Advances in computer technology opened new horizons in teaching Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) technologies. This paper will report the outcomes of two current NSF grants, 0311586 and 0302314, funded on Rapid Prototyping (RP) curriculum development. The objective of these RP projects is to provide advanced instruction and laboratory practices in the areas of CAD/CAM/CAE through challenging laboratory assignments and industrial projects that are integrated into any engineering curriculum. These projects create web-based materials, and also adapt and implement RP experiences and educational practices following successful similar models at various engineering schools to enhance pedagogy in design and manufacturing curriculum. Enhanced RP capabilities enable the students to build physical models directly from CAD data, where the prototype communicates important information about parts, including engineering data such as fit and limited functional testing, labeling, highlighting, and appearance simulation. Developed RP labs are used in junior and senior level design and manufacturing courses, including the senior capstone courses.

Volume Subject Area:
Mechanical Engineering Education
Topics:
Design, Manufacturing, Rapid prototyping, Computer-aided design, Computer technology, Computer-aided engineering, Computer-aided manufacturing, Engineering prototypes, Performance, Simulation, Students, Teaching, Testing
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Copyright © 2004
 by ASME
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