Over the course of the last two weeks, we each worked on our own individual alpha prototypes. Use of the 3D-printers began to ramp up once more, as other students began putting larger and longer prints on the machines. The sign-up sheet was brought back, but not before half our alpha prototypes were printed. Whenever someone was present in the RE-141 lab, prints were started on whatever machines were available. It wasn't overly crucial for every prototype to be printed since we were only expected to have drawings by Week 13's lab, but it was a good idea to have as many as possible done in anticipation of the printers becoming less and less available. |
However, even when we did get to use the machines, we still ran into problems. From time to time, we would experience problems with the machine (such as parts not adhering to the printing platform) or the prints themselves (bad layers causing failure, e.g. the cap shearing in half), which required us to restart prints. Some of us also decided to attempt the challenge of devising a living hinge, and for those that did, some reprints were required to test various things, like how much material was ideal at the bending point of the hinge.
When the day of our engineering drawing review came, we all arrived prepared with the necessary drawings of our alpha prototypes. Prof. Spenko looked them all over and had no immediate issues or concerns. He looked over what physical prototypes we had with us and commented on them. He then talked to us about what he expected: a minimum of three final designs, which we would all cover in our individual technical reports, due at the end of the semester. With that, he gathered our drawings for grading and took his leave.
When the day of our engineering drawing review came, we all arrived prepared with the necessary drawings of our alpha prototypes. Prof. Spenko looked them all over and had no immediate issues or concerns. He looked over what physical prototypes we had with us and commented on them. He then talked to us about what he expected: a minimum of three final designs, which we would all cover in our individual technical reports, due at the end of the semester. With that, he gathered our drawings for grading and took his leave.
From there, we discussed which cap designs we would move forward with - at this time, we have four designs which each respective member will continue to refine; one more may be eliminated as we continue. For most, the living hinge is the problem area that needs to be worked on. The next deadline to prepare for is the Alpha Prototype Technical Review, to be held the last lab day of class, Week 16.
To see the alpha prototypes of each individual member, check out the gallery below! From left to right and top to bottom, the caps were created by Chris, Ethan, Jake, Tyler, Alex, and Brandon.
To see the alpha prototypes of each individual member, check out the gallery below! From left to right and top to bottom, the caps were created by Chris, Ethan, Jake, Tyler, Alex, and Brandon.