important benefit of this technology; many models can be produced in minutes rather than hours or days. The 3D printing process is faster and cheaper than FDM The completed models can be used : as limited functionality prototypes concept evaluation and testing pattern for mould making
3D addition processes : FDM/3D printer Fused Deposition Modelling Part is made by extruding a molten thermoplastic material (ABS, Nylon) and depositing it in ultra thin layers, one at a time, on a fixed base to build the model up. Speed is an important benefit of this technology; many models can be produced in minutes rather than hours or days. The completed models can be used : as limited functionality prototypes as design verification for testing fit and/or form as patterns for investment casting.
Location of 3D printers North East Sunderland University North West Edge Hill University Yorks & Humber Sheffield Hallam University E Midlands Vale of Ancholme Techn & Music College, Brigg W Midlands Finham Park School, Coventry East Notley High School, Braintree London John Kelly Boys Technology College, Neasden South East Education Business Partnership, Ampthill, Beds South West Wadebridge School (until July 2009) ECT focused support centres CAD/CAM focused support centres Joint support centres 2008/2009 Active Support Centres
3D addition processes : LOM modelling Laminate object manufacturing (LOM) relatively inexpensive RPT part is built by laminating sheets of material. parts can be finished with abrasive papers and paint. The completed models can be used : for design verification as patterns for mould production, to make castings that can be used as functional prototypes or production parts.
laminate object manufacturing with the laser cutter
laminate object manufacturing with the laser cutter Step 1: create 3D CAD model using Pro/ENGINEER/ Pro/DESKTOP / ArtCAM etc'
laminate object manufacturing with the laser cutter Step 2: export as STL file to Boxford Rapid Pro Step 3: Use Boxford Rapid Pro to slice model - save as PDF
laminate object manufacturing with the laser cutter Step 4: Open PDF in Corel Draw use laser cutter to cut slices Step 5: assemble LOM model
Buxton Community School Teacher: Paul Cooper
3D addition processes : stereolithography Stereolithography part is built up on a platform, which rises in very small steps, through a container of liquid photopolymer The light of a solid-state laser is used to trace the changing cross sectional profile of the CAD model onto the surface of the photopolymer, which solidifies wherever the beam strikes the surface. more accurate and higher quality models than other RPT processes, but it is relatively expensive. The completed models can be used : for design verification for presentation models, as light-duty prototypes as casting patterns.
digital printing
learning how to do CAD/CAM building in progression declarative knowledge general CAD knowledge - not software specific eg. knowing that lines can be mirrored about an axis, circles can be drawn using a circle' sketching tool etc' AWARENESS specific procedural knowledge CAD knowledge that is software specific eg. the actual steps required to mirror a line in Corel Draw COMPETENCE strategic CAD knowledge developing meta-cognition - knowledge about specific procedures and flexibility to understand make & justify choices, to adapt where necessary, etc' CAPABILITY
the challenge for teachers establishing the declarative / strategic knowledge needed by the learner select teaching & learning media eg. exposition / video / audio / written text (including web pages) develop learning strategy(ies). E-portfolios (screen dumps / annotation) reflection strategies eg.'cad' logs collaborative learning (pupil mentors) graphic organisers provide opportunities for the learner to further develop strategic capability through deeper engagement (eg. DMA / taking software home)
additional support cad/cam curriculum framework: http://www.cadcamcurriculum.org/
additional support http://cadcam.wikispaces.com/
Thanks.. hope it was useful.. John Lee Sheffield Hallam University: Tel: (0114) 225 2710 email: j.c.lee@shu.ac.uk