9/10/13 Design Elective Update

1) What have you designed so far?

– I am currently working on a 3D printable surfboard fin for my personal project. As for my group project my team and I have designed various parts for a Rube Goldberg machine. Including a wheel that will turn, a base that will hold the wheel, and a duck.

2) What have you made for the Rube Goldberg machine?

– We have laser cut a whee, a 3d printed duck, and 3D printed cups that will be attached to the wheel. We are currently working on a ramp/track that will convey the water to carry the duck.

3) Explain what you made for your personal project:

– I am trying to design a 3D printable surfboard fin, currently I am having much trouble with this and if it were to continue I will, sadly, have to give up this idea.

4) What type of software did you use to make it ? Was that a 2D vector or 3d design software?

– I have actually been using allot of different programs. Tinkercad a 3d design software, has been much help in designing many items also 123D Make. I have also used Inkscape which is a 2D vector design software.

5) What types of machines are you using?

– We have been given access to many CNC (computer numerically controlled)  machines including a Makerbot (a 3D printer), a Laser Cutter, and 3 axis milling machine.

6) What was most challenging?

– Working in a team is great, and yes creating some of these things are quite challenging to make but i would say the most challenging thing is trying to contain my excitement. We only have a limited amount of materiel and many people that want a turn at making the design so we can’t exactly make whatever we want and we must wait a long time before we actually get a turn at printing/cutting/milling our design.

7) How was your experience with working in a team?

– It was great. Many great ideas come up that one individual would not be able to think of himself since when a teammate comes up with an idea we can all elaborate on it and add on to it.

8) What has been your greatest success so far?

– The fact that me and my team have been working so great together as a team while most of the other teams have been having “trouble.”