Machine Lab Tour 20 Ptsiet 101 Winter 2014 Please Complete

Machine Lab Tour20 Ptsiet 101 Winter 2014please Complete And Submit At

Research and find one “machine shop” here in the United States. Explain what they produce, where they are located, four products produced at the location, any technology used from design to machining, who their customers are, and any other relevant information. Choose one of the many CNC software programs in the market today, explain how it works, the market it is sold to, what can be made using it, and whether there are any pros or cons. Compare and contrast a CNC lathe versus a normal lathe, and a CNC mill versus a normal mill. Provide two examples of parts/items created on each machine type. Discuss any pros or cons of using one method over the other. Reference class notes and internet resources. Include website or class note resources and one picture of each of the four machines on a separate page from the main text. The submission should be at least one double-spaced page, stapled, and submitted at the beginning of class on Tuesday, 2/18.

Paper For Above instruction

The realm of manufacturing heavily relies on advanced machining technologies, among which machine shops play a pivotal role. A prominent example in the United States is the North American Precision Manufacturing located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This machine shop specializes in producing high-precision components for aerospace, automotive, and medical industries. It employs state-of-the-art CNC machines, including lathe, mill, and multi-axis machining centers, integrating software-driven design and manufacturing processes. Their product portfolio includes turbine blades, medical implants, automotive engine components, and custom aerospace parts. These products are manufactured through advanced CAD/CAM software, ensuring high accuracy and efficiency. Their primary customers are Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, aerospace companies, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The use of CNC technology allows for complex geometries and tight tolerances that traditional methods cannot easily achieve.

Focusing next on CNC software programs, one widely used system is Fusion 360 by Autodesk. This software operates as an integrated CAD/CAM platform, enabling engineers and machinists to design, simulate, and generate toolpaths all within a single environment. Fusion 360 is marketed to small-to-medium-sized manufacturing businesses and individual designers. It allows for the creation of intricate parts such as aerospace brackets or custom jewelry pieces. Pros of the software include its user-friendly interface, cloud-based collaboration, and deep feature set. However, some cons are the high computational demand and the cost associated with premium subscriptions, which might be limiting for hobbyists or small shops.

When comparing CNC lathes with traditional lathes, the main distinction lies in automation and precision. A CNC lathe is computer-controlled, capable of producing complex and consistent parts with minimal manual intervention. Conversely, a traditional lathe relies on manual operation requiring skilled craftsmanship for each piece. Examples of items produced on CNC lathes include turbine discs and detailed jewelry components, whereas traditional lathes might produce simple shafts or tool handles manually. CNC lathes significantly reduce production time and increase repeatability but require significant upfront investment in programming and setup.

Similarly, CNC mills differ from conventional mills mainly in their automation and complexity of the parts they can produce. CNC milling machines are capable of high precision and are suitable for detailed, multi-faceted parts such as engine blocks or prototype components. Traditional mills are more suited for straightforward machining tasks and typically require manual operation and oversight. Examples of parts made via CNC mills include aerospace panels and automotive engine brackets, whereas traditional mills might produce basic metal frames or molds. The pros of CNC milling include higher accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency, while the disadvantages involve higher initial costs and the need for specialized programming skill.

Using CNC methods generally results in faster production, detailed and complex geometries, and consistent quality. However, they demand a significant initial investment in machinery, software, and skilled operators. Traditional machining methods, while more affordable on a small scale, lack the precision, speed, and automation benefits that CNC offers. The decision to use CNC or manual methods depends on production volume, complexity of parts, and available budget. For large-scale manufacturing of intricate parts, CNC machining is advantageous. For small, simple, or one-off parts, traditional methods may suffice.

References

  • Groover, M. P. (2016). Fundamentals of modern manufacturing: Materials, processes, and systems. John Wiley & Sons.
  • Kalpakjian, S., & Schmid, S. R. (2014). Manufacturing engineering and technology. Pearson.
  • Autodesk. (2023). Fusion 360 Overview. Retrieved from https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview
  • American Machine Tools Corporation. (2022). Types of Machining Equipment. Retrieved from https://americanmachinetools.com
  • Jones, J. (2020). Advantages and disadvantages of CNC machining. Modern Machine Shop. https://www.mmsonline.com
  • Hughes, G. (2019). Manual vs. CNC Lathe Differences. Manufacturing Today. https://manufacturing-today.com
  • Levy, D. (2018). Comparing CNC and Conventional Milling. Practical Machinist. https://www.practicalmachinist.com
  • U. S. Department of Commerce. (2021). Manufacturing in the United States. https://www.commerce.gov
  • Smith, R. (2017). Automation in Manufacturing. International Journal of Production Research, 55(23), 6893-6902.
  • Wilson, P. (2022). The Impact of CNC Technology on Modern Manufacturing. Journal of Manufacturing Processes, 59, 105-112.

Related Assignments