Research Questions

Research Questions

What does CAD stand for? Computer Aided Design

What is a prototype? And why is prototyping important? A prototype is a early model built to test a design or process or to be replicated and learned from. It is important to have a prototype so the designer/s can test the safety of the design and the suitability of the design.

What is Rapid-Prototyping? Rapid Prototyping is techniques used to quickly make a scale model of part or assembly using CAD.

 

Before Rapid-Prototyping, how were prototypes manufactured? Before Rapid-Prototyping, Topography and photosculpture were used to test designs. 

What is the difference between a prototype and a production design? A prototype is used to test the design of a certain idea, where as a production design is the final design used to show businesses to have them stock that certain item. 

What is the difference between a visual prototype and a functional prototype? A visual prototype is a picture or drawing of what the final design should look like, these are used to show potential customers or businesses. A functional prototype is a model of the design that has been made which works. 

What is 3D Printing? 3D printing is a process of making a 3D solid object of any shape designed on a digital model. The 3D printing procedure is made using an additive process, layers of material are laid down in different shapes, slowly creating a 3D object.

What does the term CNC stand for in the design and technology industries? Computer Numerical Control. It means that a computer converts the design produced by CAD, into numbers.

What is an STL file? STL or stereolithography is a certain file used for the CAD software created by a 3D system.   

Cube with rounded edges and a hole in

This was one of my first designs that our class did together, which I've just realised I have a picture of.

Van design

The past few weeks we've been doing different projects, and one of them was creating a van. I really enjoyed this as we did different parts of the van on different designs and then fitted them all together. This taught me howexact I need to be with my measurements, otherwise the design won't come together properly. I am really happy with my work and have learnt a lot of this design, especially how to use new tools.

Picture of my cubes

Here is a picture of both my cubes that I made. It was quite hard for me to get the hang of this at the start, but I'm learning more everyday! I know its been a while since I've posted on my blog, and I will try to add more very soon.

Term 2 - First 3 lessons

This term we are using Pro Desktop. We are creating 3D shapes and are going to print them on a 3D printer. The printer does layers off plastic to create the 3D shape. So far we have created cubes and learnt the controls. I have made a plain cube, a cube with a hole going straight through and a cube with letters coming out and going in by 5mm. We are doing everything in mm because it is more exact. I think this term will be challenging as I'm not brilliant on computer programs, but we'll see how it goes.

My finished lamp!

Evaluation

Evaluation:

Aesthetics: I find that my Eco-lamp is aesthetically pleasing. Aesthetics uses our senses and our responses to a certain object. It involves all of our senses. If something is aesthetically pleasing, it is 'pleasurable' and you like it.
A conception of what is artistically valid or beautiful, artistically beautiful or pleasing appearance. (pretty)

Ergonomics: I think my Eco-lamp is very ergonomic. It has nice, smooth curves on the base and this makes very comfortable to hold. Ergonomics is designed to minimize physical effort and discomfort, therefore maximize efficiency.

Function: The task for this term was to make a practical desk lamp with wood blocks and aluminium. The function of my lamp is to give light to my study area at home, I feel that I have succeeded in completing this task and fulfilling the function for which it is needed.

Economics: Economics is the design factors intended to maximise productivity by minimising operator fatigue and discomfort. It is also concerned with the production and consumption. I feel that my lamp used the materials to its benifit and almost nothing has gone to waste. I did not cut any of my aluminium like some others did. I used two blocks of wood for my base but had to throw away half a block. My base did not need half of one of the wood blocks. Other than this I think my lamp has very good economics.