3
-D printing uses a polymer or plastic
feedstock similar to “weed wacker line” to make a three-dimensional object from a computer-aided design. The printer passes over a platform numerous times depositing a thin layer of material until the design is accurately reproduced. For larger manufacturers who cannot use plastic feedstock for their 3-D printing models, wood, metal and other materials are incorporated.
Student creates a part using SolidWorks.
This technology was originally used by architects and automobile designers in order to actually see what a new building or car would look like without making a traditional model. The medical field has recently seen the benefits of 3-D printing in the making of prosthetic devices. Surgeons and dentists have also used 3-D printed components in patient treatment.
T
The white and blue chess pieces were 3-D printed. The aluminium and brass pieces were machined on a CNC lathe.
he use of 3-D printers by mechanical engineering students, at both the associate and bachelor’s degree levels at New England Institute of Technology, is not new. Classes incorporating 3-D printing technology have been part of the curriculum since 2003. Utilizing the college’s hands-on approach to learning, 3-D printing technology is introduced to students in their first quarter of study. This technology is used throughout the Mechanical Engineering Technology program in such courses as Design Principles, Manufacturing Processes, Computer Aided Design, Kinematics, Automation, Design Project, Design with Plastics, and the Engineering Capstone Project. New England Tech graduates are well trained in the latest 3-D printing technology making them more marketable to employers in this fast-growing industry.
Students examine the drive train of a robot. All parts, but the axels, were 3-D printed.
Recently, WPRI Channel 12’s, “The Rhode Show” featured New England Tech’s 3-D printing curriculum in a segment aired this past December. The video of this interview further demonstrates 3-D printing methodology and may be viewed at:
http://www.neit.edu/blog/ index.php/2013/12/the-wpri-rhode- show-features-new-england-techs-3d- printing-program/.
Geneva Gear on Dimension SST 3-D printer. The brown support material is water soluble.
For more information on 3-D printing, contact Dean A. Plowman, Department Chair/Assistant Professor of the Engineering Technology Department at New England Institute of Technology at 401-739-5000 or
dplowman@neit.edu.
Geneva Gear is able to move after the support material is removed.
Vol. 2 Issue 2 | 29
RINTING
on the Rise
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36