Intro to Design Final Reflection

Intro to Design is "is an introductory course, which develop students’ problem skills, with emphasis placed upon the concept of developing 3-D models or solid rendering of an object", according to the FUSD handbook.  This course exceeded my expectations and if I had to take sophomore year over again, I would definitely sign up for this class again. 
My goals at the beginning of this year included using different tools to develop skills in visual communication.  I met these goals because much of the work this year included documentation and display of work, especially through this blog.  I learned the basics of CAD as well as basic design principles, such as color, units, and sketching and used them in my projects.
Next year in Principles of Engineering, I hope to do more hands on projects like the instant challenges done this year.  Those were very fun and I do not think we did enough. 
A few of my favorite parts of this year are:
stumping people with my puzzle cube,

making a car with Sonia, Sachi, and Meera,

and designing the coliseum for Adrastus, our Maker Faire Game.

Final: Fabrication

In my research, I found that although 3d printing is very fast and cheap.  Because of the manufacturing speed, inventory warehousing is not necessary because the products can be made on the spot.  On the other hand, there is a limit of materials and size of parts as well as the danger of people printing dangerous objects.  All in all, for single user products, I do not think 3d printing is worth it because for a small object for someone to print once for themself, it is not really that inexpensive.  For major manufacturing deals though, I think it is worth it.  The 3d printing world will continue to improve, so I think it will be worth it in the future.

After ordering my part, I was informed that it would arrive in over a week.  I expect that my necklace pendant will be smooth and shiny and nicer than anything that I could make by hand.  After seeing my partner's printed object, I do not think that it will be very smooth.

When I was making the part in inventor, I had some technical issues so the j inside the pendant had to be omitted.  I also decided to not include the loop.

When I swapped object information with Sachi, she did a great job fabricating my object.  It is everything that I hope the 3d printed version will be.

When something is made by machine, it is always made the same.  On the other hand, when a human creates the same thing over and over again, it will not be exactly the same.

Working drawings are very helpful in order to communicate the design of an object, but they are not completely necessary.  It is easier to show someone with a picture than to explain with words.

3d animated assemblies might be useful in a design that includes moving parts.  They can be used to better communicate the purpose of the part.  Beyond the design process, an animated model would be a great display option.

My 3-d printed object arrived!  I am very happy with it.  It is exactly how I wanted it.

 

Documentation Packet

Design to have 3d printed:

constraints: 

$15

black plastic

1 in by 1 in or smaller