Weapons and Systems Engineering ES487G Desktop Manufacturing and Product Design Elective Course Catalog Data:
In this hands-on project-based design course, students develop and produce a consumer product from concept through prototype using newly available desktop manufacturing tools such as small 3D printers and laser cutters. Topics include the tools of consumer product design, from needs assessment through usability, aesthetics, life cycle and design for large-scale manufacturing. Students will also be introduced to techniques for rapid prototyping and custom electronics design, and will be responsible for every aspect of their product, including marketing materials and hands-on fabrication of their prototype. [fall]
Prerequisite: ES200, ESE or ESEH major Textbook:
Coordinator:
Universal Principles of Design, Revised Edition, Lidwell, Holden and Butler, Rockport Publishers, 2010. Materials and Design: The Art and Science of Material Selection in Product Design, 2nd edition, Ashby and Johnson, Butterworth-Heinemann Publishers, 2010. B. E. Bishop, Professor
Objectives: Upon completion of the course, students will be able to: i) To introduce the concept and reality of low-cost desktop manufacturing ii) To provide hands-on experience with low-cost desktop manufacturing tools and techniques, including: (1) Additive manufacturing and 3D printing (2) 3D scanning (3) Laser cutting and engraving (4) Printed Circuit Board Layout and Production (5) CAD tools for 3D modeling iii) To provide insight and experience in the realm of product design iv) To provide hands-on experience with full product development v) To reinforce presentation and teamwork skills vi) To introduce tools for desktop publishing in support of product marketing and design vii) To investigate and understand the implications of the desktop manufacturing revolution
Lecture Topics Introduction SCAMPER Concept Design Visual Design Usability and Interface Affordances Material and Design Manufacturing Processes Product Hands-On PCB design and fabrication Student presentations (design concepts)
Lecture sessions 1 1 1 6 2 1 1 1 1 1 2
Lab Topics Company Formation Digital 2D and 3D Art Laser Cutting CAD 3D Scanning 3D Printing Vacuum Forming and Casting Wearable Circuits PCB work Final Product
Laboratory sessions 1 2 2 3 1 4 1 4 3 8 + 6 lecture days